Painting Engine Parts

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Capt_Scarlet

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I want to repaint some engine parts (either cast iron or steel plate, not hot).

When I have done this previously, I have produced lovely looking parts which go rusty or bald about a week later.

Any advice for preparation and brands to use?

Thank you.
 
Degrease, degrease, degrease with lots of acetone or similar, remove all loose rust, flaking paint etc, degrease again, prime with naval jelly or similar (phosphate treatment) then apply primer and finally engine enamel. There are industrial coatings but they are not available in small quantities nor are they generally available to joe public.
Some reckon Hammerite is as good as any however it goes tend to soften a bit with moderate heat - engine enamel will not soften under normal conditions. Radiator paint is a good alternative but commonly available in white although I have seen it in different colours.
I did the engine of my diesel gen with Jap-Lac (yellow) a few years ago because I had some on the shelf and it seems to have held up well.
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
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Best thing i can suggest and have used many times is degrease, rinse, let it dry and whack some hammerite on.

If theres any rust on there, just get the big flaky bits off, but leave the rest. Hammerite takes to rust better than straight metal!


Mat
 
I agree with most of Cliffs suggestions. I would not use acetone for degreasing though, it's too volatile and anyway it not something you can find in B&Q etc. I'd use paraffin (kerosene) followed by white spirit. If the items are likely to be salty wash that off first

I would put the emphasis on removing all the existing rust. Chip off any build up, then scrape and wirebrush. When every thing that can be removed is removed degrease again maybe then use a chemical rust remover, wire brush again and reapply the rust remover. Keep brushing off and reapplying rust remover until you are certain no rust remains. Then prime and paint. Apply at least two coats of paint.

I am not a great fan of Hammerite despite using it quite a bit and the paint technologists I worked with some years ago did not rate it at all!
 
I seem to recall from my youth, reading motoring mags and seeing adverts for VHT (?) "very high temperature" paint, specially for exhausts and engines. Does this stuff still exist? is it any good for this kind of application?
 
[ QUOTE ]
I seem to recall from my youth, reading motoring mags and seeing adverts for VHT (?) "very high temperature" paint, specially for exhausts and engines. Does this stuff still exist? is it any good for this kind of application?

[/ QUOTE ]
I painted the brake drums of a sports car that I restored in 1982 [no discs then!] with high temp. engine paint and they still look good. Can't remember the make of the paint.
 
"lots of acetone or similar" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I only suggested acetone as I have access to reasonable quantities and it is a good degreaser - better to use in a well ventilated area though /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I would agree paraffin (kerosene) followed by white spirit would work as well. I think the bottom line is degrease well no matter which solvent / degreaser you use.

VHT paint is still available but I never had much success with it on exhausts /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>
 
You can get paint specifically made for engines from Halfords can't you? I'm sure I bought a can there a while back.

On a similar note - I have a set of steps next to the boat that came out of a library. Still very solid, but a lot of the paint has flaked off and there's a layer of rust. Any tips on rust removal?
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have a set of steps next to the boat that came out of a library. Still very solid, but a lot of the paint has flaked off and there's a layer of rust. Any tips on rust removal?

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If you have access to a compressor a 'Needle' gun would be a useful tool for that type of work.
Mal
 
[ QUOTE ]
paint, specially for exhausts and engines. Does this stuff still exist?

[/ QUOTE ] www.Frost.co.uk is mentioned in another thread on painting rusty bits. I'm sure I have seen it in their catalogue.
 
[ QUOTE ]
'Needle' gun would be a useful

[/ QUOTE ] But still use a chemical rust remover before painting.
 
As others have said degreasing is a must. As for paint I have found that the old fshioned red Lead paint like the farmers use is better than most things, may not be the colour you want but it seems to stick on. I dont think the new stuff is as good as the paint you got 20 years ago, probably the Health and safety have banned the best ingredients. I find the best source now is agricultural merchants.
 
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