How to Paint Engine Valve Covers

Painting your valve covers will help give your vehicle's engine that customized look that you have been wanting. This project will take some patience and preparation to complete. Once your valve covers are completely painted, however, it will dramatically improve the look of your car.

Things You'll Need

• Engine cleaner
• Cloths
• Medium-grit sand paper
• Engine paint
• Engine primer
• Engine clear coat
• Paint stripper
• Fine metal brush
• Masking tape

Instructions

Painting valve covers

1. Remove the bolts holding the valve covers to your engine. Once off the engine, clean the valve covers completely with engine cleaner.

2. Apply paint stripper to the valve covers and let sit for 15 minutes. Scrape off paint and any other debris with a metal brush.

3. Apply another coat of paint stripper to the valve covers. Let the paint stripper sit on the valve covers for 25 minutes.

4. Scrape off any paint or debris that may be left on the valve covers with a metal brush. Sand the valve covers completely.

5. Tape any part of the valve covers with masking tape that you don't want painted. Apply a coat of primer to the valve covers and let the primer dry for one hour.

6. Apply the color of engine paint of your choice. Two to three coats should be the right amount.

7. Apply the clear coat the same way that you applied the paint. Let the valve covers sit for 25 minutes.

8. Remove the masking tape from the area that was taped. Let the valve covers dry completely overnight.

Tips & Warnings

• Always paint in a well-ventilated area and wear eye protection.

References

• "Body repair and painting manual;" Chilton; 1999
• "Monster garage: How to paint damn near anything; Craig Fraser; 2005