How to Paint a Car Engine

Car tuning isn't just about upgrading parts and improving performance; in fact sometimes it's just about aesthetics. Whether it's adding a body kit or a simple coat of paint, changing your car's appearance gives it an individuality that many just can't match. Some people like to take it a step further and not only paint the car, but its components as well, including the engine. Painting your engine can totally revamp its appearance, whether you want it to match your car's paint or give it its own unique color, not to mention it's a relatively easy task.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket of warm water
• Soap
• Sponge
• Dry rag
• Painter's tape
• Trash bags, plastic
• Engine primer
• Engine enamel

Instructions

Painting an Engine

1. Mix some of the soap into the bucket of warm water.

2. Pop the hood and aggressively scrub the engine with the sponge after you have soaked it in some of the soapy water. Make sure to get off as much grease and dirt as you can.

3. Rinse the engine using fresh water from a hose, making sure not to spray any other components of your engine bay.

4. Dry the engine thoroughly using the rag.

5. Block off any area of the engine you do not want to get any paint on using the painter's tape for small areas and trash bags for larger areas.

6. Apply the engine primer to the engine. This typically comes in a can, in which case make sure to hold the can about 10 to 12 inches from the engine's surface and spray evenly.

7. Apply the engine enamel, which is the paint. This usually comes in a can as well, so follow a similar procedure to when you applied the primer. You will usually wish to apply about three coats.

8. Keep the hood open and let the paint air dry for a few hours until it is dry to the touch.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a specialized engine degreaser as well as soap and water when cleaning the engine.

• Spray a small spot on the engine with several different colors before deciding, as the color on the cap of the engine enamel may not appear the exact same way it does on your engine.

References

• Dupli Color: Engine Enamel Training