Time to paint my valve covers once again. Last paint job using HiTemp spray paint didn't last much over one year before it started flaking off....big time. Who makes a long lasting paint for the 2jz valve covers? I do not want the expense of powder coating....just looking for a good long lasting rattle can paint job. Who has had some long term luck with their valve cover paint job and what did you use?

 

Have you tried duplicolor engine enamel? It's got a good gloss and plenty of cool colors to chose from

 

i painted mines with high temp wrinkle finish. After a few years, it didn't last and to this day is still flaking off. imho, to get long lasting results, I'd opt for the high temp powdercoating

 

yeah right, with my experience rattle can paints have been a problem as far as lasting a long time and not flaking off. I am usually very good about prepping before I paint and for some reason can't get a long lasting finish on those damn aluminum valve covers. Anyone have long lasting results with Brake Caliper paints on the VC's? There has got to be a good rattle can long lasting paint out there for this application. Anyone else with good long term results?

 

i was gonna say brake caliper paints as well probably, make sure you sand and prep well and use a high temp primer. primer is the most important part IMO because that's what does all of the sticking to the surface.

 

I've had success with just standard Rustoleum enamel and clear on brake calipers. Valve covers I don't even bother with paint, powdercoat all the way.

 

Powder coat will be the results achieved. Stay away from rattle can. JMO.

 

Yes powder coat is the way to go....I got both valve covers and upper and lower intake manifold done for $150....the powder coat will resist corrosion and stains from gas oil etc...and it is difficult to nick it up

 

when you do em if you cook the paint in the oven it'll harden better.
i put the temp on the lowest setting possible.

 

if you cook any sort of paint, powder or anything with acetone in it, that oven can no longer be used for cooking food, just saying.

 

why?

ten characters

 

I've heard if you use oven cleaner afterwards it allows you to use it again as it pulls out the residual chemicals but I'm not sure if there is any truth to what I was told.

 

To tell u from my own experience, do not use any of the textured type of spray paint, as it just gets brittle and chips easier.

Also, sand them down till they're buttery smoothe!! I only used aircraft paint remover, stuff works great but I should've also sanded a bit to get them smoother.

Use a primer base coat also, I didn't use primer at all I just sprayed on the paint smh. And definitely finish it off with some clear coat for a smoothe finish - - something I also didn't do lol I def gotta redo it this summer, I'd powder coat them but I I'd rather paint them properly and be all done with it in one day.

 

Since I have never had a problem with Dupli-Color caliper paint, I think I will clean them up super good and spray brake caliper paint on them. I'll report back in a year and let you know how it has held up.

 

If you are going to use spray paint on the valve covers be sure to get engine enamel paint by duplicolor...I have used it before and it looks ok....