How to Paint an Engine Bay

How to Paint an Engine Bay

Painting an engine bay can both improve the look of your car and help protect the components from corrosion. With the right preparation you can give your engine bay a professional finish. Follow these steps for the best results.

Preparing the Engine Bay

1. Disconnect your car's battery and remove any accessories such as the alternator and distributor.
2. Clean the engine bay with a degreaser and a scouring pad to remove any grease, oil, or dirt buildup.
3. Mask off any wiring that needs to be protected and cover the surrounding area to protect from overspray. Use light-weight plastic sheeting held in place with painter's tape.
4. Using medium grade sandpaper, sand the entire engine bay, paying particular attention to any rusty or crusty spots and any spots you missed with the scouring pad.
5. Clean the entire bay again with a degreaser, then dry it with a lint-free rag.

Painting the Engine Bay

1. Apply a coat of an oil-based self etching primer with a spray gun, following the directions on the can.
2. Wait for the primer to fully dry, then sand down any rough spots. Vacuum the engine bay to remove any particles.
3. Apply three coats of enamel paint, allowing each coat to dry between applications. Follow the directions of the can for proper application.
4. Allow the last coat of paint to dry for 24 hours before installing the accessories back into the engine bay.

How to Paint an Engine Bay

Painting your engine bay can give your vehicle a whole new look, and it's an easy job that you can do with a few simple tools. With the right prep work and a bit of elbow grease, you can be cruising around in style in no time.

Steps

1. Preparation is key for a great looking paint job. To prepare your engine bay for paint, start by thoroughly cleaning it. Use soap, water, and a rag to scrub off all the grime. Allow the engine to dry completely before you begin painting.
2. To protect surrounding surfaces, cover them with tape and paper. Be sure to use masking tape around the edges of your surfaces so that no paint will seep through. Be sure that all surfaces near the engine to be painted are fully covered.
3. Put on protective clothing and a paint mask for safety. Make sure the area is well ventilated by opening any nearby windows.
4. Choose a good quality automotive paint, such as urethane or enamel. Apply a thin, even coat of paint to the desired surfaces with a brush or a spray gun. If using a spray gun, operate in short bursts and keep the nozzle at least 8 inches (20.3 cm) away from the engine.
5. Allow the paint to dry for 1 to 4 hours before applying a second coat, if desired. Allow for adequate drying time before you begin working on the engine again.
6. Once the paint has had time to cure, you can reassemble the engine pieces. Take your time and be sure to check for any drips or errors before you put the pieces back together.

Tips

• Test a small patch of paint on your engine bay before painting everything to make sure you get the right color.
• Use a degreaser to loosen any oily residues off your engine before painting.
• Be sure to wear gloves when handling paint or paint thinner.