I've been ignoring my 2004 350Z for a while and this weekend I just want to do something quick and simple -- painting the engine cover. I've searched and searched and have ready so many methods to painting.
Well from what I conclude, here is how I plan to do my painting:

1. Remove and clean covers.
2. Spray 2-3 coats of primer.
3. Spray 2-3 coats of paint.
[I used both DupliColor brands for primer and paint used for specifically engines, so I'm sure they can withstand high temperatures.]

I know our engine covers are made of plastic and I've read that an adhesion promoter would be needed. However, I think primer is good enough.

How long will the paint stay on if I do it my way?
Are there other paint brands that will work and look better?
Also, is sanding necessary for prepping?
Is applying clear coat necessary?

Thanks in advance!

 

Painting those is one of the most ricey things you can do to a Z. It rarely looks good and flakes off.

 

 

Lol

 

AGREED^^ youd better have polished FMIC charge tubes and a polished plenum before doing such things.




wait..
so..
youve read alot saying you need adhesion promoter, but YOU think you dont.
And then you post here asking what you DO need.

Hows this..

you need.. adhesion promoter.
And hi temp paint is for THE ENGINE.. not stuff next to it.

i put all the letters of the this thread title together w magnets on my fridge, and moved them around to see how many ways i could spell fail...

 

I see nothing ricey with painting the engine covers. I did mine about 4 years ago and have had no problems with the paint flaking. Here are a couple pictures..................

 

^ thanks for proving my point.

 

hee hee!^^

diff strokes for diff folks.

I personally went for a sticker bombed and graffiti'd-out cf cover.. its 100% laughable, so that makes it cool again... (right?.) haha



ill be driving w no hood for a few weeks when i pick mine up, so i did this when i was bored one night. Yes, all VS logos were quickly removed when i looked at it w a sober eye... ha. Im sure i will quickly stop thinking its funny and yank them all anyways.. fear not.

 

And your point is??????? You stated painting the covers rarely looks good and usually flaked off. Mine look good and have not flaked off over a period of 4 years.

 

First of all don't rattle can it.

 

Using adhesion promoter is a must.
What color are you planning on painting your cover?
An option is doing it in wrinkle finish.Great for hi-heat.
I've dome my radiator cover in black wrinkle.Looks great.
Ferrari,Maserati and others use it.
Down side,not many colors available.Also,MUST follow directions
and use heat for a even finish.
Red is great.Of course black is classic.

 

You gave dome to your radiator?

 

I used Rusto spray paint and it held up fine for years, replaced it with a Nismo Engine cover though..



And here's one of my old cf cover

 

Ehh there are many ways to do it wrong, but if you take your time I think it can look pretty good

Mine (crappy cell phone pic, paint quality is excellent in real life)

 

Old photo but I like my painted setup too

 

Ruthless....were getting run out of town...we must abandon the witch hunt! Ha.

Now this ^ one looks nice..

 

Mine is slightly more subtle and since I rarely open my hood at events that is just for my enjoyment

 

As someone who paints regularly I cringe to say this but you could probably get a decent result from a can. Don't expect a perfect 10 in quality but you may get a respectable 7-8. If you can get it to last 3 months it could possibly last for 3 years.
My list would be:
1. clean with degreaser.
2. sand with 400-600
3. promote
4. prime
5. sand with 600 (reprime if you sand thru)
6. paint (high temp is not needed)
7. sand if needed w/ 1000 (retouch w/ paint if you burn thru)
8. clear

 

Nissan did it:

 

How i did it:

Cleaned with soap and water, sprayed on it using hi-temp spraypaint. I applied about 3-4 coats. No primer used. I only did it coz I was bored. That was 3yrs ago and the paint still holds up very well till now.