Topic: Duplicolor Engine Primer?

[iron_worker]

So I checked the places I'm aware of that stock Duplicolor Engine Enamel spray paint in my city and I can't find any Engine Primer. I have checked their website and it is listed as a product:

http://www.duplicolor.com/products/enginePaint/

... I couldn't find anything at Canadian tire which is a distributor according to their website... I also checked Napa and the guy behind the counter couldn't even find the primer product in the computer system using the code from the website. He said he used to be a mechanic and has used lots of Duplicolor engine paint but never used a primer and had no issues.

Can I paint my parts without using a primer? VHT has a primer but I specifically wanted the Cast Coat Aluminum color from Duplicolor.

Any thoughts?

IW

[Rigid]

Never have used primer, no problems.

[bruzer59]

  iron_ worker   
i have been painting engine cases with   PJ1 fast black satin ...  no primer needed.. can handle temps to 260 celsius  or 500 degrees fahrenheit ,,,   great paint

[CycleRanger]

Never have used primer, no problems.

Nor I.  I shoot the Duplicolor high-temp silver straight on the cases. After thorough prepping of course.
Also, I use the VHT "epoxy" black without primer as well as I had trouble with orange peel when I used it over primer, especially on plastic.

Both paints are holding up very well on everything I've used them on.
The main thing is to get the surface as clean and grease-free as possible.
Wear some Nitrile gloves to avoid fingerprints. Acetone works well for cleaning parts prior to painting.

[Missingparts]

I have always had very good luck with their engine paint and never have used a primer.

[iron_worker]

That's great to know guys. Thanks for your quick responses. The parts are at the media blasters as we speak so I'll just have to wipe down with acetone to get rid of any remaining grease and dust.

IW

[Markcb750]

Use brake caliper paint, (I use Plasticoat) . I either bake it or give it several weeks to cure.  Primer is available, but I do not use it.
 

First time your carbs overflow, you will be glad you did.

The HT enamels, Duplicolor and other, never seem to cure well enough to stand up to gas.

[iron_worker]

My carbs never overflow.... lol

IW

[madScientist]

The engine "paint" doesn't matter so much as the primer for proper adhesion. Especially on our aluminum cases and engine parts you want to use a "Self Etching" primer or else you may run into issues later. I've noticed through my tests that the Duplicolor AND VHT paint, whether primered or not (without using self etch), do not adhere well. To the point you can scratch it with your finger nail.

However when I used VHT Self Etching engine primer the paint was rock solid for both brands. So rock solid that I shot it with rocks propelled at roughly 300ft per sec and it didn't chip...

So in summary, find a self etching engine primer and then use whatever color / brand of engine paint you want.

[bwaller]

The engine "paint" doesn't matter so much as the primer for proper adhesion. Especially on our aluminum cases and engine parts you want to use a "Self Etching" primer or else you may run into issues later. I've noticed through my tests that the Duplicolor AND VHT paint, whether primered or not (without using self etch), do not adhere well. To the point you can scratch it with your finger nail.

However when I used VHT Self Etching engine primer the paint was rock solid for both brands. So rock solid that I shot it with rocks propelled at roughly 300ft per sec and it didn't chip...

So in summary, find a self etching engine primer and then use whatever color / brand of engine paint you want.

I have to agree with the use of a self etching primer. Further to this though as mentioned preparation is key. I bead blasted the parts to be painted, washed well in soapy water and blew clean, heated slightly before applying the primer, then after baked the parts in low heat. (Take as little time as possible between blasting and applying primer because oxidation begins immediately.)  Then again heated before applying the paint and baked the painted parts. It makes for a very durable finish.

The point is, do whatever you can to help the paint adhere to a clean well prepped surface, otherwise you'll have a bigger mess on your hands.

[bollingball]

The engine "paint" doesn't matter so much as the primer for proper adhesion. Especially on our aluminum cases and engine parts you want to use a "Self Etching" primer or else you may run into issues later. I've noticed through my tests that the Duplicolor AND VHT paint, whether primered or not (without using self etch), do not adhere well. To the point you can scratch it with your finger nail.

However when I used VHT Self Etching engine primer the paint was rock solid for both brands. So rock solid that I shot it with rocks propelled at roughly 300ft per sec and it didn't chip...

So in summary, find a self etching engine primer and then use whatever color / brand of engine paint you want.

I have to agree with the use of a self etching primer. Further to this though as mentioned preparation is key. I bead blasted the parts to be painted, washed well in soapy water and blew clean, heated slightly before applying the primer, then after baked the parts in low heat. (Take as little time as possible between blasting and applying primer because oxidation begins immediately.)  Then again heated before applying the paint and baked the painted parts. It makes for a very durable finish.

The point is, do whatever you can to help the paint adhere to a clean well prepped surface, otherwise you'll have a bigger mess on your hands.

What about side covers? How hot can you get them for drying. I don't know how low my oven will go but I can test it. But what would be the low temp set point. I can set them aside all winter in the house. or should I use a  heat gun or hair dryer maybe? Mine are new and black out of the mold but not the shade or gloss I want. I would like to use the same paint that I use on the metal parts.
Ken

[madScientist]

Side covers you could really use any primer since they are plastic. The self -etching comes in for the cast aluminum stuff.

Although you should still prep the hell out of them. Wash them in dish detergent, dry, wipe down with acetone (wearing gloves), do it again, then prime.

You should still consider heating them but use a hair dryer and dont go super crazy with the heat.

[bollingball]

Side covers you could really use any primer since they are plastic. The self -etching comes in for the cast aluminum stuff.

Although you should still prep the hell out of them. Wash them in dish detergent, dry, wipe down with acetone (wearing gloves), do it again, then prime.

You should still consider heating them but use a hair dryer and dont go super crazy with the heat.

Thanks Mad.

Ken