Topic: Silver engine paint?

[el pachuco]

freshening up my new to me '75 and it's almost time to start work on beautifying the engine.

looking for silver paint brand endorsements and warnings to stay away from.
Which ones look most factory and wear well and what does not?

[rocs]

I went with VHT Engine paint.
VHT Engine Enamel Light Gray Primer
VHT Engine Enamel Nu-Cast Aluminum

[Stev-o]

+1 VHT Aluminum. 

Tip: prep is key, be sure it is clean and smooth. 

[riverfever]

Sorry to jump in but it's along the same lines. I have a valve cover that I hope to paint if the temps ever get warm enough to do so. I was going to buy some acetone and pour it into an aluminum turkey pan and then use scrub brushes to clean the cover as best as possible and then blow it dry. Would this be sufficient to clean it before primer and paint?

[edwardmorris]

+1 on VHT Aluminum, prep is key, and VHT's zinc based primer (thin coat) will work best.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Sorry to jump in but it's along the same lines. I have a valve cover that I hope to paint if the temps ever get warm enough to do so. I was going to buy some acetone and pour it into an aluminum turkey pan and then use scrub brushes to clean the cover as best as possible and then blow it dry. Would this be sufficient to clean it before primer and paint?

Bring it by and play with the blast cabinet

[CycleRanger]

I have used the Duplicolor DE1615 high heat silver on two engines. It's a dead match for the factory silver.
So far it's holding up well. (Almost 5 years for the 750.)
I only painted the cases.
The key is to get the engine very, very clean.
I did a lot of scrubbing and used a lot of acetone....

I have only used the VHT black, which it excellent.
I have no doubt the silver is as good too.

[Ericcb750]

I also used the Duplicolor Aluminum ( #1612 , I think) and it is holding up very well. It was my first time painting an engine and I definitely did not prep it as well as I should have. But even considering this, the paint has held up. I've heard great things about VHT and PJ1 also. Best of luck on your project, if you have any questions....don't hesitate to ask. All the guys on the forum are awesome at helping and providing advice.

[MRieck]

 I have used the Duplicolor on over a dozen engines and it matches very well and is durable. I bead blast the surfaces and do not use primer. I also use a heat gun on the dried finish for at least 5 cycles.

[madmtnmotors]

The Duplicolor silver engine paint has worked well for me. I also do not use primer. Engine heat cures the paint nicely, if you can get it running without marring the paint! (it's not too difficult)

I have had quite a few compliments about the engine's appearance.

[PeWe]

Motip Engine paint rattle can  "Aluminium" OK on my engine. Part no: 04093  EAN code:  8711347040933

[Stev-o]

The Duplicolor silver engine paint has worked well for me. I also do not use primer. Engine heat cures the paint nicely, if you can get it running without marring the paint! (it's not too difficult)

I have had quite a few compliments about the engine's appearance.

Nice looking engine, Wilbur!  Curious on why no primer?  (Was not bare aluminum?)

[madmtnmotors]

Nice looking engine, Wilbur!  Curious on why no primer?  (Was not bare aluminum?)

Yep, no primer. The surface was a combination of bare aluminum with a smattering of original paint that was still intact. The paint is specifically designed for engines, and I believe is rated to 500 degrees. I skipped the primer since I did not see a high temp primer to compliment the engine paint (of course, I didn't look too hard). I've only got a little over 2000 miles so far, but it seems to be holding up well. There is a little yellowing right at the exhaust ports, but it is difficult to detect with the pipes in place.

I'm happy with it. 

[CycleRanger]

Yep, no primer for me either, just bare aluminum. I did not paint the head or the jugs.

[Stev-o]

Yep, no primer for me either, just bare aluminum. I did not paint the head or the jugs.

Nice motor CR!   Guess I've wasted my money on primer, but no more.  Thanks guys.

[CycleRanger]

Yep, no primer for me either, just bare aluminum. I did not paint the head or the jugs.

Nice motor CR!   Guess I've wasted my money on primer, but no more.  Thanks guys.

I also use the VHT black with no primer as well.
Disclaimer: No primer worked for me. It may not work in all instances.

[Stev-o]

Yep, no primer for me either, just bare aluminum. I did not paint the head or the jugs.

Nice motor CR!   Guess I've wasted my money on primer, but no more.  Thanks guys.

I also use the VHT black with no primer as well.
Disclaimer: No primer worked for me. It may not work in all instances.

Too late, I'm blaming you if it fails!  BTW - Is that the motor for your K3?

[CycleRanger]

Yep, no primer for me either, just bare aluminum. I did not paint the head or the jugs.

Nice motor CR!   Guess I've wasted my money on primer, but no more.  Thanks guys.

I also use the VHT black with no primer as well.
Disclaimer: No primer worked for me. It may not work in all instances.

Too late, I'm blaming you if it fails!  BTW - Is that the motor for your K3?

I wish!  It's the K5 engine.

[przjohn]

I've used the VHT Color: Universal Aluminum on a few bikes with no primer but the finish was bead blasted first and have had great results. Baking is a must do IMO. I've also used it on hubs and dirt bike swing arms because the color goes well. Duplicolor or VHT I don't think you can go wrong if you follow the instructions.

[Ericcb750]

Wow I guess that's what they look like when they're prepped correctly and then painted. Mine came out pretty good for my first one but man, Those engines look freakin awesome!!!

[Stev-o]

Wow I guess that's what they look like when they're prepped correctly and then painted. Mine came out pretty good for my first one but man, Those engines look freakin awesome!!!

Keep in mind that there were quite a few hours of aluminum polishing of the engine covers on those two motors, that is the icing on the cake!  Def a nice job, guys.

[CycleRanger]

Keep in mind that there were quite a few hours of aluminum polishing of the engine covers on those two motors, that is the icing on the cake!  Def a nice job, guys.

Yes, the painting was the easy part compared to filthy, time-consuming polishing.

[flybox1]

Yep, no primer for me either, just bare aluminum. I did not paint the head or the jugs.

Nice motor CR!   Guess I've wasted my money on primer, but no more.  Thanks guys.

I also use the VHT black with no primer as well.

+1   No primer for me on my F3 w VHT satin black.  Cured them in the oven.

[madmtnmotors]

Yes, the painting was the easy part compared to filthy, time-consuming polishing.

+1.

I can only polish to about 85% before losing interest. Not quite mirror finish, but I can live with it. 

[CycleRanger]

Yes, the painting was the easy part compared to filthy, time-consuming polishing.

+1.

I can only polish to about 85% before losing interest. Not quite mirror finish, but I can live with it. 

My HF budget rig is only capable of 85~90% no matter how long I work.
But yeah, if I wanted show quality I'd pay a professional and then fret every time I rode it.