Topic: Newbie Question: Painting after Vapor Blasting

[Fourme]

I recently had the engine bottom end vapor blasted by Restocycle.  I will really impressed by how it came out.  Which leads to my question, has anyone decide not to paint their engine after vapor blasting, and were they satisfied, over time, with that decision, (ie, how did it wear over time, did you regret not paining, etc)?  Input would be appreciated.

[slikwilli420]

The whole point is having a finish you don't need to paint. You spent an awful lot of money on surface prep if you intend to paint. That finish should last many years with minimal upkeep. Leave it raw.

[Korven]

The only other thing i can think of to coat it with would be high temp ceramic transparent coating. Real though paint that can take some stones and rocks. Expensive though.
https://www.clearcoating.com/products/metals/

[calj737]

Even once vapor blasted, the cases will oxidize if left unmanaged. There are numerous products to treat aluminum so that you can, as Wili says, retain the original appearance of the vapor blasted parts.

Or, you can paint, powder coat, or ceramic coat them at this point. The peened finish is an excellent surface for adhesion.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I would avoid ceramic coating something like a engine.  Ceramic coating can be extremely fragile.  Cerakoting, on the other hand, has the same beneficial properties and is very durable.

[Korven]

I would avoid ceramic coating something like a engine.  Ceramic coating can be extremely fragile.  Cerakoting, on the other hand, has the same beneficial properties and is very durable.

Ain't ceracote a ceramic paint? The one they are marketing for guns and rifles.

[Stev-o]

Even once vapor blasted, the cases will oxidize if left unmanaged.

Not necessarily true, Cal. I had the entire engine of my Kaw H2 vapor blasted about two years ago and it still looks great, minimal cleaning has been done on it.
[photo below just taken today]

However, my bike is not a daily rider and stays in the garage nighty.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I would avoid ceramic coating something like a engine.  Ceramic coating can be extremely fragile.  Cerakoting, on the other hand, has the same beneficial properties and is very durable.

Ain't ceracote a ceramic paint? The one they are marketing for guns and rifles.

It is a very thin, ceramic-based film, applied like paint. Once it cures, it provides a durable, very stain/scratch resistant surface.

[calj737]

Even once vapor blasted, the cases will oxidize if left unmanaged.

Not necessarily true, Cal. I had the entire engine of my Kaw H2 vapor blasted about two years ago and it still looks great, minimal cleaning has been done on it.
[photo below just taken today]
However, my bike is not a daily rider and stays in the garage nighty.

Sorry, absolutely true. Aluminum oxidizes immediately when exposed to the atmosphere. The extent to which aluminum oxidizes is wholly dependent upon the environmental conditions it sees. I’m not saying it will turn to cloudy white splotchy crap, but it will if ridden in humid, wet conditions and not looked after.