Topic: Getting ready to paint engine...is one rattle can enough? Paint opinions needed

[Holden]

After plenty of sanding, degreasing, and washing, I'm getting ready to paint the head and cylinder fins flat black while in the frame.  I have some more taping off to do, then it's on to paint...hopefully tonight or tomorrow.  (The head and cylinders on my 750K4 had been painted black, probably decades ago, and much of it has come off.)

One rattle can of VHT flat black should be plenty, right?

Thanks.

[Kong]

It should be more than enough.

[Holden]

Are there any opinions regarding VHT flat black versus Duplicolor low gloss black?

[immortal]

One can should be enough, the VHT is a real nice finish. I recommend warming up the can in hot water to get a nice paint flow. The VHT leaves a lot of overspray dust so take extra care to mask off or keep your work area clear from the dust.

Just another piece of advise is to be very careful not to go too thick as it goes down heavy and if you go too thick it chips real easy.  The lessons I learned from doing my parts.

[camelman]

I really recommend semi gloss or glossier. That flat black paint doesn't seem to last.

After you apply the paint you should either let it sit a week without riding it, or warm the engine up and let it cool down before riding. It takes a good week to cure unless you thermal cycle it at least once. However, the first time you thermal cycle it, the paint gets very soft. If you ride it while the paint is soft, then road debris can easily nick up your new paint job.  Just letting it idle until the engine is good and warm should be sufficient for heat curing it, but let it cool down to finish curing.

Camelman