Painting Valve Cover....

I want to paint my valve cover a gloss black. I got a couple questions about it first though. I dont want it turning out like shit, I want it to look good and stay that way for a long time. Do I have to use high temperature spray paint? Should I use a clear coat? If I do need a clear coat should it be high temp too? I dont want it to chip and I want it to be able to stay shiney. Help me out please.

hi temp black paint, clear coat?

powdercoated gloss black

hi temp black paint, clear coat?

powdercoated gloss black
So I gotta pay to get it powdercoated somewhere if I want it to turn out good?

My buddy painted the valve cover (blue) on his acura last year awsome and has stayed looking pretty good. not sure what brand he used. Powder coating is the way to go tho. At least you know it will be right.

If you want it to last powder coat it. You can use a high temp paint with a clear and get it looking good. The down side is oil WILL get under the paint at some point. Then it get ugly real fast :banghead:

i used anodized blue from duplicolour, it turned out awesomely and hasnt gotten a single scratch in it at all, its high temp and stays glossy (well.... when i get a chance to wipe the dirt off it) lol but it says its oil and heat resistant and it has proven it is :)

I painted my valve cover black with engine paint. I didn't use a clear coat. here's how mine turned out:
http://www.rtek.org/images/profiles/stephen5.jpg

Getting a valve cover sandblasted and powedercoated here runs about $50, as long as they have the color you want in stock.

i've done best of both worlds. powdercoating is the way to go. it is very durable. you can drop a socket or wrench and it won't chip. the color doesn't fade either.

however, high temp duplicolor can turn out very nice as well...
http://www.4thgenerationcivic.com/Staff/LadynredSi/pics/new_pics_002.jpg

but don't forget the clear.....doh! or the paint will rub off on your greasy hands and start to look like this...

http://www.4thgenerationcivic.com/may%202003/day2_046.jpg

all the shine rubbed off. so don't forget the clear :nono:

totally off topic but ami are those pics from the last OR meet? cause i would guess that the teal side is lisa's no? i dont remember who had the white car ... i had a face in mind but i cant place it with a name.

totally off topic but ami are those pics from the last OR meet? cause i would guess that the teal side is lisa's no? i dont remember who had the white car ... i had a face in mind but i cant place it with a name.
you are correct john. that's lisa's teal si. the other side is the LIAR's pitiful girl's car