How to Spruce Up Your Engine Bay with Paint

Painting your engine bay can add a touch of distinction to your vehicle or simply enhance its appearance when you pop the hood. Ideally, painting with the engine removed yields the best results, but if that's not feasible, taking your time and properly masking off areas you don't want to paint can still yield impressive outcomes.

Allow the engine to cool overnight if it remains in place. Although painting with the engine out offers convenience, it might not always be viable. In such cases, park your vehicle where you plan to work and let it cool for at least 8 hours.

• Applying cleaner to a hot engine can diminish its efficacy.
• Handling a hot engine poses burn risks.

Remove components within your comfort zone. Even if the engine stays put, you can still detach various parts based on your skill level and confidence. Only remove items you're confident about reinstalling later.

• The more you dismantle, the smoother your paint job will be.
• Keep removed components safe until reassembly.
• Consider removing items like the airbox, intake, alternator, and more, if accessible.

Shield electronics and the air intake with plastic (if they're still in place). Pay special attention to wrapping the alternator and fuse box. Even if your car has an airbox, consider covering it for added protection while cleaning.

• Locate the airbox at the intake pipe's end leading to the engine's intake manifold.
• Refer to your vehicle's manual if you struggle to find these components.
• Ensure any wiring bundles or connectors are also covered.

Apply degreaser throughout the engine bay. Follow the degreaser's instructions precisely. Typically, shake the can and spray degreaser over all exposed metal you plan to paint.

• You don't have to spray the engine, unless cleaning it is your aim.

Scrub stubborn grime with a stiff brush. Let the degreaser soak while you use a firm-bristled brush to tackle tougher dirt. Depending on the bay's condition, this step may require some effort.

• Reapply degreaser as needed during scrubbing.
• Ensure all surfaces intended for painting are entirely free of grease and grime.

Thoroughly rinse off the degreaser and allow it to dry. After ensuring the engine bay is spotless, use a hose to rinse off the degreaser (unless specified otherwise).

• Rinse the bay meticulously to remove all traces of degreaser.
• If you notice lingering grease or grime, repeat the degreasing process.

Eradicate visible rust using 100-grit sandpaper. Rust can't be painted over as it'll persist and worsen. Employ 100-grit sandpaper to eliminate light rust until bare metal is revealed. If rust penetrates through, professional intervention for metal cutting and welding is necessary.

• Leave metal cutting and welding to professionals.
• Wear eye protection and a filtration mask while sanding.

Opt for complete paint removal for a flawless finish. Stripping old paint entirely is crucial for a highly refined finish, typical in show cars. Utilize a power sander to strip all paint down to bare metal for this level of perfection.

• Manual stripping is arduous and time-consuming.
• Strip paint in a well-ventilated area while wearing eye protection and a filtration mask.

Sand all metal surfaces to be painted with 2,000-grit sandpaper. Regardless of paint stripping, metal must be smooth and flat. Rub 2,000-grit sandpaper in circular motions until satisfied with the evenness.

• Ensure thorough sanding in engine bay crevices.
• Surface is adequately sanded when smooth to the touch.

Utilize a wet cloth to eliminate dust and debris. With paint and sanded debris in the air, wiping with a wet rag is essential to remove all particles, saving time waiting for the bay to dry.

• If debris is excessive, rinse the bay with a hose and allow overnight drying.

Protect the engine and hoses with plastic or foil if not removed. Even with the engine in place, cover it along with any attached accessories, pipes, or hoses. Paint particles can reach covered areas, so ensure thorough wrapping and secure with painter's tape.

• Large garbage bags are suitable for engine wrapping.
• Aluminum foil is convenient for covering protruding components.

Use painter's tape to mask off unpaintable areas. After wrapping the engine and other parts, tape off fenders and any sections you don't want painted. Apply tape along fender edges and secure plastic covers with the same tape to shield them from paint.

• Check engine bay coverage and ensure secure taping.

Apply primer to the engine bay. Use automotive primer suitable for high temperatures to create a suitable paint surface. Apply the primer evenly from a distance of about 12 inches, sweeping side to side.

• Avoid prolonged spraying in one area to prevent primer pooling and dripping.
• Allow complete drying according to the primer's instructions.

Prepare your spray gun or paint can. Whether using a spray gun or paint can, ensure proper mixing and readiness. Pour mixed paint into the gun hopper if using a spray gun, or shake the paint can if applying from a can.

• Familiarize yourself with the operation of your paint equipment through manuals or manufacturer resources.
• Purchase high-temperature automotive paint from an auto parts store.

Apply 2 light coats of paint on the primed surface, ensuring each dries before proceeding. The initial 2 coats should be light, forming a base for the subsequent layers. Maintain a distance of about 12 inches from the metal, sweeping the can or gun back and forth as you apply the paint. These initial coats should lightly cover the primer.

• Ensure the first coat is fully dry before applying the second.
• Allow sufficient drying time between coats, considering environmental factors and paint type.

Layer on 2 additional heavy coats of paint, ensuring thorough drying between each coat. After the light coats, applying 2 heavy coats will deepen the color of the engine bay. Use the same sweeping motion as before, but slower and with more passes to achieve a thicker coat.

• Confirm the previous coat is dry before proceeding to the next.

Remove tape, plastic, and foil while the paint is still slightly tacky. Waiting for the paint to dry completely risks cracking upon tape removal. Test a small area for tackiness, then carefully peel off the tape to expose the defined edges.

• Peel off the tape slowly to prevent damage to the drying paint.
• Keep the plastic covering over the engine for now.

Allow the paint to cure for the recommended duration. Cure time varies depending on paint brand and thickness. For safety, let it sit overnight at least, and wait a week before washing.

• Consult the paint label for specific curing instructions.

Reinstall any previously removed components. Once the paint is fully dry, the engine bay is ready for reassembly. Use a hoist to lower the engine back in place, securing it with motor mounts. If other components were removed, reinstall them in reverse order.

• Take care to avoid damaging the newly painted surfaces during installation.