On Mon, 6 Jan 1997 23:23:20 -0500 (EST) Joe Peck <peck@digex.net> writes:
>.............So I've decided to repaint the engine compartment.
>
>What's the best way to accomplish this? .................
Joe I just faced the same situation. Here's what I did. My car had just
been painted with a 2 stage paint. After it was painted I had to remove
the engine. So while the engine was being rebuilt I asked the shop that
painted the exterior about painting the engine compartment. They wanted
$375. I asked them about the procedure if I wanted to do it myself. It
turned out to be pretty easy. Here's what I found out.
It was suggested that I use an acrylic enamel. Apparently acrylic
enamel is not as shiney as the two stage paint but may be a little more
appropriate for the engine compartment. It also might be easier for a
novice to spray?
They suggested that the initial prep be done with Comet cleanser! It
seems that Comet is abrasive enough to scuff the original paint surface
and has enough detergent to clean the grease off all the surfaces. I
had to use a sealer and then the acrylic enamel topcoat.
I prepped it on Saturday and sprayed it on Sunday. The only reason for
the two day staging was to be sure the surface was dry.
This is the "digest" version of what I did, the shop where you buy the
paint can supply you with all the details.
I can tell you the results were great. The only imperfections in the
paint were there when the factory painted the car. The guy who painted
my engine compartment must have liked watching the effect of gravity on
paint.
One of the reasons I painted it myself is I needed a new air compressor.
I figured that the cost of ta new air compressor, a [cheap] touch up gun,
and paint would be less than $375, turns out I was almost right.
You need to wear the appropriate breathing apparatus (is it a mask,
respirator or what, remember that thread?). Be prepared for a cloud of
paint in your garage. Cover EVERYTHING, and mask your car good.
Good Luck
Larry
1969 MGB
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