General TR Painting the Engine Compartment with Spray Can

[KVH]

I have a good match in a spray can for the engine compartment. Is it as simple as it sounds, or is there some prep between or after coats? I realize the prep before the coats in critical, but to get a proper shine is any kind of hand rubbing or other technique recommended?

 

[dklawson]

You will have to follow the instructions from the paint manufacturer.

In general, if you have a parts store paint like Duplicolor, that can be handled much like a lacquer. With lacquer-type paints you can wet sand and buff the paint if you want or need to. However, if your top coat goes on well you shouldn't need to do any sanding or buffing. That would only be done to get the trash out.

Pay attention to the paint manufacturer's recommendation for time between coats. If you ignore their recommendation you may find the paint lifts or wrinkles.

 

[Rut]

I used a mixed to match paint from O'Reilys called Omni on my MGB and it looks great, but being an enamel it's really sensitive to gas, etc. Some places can mix lacquer in spray cans, but I haven't tried it. The engine compartment requires the same prep as the outside of the car and you need to sand, solvent wipe, prime, and paint at a minimum. I like to use a sealer coat as well or at least a primer sealer to prevent reaction between the original paint and the new. Another option is to go to a local mom and pop body shop and have them mix some good quality two part paint which will be much more durable and use a Preval sprayer.
Good luck, Rut

 

[KVH]

Perfect; thanks