Painted Valve Covers

[bouts]

2014 California Touring, thinking about painting the aluminum valve covers a satin black to try and blend them into the motor a bit more.  I was wondering if anyone has tried to paint the covers?  If so, what kind of adhesion products, and what kind of paint?

[PJPR01]

I had mine coated black with Xylan here at MPH...turned out great!

It's more like a coating than a paint...heat resistant so no issues.

[pete mcgee]

I powder coated the valve covers on the LeMans 3 21 years ago, still good after 100,000 miles.
That the answer you were looking for?

[ponti_33609]

2014 California Touring, thinking about painting the aluminum valve covers a satin black to try and blend them into the motor a bit more.  I was wondering if anyone has tried to paint the covers?  If so, what kind of adhesion products, and what kind of paint?

I just had mine powder coated by GuzziTech.  Said they have great luck with them holding up over time.

[Dean Rose]

Painted mine on the Big Breva with http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/touch-up-paint-pa-15-98606bf--1.

Dean

[blackcat]

I had my CX valve covers sprayed with Gun-Kote by Steve Ford from Parts is Parts about 15 years ago. They still look good except for some wear marks on the left cover.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/metal-prep-coloring/paint-finishes/bake-on-aerosol-paints/gun-kote-oven-cure-gun-finish-prod1150.aspx

[bouts]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I guess the heat hasn't affected the painted products.

[twhitaker]

There ARE alternatives to paint.

[PJPR01]

There ARE alternatives to paint.

yup....mentioned above....Xylan for example.

Or Powder coating...if it's heat resistant...

[ponti_33609]

yup....mentioned above....Xylan for example.

Or Powder coating...if it's heat resistant...

Gold Plating is an option....don't leave that out! 

[rodekyll]

To directly answer -- almost any rattle can of engine paint will work.  The heat isn't bad on the valve cover.  Some folks use a primer like zinc chromate, or etch the metal before painting to increase adhesion.

That said, I sandblast and powder coat mine.  Here's a $10 rashed lid from a Jackal:









BMW in crinkle:

[Testarossa]

I used rattle-can engine paint. One coat primer, bake in oven. Two coats color, bake in oven.  That was 15 years ago and the paint is holding up nicely.

[sidecarnutz]

I like Norrells moly resin myself. Unlike Guncoat, it dries to the touch. So you can handle the pieces to put them in an oven. Guncoat pieces require handling them with SS wires as they stay tacky until cured. I just did some antique axe heads the other day and have done my own gun part refinishing and seat and bike brackets. Many colors available. Cleans up with wash lacquer thinner. Applied it with a cheap HVLP spray gun. A $3 toaster oven from a thrift shop for setting the resin. (325 degrees for one hour)

[shelbygt]

Was thinking about doing calipers along with valve covers on mine. Anything different with doing calipers?

[Toecutter]

"I used rattle-can engine paint. One coat primer, bake in oven. Two coats color, bake in oven.  That was 15 years ago and the paint is holding up nicely."

Question: Necessary to bake in oven, considering the heat generated from riding?

[Testarossa]

Valve covers don't get hot enough (350F) to really hard-cure the paint. If they got that hot they'do toast your knees and roast the fuel tank.

[Scud]

I also had my valve covers powder-coated - and the head guards done to match at the same time. I'm super happy with them. The heat during powder-coating is higher than engine temps - so no worries about potential damage from heat.

Re brake calipers: VHT and some other manufacturers make a special paint for brake calipers. I used VHT on my BMW K75 calipers and am pleased with the result.

[Porterhouse]

VHT Cast Iron Metallic on my GRiSO