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How NOT to paint your engine cover.

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by badguybuster, Apr 11, 2009.

  1. Apr 11, 2009 at 7:32 PM
    #1
    badguybuster

    badguybuster [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Well, this was my attempt to paint my engine cover. Keep in mind, I have always been a half decent painter but I screwed this up BAD!

    1. I removed the engine cover and scrubbed it down with dawn dish washing liquid and very hot water. This worked great since dawn is designed to break up grease. The hot water helped too. I was careful not to get the insulation underneath wet.

    100_1771_a012d31ba6faa1fdcdc489c1692d59f0232f2847.jpg

    2. Next I sprayed a coat of black primer and then sanded it down (mistake #1-I used 100 grit, far too harsh, scratched the shit out of it). Sprayed another coat of primer to help fill the scratches in.

    100_1773_35d9fec667ca5cec191f21568be530d64294f1bc.jpg

    3. Next, I taped off the black area so I could paint the outer sections. (Mistake #2-I used just the masking tape to cover the area. The paint bled through some). I then sprayed on some paint adhesive, two coats as instructed on the can. Then my first couple coats of silver paint. (Mistake #3- Paint lid was for Gloss Grey but the label on the back, which I didn't check said MATTE!!)

    100_1775_b5aa5a2ce0584a4877c1bf2aecc67b970e116536.jpg

    4. I let the first couple coats dry and added a couple more. I allowed those to dry for a while and then did a couple of clear coats.

    100_1776_140f515f804b38d62de4dc227c9a118bc1b6bc5b.jpg

    5. I taped off the grey area and painted the inside part. (Mistake #4-The grey was apparently not dried enough, the tape streaked it.) (Mistake #5-While I was upstairs the dog "checked" it out and left a nice streak on his legs.)

    100_1777_dea753e20048642cc15a8ef264db88d834847dee.jpg

    6. I spent the next 3 hours sanding and repainting the damaged area. Then did several more coats of clear coat. (Final Mistake-I did one of the coats with the can too close and left a couple defects.) Now, that is the last mistake unless it catches on fire tomorrow when I put it back on the truck.

    100_1778_dc3bfc0784b5ca665c50d369737b366e24e4cd66.jpg

    If this saves you from making some serious FU$(%&^ mistakes, then have some pity and give me some rep points.:frusty:
     
  2. Apr 11, 2009 at 7:34 PM
    #2
    Brunes

    Brunes abides.

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    Doesn't look horrible man....some things to take away from it- but it looks like you worked out the issues and made a decent showing of it.
     
  3. Apr 11, 2009 at 7:36 PM
    #3
    badguybuster

    badguybuster [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I appreciate the sentiment.
     
  4. Apr 11, 2009 at 7:38 PM
    #4
    Lentsnh

    Lentsnh Well-Known Member

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    It looks really good to me. Anyways it will be under the hood. only you and another handful will be looking at it
     
  5. Apr 12, 2009 at 12:27 AM
    #5
    SoCalBlack08

    SoCalBlack08 Well-Known Member

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    i think it came out nice. i like the way u left the center black, it gives it a sporty look.
     
  6. Apr 12, 2009 at 12:31 AM
    #6
    derekabraham

    derekabraham Living vicariously through everybody

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    It looks good to me too man. The cool thing about cars though, is that if you mess up, you can always try again. :D


    That cover does look fantastic though, even if you made some mistakes!
     
  7. Apr 12, 2009 at 1:20 AM
    #7
    neslerrah

    neslerrah Taco lovin'

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    Great job!:thumbsup: It does look great.
     
  8. Apr 12, 2009 at 4:48 AM
    #8
    badguybuster

    badguybuster [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Too kind. :humble:
     
  9. Apr 12, 2009 at 5:20 AM
    #9
    rick

    rick `

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    it looks fine badguy. i did the same thing to my toolbox.
     
  10. Apr 12, 2009 at 7:49 AM
    #10
    Danzer

    Danzer Well-Known Member

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    Looks sharp I like the black.
     
  11. Apr 12, 2009 at 7:52 AM
    #11
    PatHLC128

    PatHLC128 College.

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    it came out good in the end, and you learned a few things. painting is 90% prep work, 10% painting...im sure you've heard that before though.
     
  12. Apr 12, 2009 at 8:38 AM
    #12
    carolinyens

    carolinyens Creedmoor Connections

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    If you want some good ideas go to the xru site and search engine covers. Theres a lot of different ideas that ppl have done over there.

    PS It doesnt look bad. You know you can always take it off and do it over with another can.
     
  13. Apr 12, 2009 at 8:46 AM
    #13
    Ty's Taco

    Ty's Taco Well-Known Member

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    Ask visa or my wife. They both constantly remind me how much I've got left to spend.
    If I may add to your list I also learned the hard way a few lessons about painting the engine cover. Use Krylon spray for your paint because my auto parts store only had duli-color spray in the color I wanted and it wont stick even with three coats of clear coat. I even had to try to touch it up after it stuck to the painters tape when I removed it. By the way yes I did sand it down with 800 to just rough up the surface before painting but no good.
     
  14. Apr 12, 2009 at 9:05 AM
    #14
    badguybuster

    badguybuster [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It did turn out ok but I am toying with the idea of either covering the grey part with diamond plate or havin some image airbrushed onto it. Maybe some horses or something. We'll see.
     
  15. Apr 12, 2009 at 9:27 AM
    #15
    pataco

    pataco Well-Known Member

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    imo just keep your hood closed and you will be fine.sorry.
     
  16. Apr 21, 2009 at 7:03 AM
    #16
    missileman125fw

    missileman125fw Well-Known Member

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    That looks badass! I'm thinking of painting mine to match the factory color.
     
  17. Apr 21, 2009 at 6:00 PM
    #17
    jrobson

    jrobson Well-Known Member

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    Dude THAT THING SUCKS ASS!! Just kidding bro, I think it looks really good to. you will probably be the only person to pick out the imperfections. Quit being so hard on yourself.
     
  18. Apr 21, 2009 at 6:01 PM
    #18
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    looks pretty kickass to me man!! nice job!! like the color combo too!!
     
  19. Apr 21, 2009 at 6:03 PM
    #19
    eordonez

    eordonez Living vicariously through mjp2

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    looks good, after all the work, it came out right i think
     
  20. Apr 21, 2009 at 7:08 PM
    #20
    badguybuster

    badguybuster [OP] Well-Known Member

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    You are all too kind. I just finished painting my Spidertrax wheel spacers. They came already Anodized but I wanted a different tone.
     

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