PAINTED Engine Cover Awesome!

Alright guys. So Ive been wanting to paint my engine cover for some time now ever since I saw other covers being painted, this obviously wasn't the first time it was done so yes I got the idea from other Taco owners and they all look great as well. Today I just want to show you how I did it so you guys can see other options of how to paint an engine cover. I have done other valve covers before but have never tried on plastic! So I did some research and in doing so I could never just get all the answers that I wanted through everybody's techniques. And yes you have heard it before "Do it right the first time." I am a big believer of this saying because I don't want to have to do it again! and also I'm planning on this paint job to last me for the next 5 years. Yes, i painted it white because i have a white Tacoma. So here are the steps that I took in my engine cover project.


STEP 1 - CLEAN COVER. - i cleaned mine with dish soap and let it completely dry.

STEP 2 - SAND - Once it was completely dry I sanded the parts that i wanted painted with 800 Grit sand paper. And rinsed down to get the dust off of the cover.

STEP 3 - Tape - Tape off the parts that you don't want painted. Make sure to use automotive painters tape to get around those tight edges. I used plastic electrical tape. Just use something that's flexible and that will stick so the paint doesn't get under. REMEMBER that the more time that you use to prep the better your project will look. so if you do a shitty taping job then it will come out jaggedy.


STEP 4 - SPRAY ADHESION PROMOTER PRIMER - You need to remember that you are working with plastic! so make sure you get the adhesion promoter and then spray the primer over it. Luckily i found a can that had both in it so i put 4 light - medium coats on with 5-10 mins in between each coat.

STEP 5 - BASE COAT - so make sure that you get a base coat that will work with plastic. I waited 20-25 mins before spraying on the base coat. I sprayed 4-5 coats with 15 mins in between each coat.

STEP 6 - CLEAR COAT - Now this is the proffered method for durability and to keep it shinny. I sprayed 2 coats with 5 mins in between each coat.


I understand that it is very time consuming so while i waited I detailed under the engine cover and took off the 2nd air filter that everyone is saying to take off. ALSO made me and awesome hookah bowl to smoke while I waited.


Now that you are done make sure to wait at least 24 hours before handling. It is preferred to wait 7 days so there is no chipping. but who the fuck wants to wait that long when your engine cover looks so awesome! ALSO if you want to put the sticker on and paint the lettering and emblem in the middle then just get a paint pen. put the sticker on and once thats done then spray a coat of clear coat over it so it makes everything one piece. also makes it durable and shinny. This project took a total of 5 hours with all of the prepping and waiting, and about 30 dollars. IF you have any questions feel free to ask. I am not a professional but i do enjoy projects like these. If i know the answer to your question then I will answer it. I hope all of your covers come out great!

 

No pics?

 

my bad I had to finish the thread

 

What were you smokin' ?

Nice cover, BTW.

 

Haha just some hookah shisha. Mint and fruit punch

 

Duuuuude do mine! Badass!

 

I actually love doing this stuff. And i would say that im pretty decent at it. I was thinking that maybe Ill try to see later on if I can start having people send it in if they want it done for a small price. But Not sure when

 

I'd be down to send a cover. Paint and electrical are two things I fuck up every time.

 

Well if you do I'll be first in line lol The only thing Id probably do different is some kinda border/trim on the edge

 

Looks very well done and the write up was great. Good job!

 

Thank you! I basically wanted to make this thread so that anyone that was having troubles with the right kind of paint for plastic and what kind of tape to use. It took me a long time to decide on the right way to do it. so Hopefully this will help a few with their questions they have about painting covers

 

Any pics of it installed!?

 

I don't at the moment but I will post more pics soon enough

 

That looks awesome dude!

 

Great job, nice paint work! You make it look easy lol...

 

Nice work devil dog!

 

Looks awesome

 

Very slick looking.

 

its not to hard you just need to be patient and take time on the prepping.

Thanks guys i really like it under my hood. Or at least something that looks nice because im used to having a car usually that looks great with all of the mods and installs. Cant really do much with a truck unless you use it strictly for racing. but here are some pics of it in the truck. Sorry for the crappy phone images.

 

Dude that is the coolest shit I've seen.