Engine bay black?

[Angel 24]

I believe the original color was a semi-gloss black. Is that correct? I don't want the engine bay to be too glossy and I think semi-gloss has just a little bit to much. I want something like a satin or a matte black. I bought some rustoleum low gloss black paint and I tried it out on some random parts. It almost looks flat haha. What are you guys using? Any pics? Thanks in advance guys.

[LoneWolf2U 136]

Pic of my 68 Cougar just done with chassis black like factory used.

[jholmes217 65]

I used POR-15, but I think it might be too flat.

[MikeStang 247]

If you spray the por 15 at about 55 psi I promise it won't be flat lol, it will be very shiny

[maxum96 32]

This is the stuff I used on my car,

 

http://www.magnetpaints.com/underbody.asp

 

It's a single stage paint. I know nothing about painting and I found it very easy to use. It's very hard and doesn't scratch very easy. You can find it in good auto parts stores and auto paint stores.

[BuckeyeDemon 211]

i've been using PPG's shopline single stage urethane and have been adding the flatting agent to get the desired level of gloss. the flatting doesn't add texture it just deflects light.

 

JAU9300 gloss black ~$30/qt

JH66** hardener ~$30/qt

J81 flatting agent ~$30/qt

 

 

once you have the flatting agent and hardener (don't forget reducer) all you have to do is pickup some other colors and you can spray another color. they will even mix pints if you want.

 

this example uses the PPG code for Ford Corporate Blue with a little flatting added, the black on the midplate has a small amount added and the scoop has a lot more flatting added. on the inside the center of the lid and center part of the base had even more added to for flat black.

 

.

[very fat and very dumb 40]

I did what Mr. Buckeye explained, I used flattener to get the desired matte finish, it did take a couple tries though. Don't settle for anything less than perfection.

[69RavenConv 286]

I did what Mr. Buckeye explained, I used flattener to get the desired matte finish, it did take a couple tries though. Don't settle for anything less than perfection.

 

Very nice job, I love the period-correct look. Where'd you get that rectangular decal on the valve cover?

[very fat and very dumb 40]

Thank you for the kind words. All of the stickers came from NPD. The engine looks so nice I have been puting off starting it for several weeks, I know I know.

[Angel 24]

Thanks guys. I know it would be easier and look better if I spray it with a gun but what if I use a can? I have access to both and the reason I was considering the can was because it would be easier to do future touch-ups with the engine in the car. Would that be ok to do or will it look like crap? Has anyone done it with a can?

[malcoll 10]

Krylon semi-flat black.....looks just like OEM...seriously......

[BuckeyeDemon 211]

I was considering the can because it would be easier to do future touch-ups with the engine in the car.

 

urethane is pretty tough paint. i wouldn't think you would need to touch up areas if the paint itself holds up. i could see some nicks here and there but i've generally just used a really fine brush or the end of a toothpick to touch up a chip or something like that. my daily driven car is 18 years old and the finish (except paint chips) is just fine.

 

maybe you're just violent to the engine compartment!

 

the main benefit (in my opinion) for using a spray gun, is you can use two part materials that are so much more durable as compared to what's available in a rattle can.

 

why take a step backwards in quality if you have a gun?

Edited January 13, 2011 by BuckeyeDemon

[maxum96 32]

Krylon semi-flat black.....looks just like OEM...seriously......

 

 

It doesn't hold up well. It scratches very easily.

[PaleRider 12]

I used Eastwoods underhood black - I thinkit just right amount of flatness. You can buy in quarts and spray can. Plan on using on my 66 I'm restoring

[stangme428 33]

I used Eastwoods underhood black - I thinkit just right amount of flatness. You can buy in quarts and spray can. Plan on using on my 66 I'm restoring

 

used the same...

[9RO1M 12]

Thanks guys. I know it would be easier and look better if I spray it with a gun but what if I use a can? I have access to both and the reason I was considering the can was because it would be easier to do future touch-ups with the engine in the car. Would that be ok to do or will it look like crap? Has anyone done it with a can?

Definately spray gun.Better finish and yes using a spray can will look like crap.Best left for small or minor parts.

Edited January 14, 2011 by 9RO1M
to edit

[428scj 10]

Ive used the quart cans of underhood black from Eastwood.Its very close to original.