Sofia Martinez
Painting a plastic valve cover is a fun and artistic way to express yourself through your vehicle and make the engine bay pop. It is also a good way to make a stained valve cover look like new again. Before painting a plastic valve cover, it is important to strip the existing paint. This can be done with a paint stripper, such as aircraft paint stripper, or a milder alternative. Once the paint has been removed, the cover should be dried off and a primer that promotes plastic adhesion should be applied. After the primer has dried, the cover can be painted with engine enamel spray paint. It is important to use engine enamel, as the cover can reach temperatures over 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to paint a plastic valve cover
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ventilation | Work outside or in a well-ventilated area |
| Tools | Ratchet, socket kit, paper towels, paint stripper, grill brush, water hose, drying towels, sandpaper, wax and grease remover, masking tape, engine enamel spray paint, heavy gloss spray paint |
| Stripping paint | Use paint stripper, water hose, and brush. Alternatively, use aircraft stripper, or sandblasting |
| Drying | Dry the cover completely |
| Priming | Apply primer and allow to dry for about an hour and a half |
| Painting | Use 3-5 coats of engine enamel paint, holding the can 8-12 inches from the cover. Allow 5 minutes between coats |
| Curing | Leave for 24-36 hours, then peel off the masking tape |
| Reinstallation | Reinstall the valve cover, replace gaskets, seals, and bolts, and tighten with sockets |
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What You'll Learn
Removing old paint
First, remove the valve cover. This process will vary depending on your car, but most valve covers have one bolt on each corner. Place the valve cover on a well-ventilated surface covered with newspaper or cardboard. Put on protective gloves and goggles.
Next, you will need to strip the existing paint. You can use a paint stripper or remover, which can be applied with paper towels or a scrub brush. If you are worried about the paint stripper being too harsh on the plastic, you can try using a milder paint stripper or brake parts cleaner. Let the stripper sit for around 15 minutes, then rinse the valve cover with water, making sure to clean away any excess residue, including in small cracks and crevices.
If there are stubborn spots of old paint remaining, you can respray those areas and use a wire brush to scrub them away. You can also try using a paint scraper to gently lift away the paint, being careful not to damage the plastic. For truly stubborn paint, you can use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), which will remove the paint without melting the plastic.
Once the old paint has been removed, sand the valve cover with 600-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth and dull. Wipe the surface with wax and grease remover to ensure that the new paint will adhere properly.
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Degreasing and cleaning
Firstly, remove the valve cover and place it in a well-ventilated outdoor area. This is important, as paint strippers and cleaners emit toxic fumes. Once you have found a suitable location, it is time to start the degreasing process. Spray a generous amount of degreaser or cleaner onto the cover, ensuring that it soaks into any built-up grime. Allow the product to sit for a minute, then agitate the surface with a brush. Clean both the top and underside of the cover, as any oil residue left on the underside can also cause contamination. Depending on the severity of the build-up, you may need to repeat this process several times.
After degreasing, rinse the cover with water to remove any remaining degreaser. It is critical that you ensure the cover is completely clean of degreaser or cleaner, as any residue can neutralise the paint stripper. Once you are satisfied that the cover is clean, allow it to dry completely.
Now, it is time to strip the old paint. There are several methods you can use for this step. One option is to use a paint stripper, which you can apply with paper towels or a scrub brush. Make sure to use liberal amounts to ensure that all the paint is removed, especially in any cracks and crevices. Leave the paint stripper on the surface for a few minutes, as per the product instructions, then rinse it off with a hose or a garden hose. If there is any remaining paint, scrub it away with a grill brush and rinse again. You may need to repeat this process several times until the cover is completely free of paint.
Alternatively, you can use an aircraft paint stripper, which will quickly eat away at the old paint. However, this method requires eye and skin protection, as these products can be caustic and harmful. Another option is soda blasting, which is ideal for valve covers as the soda can be easily washed away with water.
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Priming and painting
Painting a plastic valve cover is a fun and artistic way to express yourself through your vehicle. It is also a practical way to make your engine bay pop and protect the valve cover from grease, oil, and dirt. Here is a detailed guide on priming and painting your plastic valve cover:
Priming:
Before priming, it is essential to strip any existing paint from the valve cover. This can be done using a paint stripper or a milder alternative like brake parts cleaner. Apply the product to the surface, wait for it to eat away at the paint, and then use a hose and brush to clean away the excess. Repeat this process until the cover is free of paint. Once the old paint is removed, dry off the valve cover thoroughly.
Next, prepare the surface of the valve cover for priming. Use masking tape or paper towels to cover any holes, emblems, or bolt holes that you don't want to be painted. This step ensures that the paint or primer doesn't clog any threads or important components. You can also sand the valve cover's surface with sandpaper to create a smooth and dull finish, which can enhance paint adhesion.
Now, it's time to apply the primer. Choose a primer that promotes plastic adhesion, as this will help the paint adhere better to the plastic surface. Spray the primer onto the valve cover, holding the can about 8-12 inches away, and use even back-and-forth motions to ensure full coverage. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions; this usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour.
Painting:
Once the primer is dry, you can move on to the painting stage. Select a high-heat engine enamel paint specifically designed for engine components, as regular spray paint may not withstand the high temperatures of the valve cover. Shake the paint can well and begin spraying, using the same technique as you did for priming. Apply several light coats, allowing adequate drying time between each coat as per the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, 2-5 coats are sufficient, depending on the colour and coverage desired.
After the final coat of paint, allow the valve cover to cure for an extended period, such as 24 hours or more. You can then optionally place the painted valve cover near a heat source or in an oven at a low temperature to further set the paint. Always wear gloves when handling the heated valve cover, as it will be very hot.
Finally, reinstall the painted and cooled valve cover onto your vehicle, ensuring that all gaskets, seals, and bolts are properly replaced. Enjoy your freshly painted and protected valve cover!
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Curing and drying
Drying the Primer:
Before applying paint to a plastic valve cover, it is important to prepare the surface by cleaning and priming it. Once the primer is applied, allow it to dry thoroughly. The drying time for primer can vary, but it is generally recommended to let it dry for at least an hour or two. This ensures that the primer is completely dry and ready for the application of paint.
Drying Between Coats:
After applying each coat of paint, it is important to allow adequate drying time before proceeding to the next coat. The drying time can vary depending on the type of paint used and the environmental conditions. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions on the paint can for specific drying times. Typically, you should wait around 15 minutes between coats, and some paints may require a bit longer, such as 30 minutes or more. Lighter colors may require more coats, and it is essential to follow the recommended drying times to achieve the desired coverage and finish.
Curing the Paint:
Curing the paint is an important step to ensure the paint job's durability and longevity. After the final coat of paint has been applied and allowed to dry to the touch, you can proceed with the curing process. There are a few methods to cure the paint:
- Fire Curing: Fire curing is an option that involves placing the painted cover near a fire, not directly on it, at a distance of about 2 feet. This helps to form a strong bond between the paint and the cover, adds a glossy sheen, and ensures any remaining water is cooked out. However, this step is not mandatory, and some people choose to skip it.
- Oven Curing: Another method is to place the painted valve cover in an oven set at 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius) for about 20 minutes. This cures the paint and sets it properly. However, it is important to note that using an oven for curing will render it unusable for food preparation afterward. Always wear gloves when handling the heated valve cover, as it will be extremely hot.
- Heat Gun: Alternatively, you can use a heat gun to heat the painted cover for several minutes. This method also cures the paint effectively without the need for an oven.
Drying Before Reinstallation:
After the curing process is complete, allow the painted valve cover to cool down completely. Make sure it is entirely cooled off before proceeding to the next step. Once cooled, you can carefully reinstall the valve cover onto the car, ensuring that all gaskets, seals, and bolts are properly replaced. This step ensures that the paint job is fully dried and cured before the valve cover is put back into use.
Additional Tips:
- It is recommended to use high-heat paint or engine enamel paint specifically designed for valve covers, as they can reach high temperatures.
- Always work in a well-ventilated area when using paint strippers and paints.
- Follow the instructions on the product labels for specific drying and curing times.
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Reinstallation
Once you are satisfied with the paint job, it is time to reinstall the valve cover. The first step is to ensure that the gasket around the bottom of the cover is not broken. If it is, you will need to replace it before reinstalling the valve cover. Next, collect all the bolts and grommets you removed earlier. Place the cover back on the motor, being careful to line up the gasket with the valve perfectly. This is to ensure that no oil leaks out of the motor. Once the valve cover is in place, replace the grommets and bolts on their screws and tighten them with a socket. Now, plug the spark plug lines back into the proper holes in the same order in which you unplugged them.
If you have access to a sandblast cabinet, powder gun, and oven, you can cure the paint by placing the painted valve cover inside an oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius) for 20 minutes. You can also heat the cover with a heat gun for several minutes. Make sure to wear gloves when handling the heated valve cover, as it will be very hot. Allow the cover to cool completely before reinstalling it.
If you do not have access to the above equipment, you can also let the paint cure for 36 hours, as mentioned earlier, and then reinstall the valve cover.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to strip the existing paint from the cover. You can use a paint stripper or aircraft stripper, but make sure you are in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gloves and goggles. Once the paint is removed, dry off the cover and apply a primer. After the primer has dried, you can start spraying on the paint. Use light coats and wait a few minutes between each coat. Finally, let the paint cure for at least 24 hours before reinstalling the valve cover.
It is recommended to use engine enamel spray paint specifically made for high temperatures as the valve cover can reach temperatures over 200 degrees Fahrenheit. You can find this type of paint at any auto parts store.
Most valve covers have one bolt at each corner, so you can use a ratchet and a properly fitted socket to remove them. For some engines, you may need to remove the spark plug covers and seals first.
