I could have asked this in my project thread but figured this was worthy of its own discussion. I’m getting to the point that I need to paint my engine compartment and am wondering what kind of paint to use. Should I go with a specialty coating like Eastwood’s “Under Hood Black” or a more generic rattle can paint like Krylon Semi-Gloss or Satin Black? My main concern is durability / longevity and being able to look good, clean up easily, and withstand abuse from scrapes and getting hit with wrenches, etc. I’m not too worried about it being the 100% correct factory paint, just something that looks good, holds up over time, and is easy to spray without running, etc. Another factor - I will probably want to use leftover paint for other under-hood components too.
OR - should I get a pint of specific paint from the auto paint store and have my body guy spray it with a gun?
For durability I would get a quart of PPG DP90LF and have your body guy spray it on. Rattle can paint will work and if that’s what you prefer to use, I would get the Underhood Black. It sprays nicely but will lift if what it’s sprayed on isn’t completely clean and properly prepped.
I used VHT engine paint from a can (two cans actually). It sprays nicer than most rattle can paints. Its proven to be durable and I think it looks pretty good.
Great, thanks guys. Just the info I was looking for. So from looking around online, the PPG DP90LF is an epoxy primer that you need to mix 2:1 with their DP401LF or DP402LF catalyst (does that mean 2 parts primer to 1 part catalyst or vice-versa?). Does it need any topcoat over it or anything, or just leave it as is?
Do whatever you like but DP90 isn’t designed as a topcoat. It will not seal out the elements and will eventually break down. Topcoat the DP90 with #9295 (or equivalent) underhood black. Always a good idea to spray a test panel first.
Edit-#9423 is also a good engine compartment semi-gloss black.
2 part primer and one part catalyst. Grab a mixing cup at the paint store to measure. I did my G car with DP90 and DP70, but the car gets the royal treatment so that isn’t a good test. I did the whole underside of the Boss 302 Mustang two year ago and drive it regularly in the summer avoiding the rain if I can. It has held up well so far with no issues. guess I can’t give a recommendation pass two years.
Art is right. DP90LF isn’t designated as a top coat however, my experience with the product has proven its ability to withstand the elements inside an engine compartment. I used it in the engine compartment of one of my Cougars and it lasted for 8 years and 15K miles and still looked brand new when I sold it.
The engine compartment of my 70 was sprayed 4 years ago and it has seen 10K miles in the last 2 years including rainy weather. You saw it last weekend. Did it look OK to you?
It’s your choice on using a designated top coat or not. My choice has been not to and it’s worked out OK for me. Your results may vary.
I ended up getting a pint of something or other from Industrial Finishes that the guy recommended as a semi-gloss or satin black under hood paint. Already mixed / flattened. Will get pics and more info soon… especially when it gets sprayed on!
A good, inexpensive underhood black is the SEM Hot Rod Black.. Nice rich satin finish with just a bit of sheen.
Saw a car with the engine compartment done with this paint last night. This will be my next underhood black choice. Here