prep engine compartment for painting

[Randy Webb]

I'm thinking of painting my engine compartment while I have the engine out for a hotrod swap.

What should I do to prep. the surface for painting? I won't have access to a steam cleaner gun but could do a degrease and scrub with soap & water, or something similar.

Also, I'm just going to use a rattle can quality paint (such as Wurth). I'm looking for a silvery gray color or something like that. Any ideas?

Thx.

[turbo6bar]

Auto paint stores, and perhaps even Home Depot have abrasive pads. They're about 1/4" thick and are great for scuffing the old paint. The pads can bend and flex, and you can cut them down to whatever size is best for the work.

Degrease till it's immaculate. Then, hit with lacquer thinner on a rag until it's clean enough to lick. Then, go with the abrasive pad. Lacquer thinner again to get rid of the particles of paint, and then apply your favorite primer or paint.

The time will be the most expensive component of the project, but the labor is the difference between a lousy job and a great finish.

Good luck,
Jurgen

[Dan Morton]

I painted mine recently while the engine was out. I first scraped the gunk with a rag and then used brake cleaner to clean completely. I find this stuff works wonders on grease.
I didn't scuff the paint at all, just shot it with black paint from Eastwood (Under Hood Black) and it looks great.

This is by far much easier than painting the luggage compartment, which I tackled this weekend with only modest success.

--Dan