How to sand the "Porsche" on the valve covers?

[Robs72T]

I feel so lame for asking this question, but I only want to do this once, and to do it right.


I love the look of the raised "PORSCHE" that is sanded on valve covers. My covers are black, so I think this would look great.

So how do you do it? Do you use a sanding block, sandpaper on a table, belt sander?

Whats the best method to make it look crisp, uniform, and not skip into the surrounds.........


Thanks.

[MBAtarga]

If I understand, your covers are already black, and you want the PORSCHE lettering to stand proud - unpainted?

Take a sheet of sandpaper, say around 160/180 grit, and place it on a solid, flat surface (sheet glass if you've got it, or an old formica countertop.) Slide the valve cover on the surface back and forth and sand through the paint coat. Check periodically on your progress - this also lets you control the pressure easily.

[Quicksilver]

For something like this I would use a fine flat file. You want one that has continuous teeth from side to side. Not one that has a cross hatch pattern on it. A little cutting oil or ATF will help keep the teeth from loading up. You will still need a file card or wire brush to keep the teeth clean.

Pick one angle and work it consistently and you will end up with a smooth bright finish with a consistent 'grain' direction.

[JFairman]

After you highlight the tops of the letters it would be a good idea to spray the covers with clear medium high temp engine enamal to seal them. That will keeep the bare aluminum of the letters from corroding. Plastikote used to make a good clear or color engine enamel in puff cans that didn't fisheye easily and went on real smooth. Don't know if they still do.

They will corrode after you get caught in rain or wash the car (unless you keep a sheet of clear poly or very large garbage bag laid over the motor while washing the car) and the corrosin will creep under the black paint or powder coat and they'll look kinda crappy after a while.

[3.2 CAB]

+1 with MBAtarga, I would use a known flat surface, regardless of what it is made from, but I would want it to be something that would not be ruined by getting it wet or an easily damaged surface. I would then spray a coat of one of many good quality spray adhesives onto the surface then place a sheet of 400-wet/dry, and a sheet of 800 wet/dry paper. I would then wet the surface with a spray bottle that has a few drops of liquid soap and water. After getting the sandpaper wet, I would then slide the cover across it, (in one direction only) using even pressure a few times then squirt more, then slide cover some more, etc. Keep an eye on the surface of the cover to check progress, when you have the letters exposed, I would then go to the 800 wet/dry and do the same thing till I had the surface polished. If you would rather have a "brushed look" finish, just use the coarser grit paper only. If a shiny, polished surface is wanted, you just need to go to a higher number paper, even up to 1500-2000. I think you will like the look of the natural color of the letters. Don't forget to clear coat. Good luck!!

[slodave]

Flat sureface and sandpaper. That's how I did mine. Just take your time and make sure you are holding the cover flat.

[Bobboloo]

I think with Wayne's (Quicksilver) method you would be least likely to scratch the paint you don't want sanded.

Flipping the cover over and sanding it on a flat surface is likely to cause unwanted scratches if you ask me.

A flat file is much easier to control. Just lift it periodically to clean it.

[slodave]

To combat the unwanted scratches, I used painters tape to cover the surfaces. No problems.

[Staylo]

I masked the upper covers with painters tape, laid flat on a clean surface and used a small sanding block. Working carefully and taking my time, I was able to get all four covers done in about 30 minutes. I didn't clear coat, but would next time.

[WolfeMacleod]

On my 924S, I did it with a diamond encrusted block sander from 3M.

[Robs72T]

Can you clear coat powdercoat? I didn't think much would stick to it? If so how do you prep the surface?

[ZOA NOM]

Dremel.

[88911coupe]

Scott, That looks awesome...what did you paint your valve covers with? Is that crinkle paint...not sure if that's the right word.

[joefrantz]

I used a Dremel too. 90 degree head and drum bit with the lighter grit band.

[JFairman]

Originally Posted by Robs72T

Can you clear coat powdercoat? I didn't think much would stick to it? If so how do you prep the surface?

If you go over the surface with a purple scotch brite pad to scuff it, that will leave a nice surface for the clear coat to adhere to and shouldn't leave any scratches when the paint dries.

Green scotchbrite pad is finer and white is finest.

A white scotchbrite pad is probably too fine, but may work too.

[JFairman]

It's been well covered here for the Porsche valve covers, but I've done a bunch of BMW valve covers in black wrinkle paint so I'll mention that.
First I'd fine block sand the BMW letters which are not as high off the surface as the Porsche letters, and take that out to worn out ultrafine wet or dry sand paper to polish the letters.
Then carefully smear a real thin layer of grease or vasaline on the tops of the polished letters with my finger.
Then heat up the cover just a little bit so it's warm or put it in the sun and spray a light tack coat of the wrinkle paint.
Heating it first makes it so the paint won't fisheye and it sticks real well.
Then let it flash off or almost dry for a few minutes and follow that with an even wet coat.
For a fine wrinkle thats enough, just let it dry and wrinkle overnight.
For a heavier wrinkle finish put on a second wet coat and let it dry for around 12 hours.

Then because you put the grease on the letters the paint won't stick or dry there and you can rub it off with a bondo squeegee, or paint mix stick, or your fingernail.

The polished letters look real nice on the black wrinkle cover.
The round BMW emblem on some covers is usually too thin to do that so fine files usually work best after painting on that.

[rouxroux]

1. Have a flat-screen monitor and tilt it back 90 degrees

2. Lay abrasive media on flat-screen, covering it with a light layer.

3. Set valve cover carefully on monitor, letters to screen.

4. Enlarge ZOANAS' avatar to full screen size.

5. Press "PLAY" and let random orbital do it's magic!!!


(rinse, repeat)

[88911coupe]

Question for those that have painted their valve covers...exactly how "clean" do they need to be? If I scrub them down with engine cleaner then use my 3M paint prep (surface cleaner) will the paint stick or do I need to sand/scotchbrite out the areas that appear stained?

[techweenie]

Originally Posted by rouxroux

1. Have a flat-screen monitor and tilt it back 90 degrees

2. Lay abrasive media on flat-screen, covering it with a light layer.

3. Set valve cover carefully on monitor, letters to screen.

4. Enlarge ZOANAS' avatar to full screen size.

5. Press "PLAY" and let random orbital do it's magic!!!


(rinse, repeat)

LOL!

For small area jobs like this, I'd just protect the outer edges of the covers and use sandpaper wrapped tightly around a flat tool, like a paint store stir stick or small metal ruler. It helps to be able wo watch your progress, IMO.

[Zef]

Dremel way...