Top 5 Characteristics When Choosing Paint for Engines – Colorbond Paint

Top 5 Characteristics When Choosing Paint for Engines

Posted on April 28 2022

Top 5 Characteristics When Choosing Paint for Engines

 

When you want your car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle to look show ready the appearance of its engine is important. The paint on the engine is a major part of that as its often the first thing that catches the eye. However, what is the best paint for engines? When choosing engine paint the top 5 characteristics to pay attention to are heat resistance, gloss retention, resistance to chipping and flaking, resistance to chemicals and salt, and color choice. Standard automotive paints just aren’t designed for engine applications. Rather, high-quality paint specifically designed for engines, like ColorBond Protech Engine Enamel, should be used.

1. Heat Resistance

High quality engine paint provides superior heat resistance and can handle temperatures up to 450-500℉. Standard spray paints, as well as spray paints meant for the body or trim of an automobile most likely won’t have the temperature resistance needed for the high heat conditions of an engine. Note, paint for engines differs from high temperature exhaust paint, which is designed for exhaust systems, and can handle temperatures up to 1500℉.

2. Gloss Retention

Engine paint chosen should provide an attractive glossy finish and be hard to help to avoid small scratches and scuffing that could dull the finish over the long run. It should also have excellent color retention characteristics.

3. Chipping and Flaking

High-quality paint for engines is not affected by the expansion and contraction of metal when experiencing temperature variations, like when taking an engine from cold to hot when it is first started. This helps keep the paint from delaminating, cracking, and flaking. Also, the paint should be hard to help keep it from being chipped by things like accidental tool strikes.

4. Resistance to Chemicals and Salt

Paint for engines must be able to resist damage that could be caused by gasoline, oils, additives, degreasers, and other chemicals. Also, the paint must protect metal from rust and corrosion; it must be durable and able to withstand road salt spray if the vehicle is operated in the wintery conditions.

5. Color Selection

Color selection is also of importance. Especially if you want to paint the engine in the OEM correct color.

ColorBond Pro Tech Engine Enamel

ColorBond offers Pro Tech Engine Enamel that meets and exceeds these criteria. Pro Tech Engine Enamel is a glossy metallic alkyd primer that is formulated for maximum adhesion and protects the engine from small chips, chemicals and salt, and high heat. Pro Tech provides a gorgeous "fresh from the factory" look, is rated to 500° F, and has received OEM certification from numerous manufacturers.  

With 14 colors available, Pro Tech engine paint offers a wide color selection, including OEM colors that match the engine paint originally used in classic cars. Superb, durable and long-lasting quality along with availability of classic OEM colors makes Pro Tech an excellent choice for professional or amateur auto restorers who require engine paint colors to have an OEM appearance. Paint colors include those appropriate for Chevy, Ford, Chrysler, Oldsmobile and Pontiac.

In summary, for best appearance and long-lasting durability the top 5 criteria when choosing paint for engines are heat resistance, gloss retention, resistance to chipping and flaking, resistance to chemicals and salt, and color choice.

For more information on Pro Tech Engine Enamel click here.

Reviewed by: Malcolm Johnson

Reviewed by: Malcolm Johnson

Malcolm Johnson founded and operated ColorBond Paint since 1996. He has over 30 years of experience in the automotive painting industry. ColorBond Paint specializes in leather, vinyl, and plastic specific aerosol paint that is OEM approved for automotive manufacturers.

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