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Old 02-21-2026, 07:01 PM   #1
37 Coupe
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Default Zenith carburetor black paint

Would anyone have a suggestion on a fuel proof black paint for Zenith carburetor recoat? Thank You.
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Old 02-21-2026, 07:18 PM   #2
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

Brodak Mfg Co.
100 Park Ave. Carmichaels, PA 15320
724-966-2627
724-966-9131
www.brodak.com
No part number:
Ask for Butyrate dope in jet black
4oz can $8.99
16oz can 16.95
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Old 02-21-2026, 08:28 PM   #3
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

I have read that model airplane paint is fuel proof. I think those engines burn nitromethane.
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Old 02-21-2026, 08:51 PM   #4
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

Quote:
Originally Posted by 37 Coupe View Post
Would anyone have a suggestion on a fuel proof black paint for Zenith carburetor recoat? Thank You.
I use model airplane "Hobby Poxy"
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Old 02-21-2026, 09:12 PM   #5
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

Airplane dope is what you want. Google it.
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Old 02-21-2026, 09:34 PM   #6
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

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Cerekoate works great very tough and impervious to fuel but it is a baked product that needs to be applied to a very clean (sand blasted) surface.
https://www.cerakote.com/shop/cerako...-169/jet-black
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Old 02-22-2026, 04:42 AM   #7
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

I have never found the so called "fuel proof" model airplane dope very resistant . POR-15 is good if one follows the instructions exactly, but easiest and best of all I found was simply brush on 2-part (2K) epoxy paint - (if you're allowed that in the USA?)
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Old 02-22-2026, 06:51 AM   #8
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

I use this black gloss spray paint. I'm very pleased with how it comes out. Give it lots of time to cure before getting fuel in contact with it.

https://a.co/d/05e5CueJ

External surfaces only.
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Old 02-22-2026, 06:52 AM   #9
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

Link didn't work.
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Old 02-22-2026, 06:56 AM   #10
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

That's odd. Works for me. Search for a product "PJ1 16-GLS Gloss Black Epoxy Spray Paint (Aerosol), 12 oz".
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Old 02-22-2026, 07:03 AM   #11
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

Thanks, I may get some for other jobs.
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Old 02-22-2026, 09:34 AM   #12
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

Every true “epoxy” I’ve run into has been a two part mix. It’s hard for me to see how an aerosol spray paint could be an “epoxy”. Having said that, I use VHT “epoxy” aerosol as my go-to in both gloss and satin (SP650 and SP652). Both work well for everyday purposes but I have not tried them in a fuel-facing application such as a carburetor. They dry quickly for handling but do take several days to develop a real hard cure.
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Old 02-22-2026, 09:55 AM   #13
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

I have used the VHT "epoxy" on projects for the last ten years mainly for its ease of use and no primer required.It was very durable on items such as a set of new Stipe shocks a few years back. I did use it on Zenith Model B carb and the fuel was not ethanol but rec gas and it did not hold up on a pretty good dousing mistake ( choke /GAV on Model B open ),not good on fuel pump 1932. Paint was well cured time wise. Thanks for all the suggestions. I wonder what was used originally? It seems tough to remove with chemicals. I had a NOS Model B Zenith that I was just going to clean up and touch up that was shelf worn and looked dirty and rusty but ended up cleaning it with Gibbs oil and left it alone. I am just adding this,I think the fuel was ethanol that softened the VHT epoxy paint,it was already in the '32 Model B tank. I have not used ethanol and will not after an incident on my '37 Stromberg carb.
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Old 02-22-2026, 02:15 PM   #14
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

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Every true “epoxy” I’ve run into has been a two part mix. It’s hard for me to see how an aerosol spray paint could be an “epoxy”.
Watch the video in this link - Lots of companies are offering this system now. The down side is once mixed it has a shelf life of about 24 hours. Plan on doing many items not 1-2.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...yABEgKHBPD_BwE
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Old 02-22-2026, 03:52 PM   #15
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

Jim's link worked for me.
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Old 02-22-2026, 07:40 PM   #16
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

Quote:
Originally Posted by ModelA29 View Post
Watch the video in this link - Lots of companies are offering this system now. The down side is once mixed it has a shelf life of about 24 hours. Plan on doing many items not 1-2.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...yABEgKHBPD_BwE
This looks interesting. I would spray a large number of parts all at one time.

One of the reviews said it was "not very black". Has anyone actually used this paint on a carb that can comment on how black the finished surface is?

Thanks!
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Old 02-23-2026, 03:51 AM   #17
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

I just use engine enamel from the local parts store. Never had an issue.
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Old 02-23-2026, 10:15 AM   #18
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

This is what I use. HomeDepot.com
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Old 02-23-2026, 11:52 AM   #19
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim/GA View Post
That's odd. Works for me. Search for a product "PJ1 16-GLS Gloss Black Epoxy Spray Paint (Aerosol), 12 oz".
I just ordered the version in satin to try out on some carburetors. It looks like it might be pretty good.

What I've wanted to do is try black Jappaning on them, as they were originally done. I have my "stock" Jappaning mixture, but the carburetor pieces are a bit of a chore (and messy) to coat, so I haven't attempted one yet.

This is one of those things that's far easier when you're doing one at a time, rather than getting overwhelmed by boxes of them!
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Old 05-20-2026, 12:29 AM   #20
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Default Re: Zenith carburetor black paint

Lowes has that RUSTOLEUM Engine Enamel for under $9.00 It claims on the can that it is OIL AND FUEL RESISTANT[. It is a very glossy black paint and looks really great on the carb.
I asked BERTS in Colorado about carburetor paint and they said to use lacquer paint from HOME DEPOT. They said that enamel paint will not stand up to gas fuel.
I think that Snyders Model A Parts might also advertise carb paint, but the problem is that they have to ship it by UPS or FEDEX and that makes it a little pricy.
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