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Old 07-31-2017, 11:41 PM   #1
Curt in AZ
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Default Polished and painted aluminum cylinder heads

I've always admired engine color paint added to finned aluminum heads. I want to paint my polished heads but not sure the best way to do it.. The ones I've seen look perfect, almost like they were dipped. Anyone know the secret? Thanks, Curt
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Old 08-01-2017, 07:58 AM   #2
rich b
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Default Re: Polished and painted aluminum cylinder heads

While, I haven't painted heads; I have painted between the fins on many valve covers.
Make sure the heads are very clean and oil free, mask the perimeter and run a piece of fine line masking tape down the top of the fins. Give them a decent coat of paint, after the paint gets tacky pull the tape and then using a rag, wet with thinner, rub the remainder of the paint off the fins, changing rags often. Works for me; but I'm sure others have their own favorite procedure.
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Old 08-01-2017, 09:30 AM   #3
19Fordy
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Default Re: Polished and painted aluminum cylinder heads

The secret is to do just what rich b said.
I used the engine paint Bill Hirsch sells 15 years ago. Still looks fine.
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Old 08-01-2017, 10:02 AM   #4
38bill
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Default Re: Polished and painted aluminum cylinder heads

Like they said, and with your heads already polished you should be able to get a very nice, smooth finish without too much effort. With polished heads I like just the top painted and the sides and fin tops exposed. My heads were not polished so I painted the complete head and then scraped the paint off the top of the fins. The scraping left a nice, shiny fin edge. I used basic rattle can engine paint and they now have a clear coat that works well to add gloss and protect the color coat. My flathead was painted 18 years ago and its held up very well. Many of the thick, super smooth paints seem to be too hard too me and are prone to chipping.
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Old 08-01-2017, 08:28 PM   #5
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Default Re: Polished and painted aluminum cylinder heads

Quote:
Originally Posted by rich b View Post
While, I haven't painted heads; I have painted between the fins on many valve covers.
What's a valve cover? (Actually, I'm not the one who should be asking that question.)
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Old 08-01-2017, 11:15 PM   #6
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Default Re: Polished and painted aluminum cylinder heads

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Quote:
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What's a valve cover? (Actually, I'm not the one who should be asking that question.)
Did you think I was referring to rocker covers?
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Old 08-01-2017, 11:41 PM   #7
Curt in AZ
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Default Re: Polished and painted aluminum cylinder heads

Guys, thanks for helping with my question. I'll give it a try. Curt
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