Engine Painting CAI

Painting CAI

My girlfriend got me E.L Prototype's CAI for christmas and I waas thinking about sprucing up my engine a little bit by adding some paint. Just wondering if you guys have any idea how to paint the piping for the cai (i.e. do i need primer & clear coat? what type of paint? is this even a good idea?)

all help is definitely appreciated.

what color did she get you it in?

Well I haven't actually painted anything under the hood. But from what I've read in forums, and seen at the autoparts store it's no big deal. I've painted numerous other materials, so I can help with the basic concept...<br />
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It's probably a good idea to use automotive high temp paint. Used for painting engine parts... I believe most of them are high gloss paint. So a clear coat probably isn't necessary. But if you want the extra protection from scratches, or want more depth, clear coat it. Not sure if there is a clear coat high temp paint. You would think so.<br />
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Painting... <br />
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You're biggest worries are:<br />
Slick, incompatable surface. paint not sticking.<br />
Oil<br />
Dust<br />
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Read the prep directions on the can of paint. You may need a primer... Primer just builds a base for the paint, and makes a smoother, stronger finish. If it's already painted you probably don't need a primer. just go ahead and scuff it up real good until you take the gloss off of it.<br />
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Thoroughly scuff the surface. Use some steel wool or 150 grit sandpaper. The scuffed surface will allow the primer/paint to stick well. Wash with soap and water, dry. Just make sure you clean it well. Try not to touch the area that is going be painted.<br />
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Get a coat hanger or two and make a hanger. Find a good place to paint. Hang it up.<br />
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If you ever spraypainted you'll know to keep the can back about 12&quot;, take your time, make even strokes, and light coats. <br />
Check with the directions on this, some paints dry faster than others, some will allow a second coat just 2 minutes after the first, some 15 or 30....<br />
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If you want a deep gloss, get some buffing compound and buff it.. car wax should work... I would let the paint cure for at least a week just to be safe. I'm sure the high gloss will look great without buffing.<br />
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Thats pretty much it. Nothing to it.<br />
Hope that helps!

It's like a gunmetal color...I believe that's the only color you can get it in now. But I wanna paint it a nice bright blue.<br />
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And thanks, Statik...I've painted a few things before, but I wasn't sure how exactly to go about painting this or even if I should paint it...I may just leave it how it is 'cause I really don't wanna mess it up.

If it is already painted, no need for primer. Scuff up the surface with a medium grit sandpaper so there is no shine anywheer. Clean it with a TSP cleaner (removes all residue, very cheap, like 2$ at a hardware store), rinse with water, let dry, apply multiple light coats of a high heat paint in the color of your choice. If you wish afterwards, you can use a high heat clearcoat to give it more shine/depth (and more protection from scratches too).

use high temp paint with or without primer and you will be fine.