When properly cured, enamel paints not only offer excellent chip resistance, they also resist rust and corrosion. They are also fairly simple to apply-either by brush, roller, or spray, depending on the paint-making them easy to work with even when your engine is still inside the engine bay. Ceramic is proven to be extremely effective in high temperature paints for headers and exhaust systems and can even be applied to jet engines. You’ll also find that some companies, such as Dupli-Color, add ceramic resins to its engine paint for added heat dissipation. Because under hood temperatures generally run between 250 and 300 degrees, a good engine paint is usually rated to handle temperatures up to 500 degrees-and beyond. In addition, enamel can provide superior heat resistance-a must for automotive engine use. That’s why engine paint is typically an enamel paint.Įnamel paints typically offer a hard, glossy finish and have excellent color retention.

According to Mark Eichelberger, Associate Product Manager at Dupli-Color/VHT/Tri-Flow, a good engine paint should have three characteristics: heat resistance, gloss retention, and resistance to chipping and flaking. And it has to look good, too-especially if the engine bay serves as a focal point for your hot rod or show vehicle.įortunately, companies like Dupli-Color, VHT, and POR-15 make paints specially formulated for engines. So what makes for a good engine paint? We asked the experts at Dupli-Color/VHT what to look for in a good engine paint and hit them up for some application advice to ensure the right finish. It takes a special kind of paint to survive under your hood.Įngine paint must withstand extremely high temperatures and be able to resist gasoline, oils, and other chemicals.

Painting motorcycle engine black