Painting the engine, gas tank, etc..

erickster

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I'm SURE this has been asked many times, but I can't seem to find it posted anywhere, and I'm lazy... haha..

what do you use to paint your engine and gas tank? Can I just use spray paint? I don't want to invest too much money, I've already done enough of that, haha.
 
You have to use high temperature paint that (preferably) has a ceramic additive to help dissipate heat from the engine. A paint that is cured by the heat of the engine.

Regular 'ole paint will melt, peel or flake off the engine at higher temperatures. Or even cake onto the engine housing. As far as the gas tank, any ole paint will do I reckon.

Myself, I have wondering how Anodized paint would look on an motorized bicycle engine:

http://www.metropartsmarket.com/autopaint/duplicolor-c9.html
 
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Gas tanks take more thinking. Gasoline is murder on the paint. I would just to throw this up there try an epoxy based paint.
 
Large is absolutely correct.

Epoxy would always add a lot of durability and longectivity to any project.
 
i heard they make some kind of clear coat, that is gas risistant. i dunno tho. never painted more than little stuff though.
 
i've sprayed my engine with the black paint with ceramic made for two strokes, available at canadian tire it was prbly 6 bucks for the can. It has lasted well against the gasoline. Tends to scratch if you lean your bike against something. Make sure your engine is cleaned with industrial grease cleaner first if you want the paint to go on well.
 
__Do you have access to a hobby airbrush pen? If you do, this is how I get around the gas eating the paint problem.
Ive painted all of my mini chopper projects. Believe it or not here's what I do...
__Smallest pint can of Gloss Rustoleum. 1/3 part Gloss Rustoleum to 2/3 parts of acetone. Yup, the acetone is 4 times more plosive than the gas and it evaporates 10 times faster. Gas dosent effect the paint because the paint isnt as potent as the acetone. The acetone seems to harden the paint, or chemically changes its base? 6 thin coats and the finish has plenty of gloss. Dries to the touch in 10 minutes. 3 coats of wax after 5 days.
__I havent dumped gas on it for hrs, but ive wipped it off after 3-4 minutes with no problems.
Im sure automotive paint may be better, but I dont want to pay $45.00 for a quart of paint. $40.00 for thinner and resins/hardners. Im just cheap! $12.00 and I paint the whole mini chopper. I only use about 8 tbl spoons of paint for the entire chopper. Good luck on whatever you do. graucho
 

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Powder Coating? Is it a "painting process" or what?

Could the engine and / or tank be powder coated?

What effect might heat and or gas have on powder coating?

How expensive a process is it?

Can it be done at home or only professionally?

Best regards,

Mike Lynch
 
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