Since the new engine i have coming is painted hemi orange i wanted to repaint the air grabber lid that same color.

The lid was powder coated gloss back about 15 years ago and is just starting to surface rust in a few small spots too.

I was thinking i might be able to rattle can paint it myself. What is recommended? Do i sand it first or just clean with paint and grease remover and spray way?? Oh and do i need to primer it as well before the paint is applied.

Thanks for any help.
Stu

Technically the orange on those isn't the same shade as the engine paint. You car is not a restoration so that may not matter to you.

You can paint over the powder coating as long as it's stable. Sand it with 400-600 and prime and paint it. Also, clean the heck out of it with hot soapy water before sanding it.

You'll get a glossier + more durable finish if you have someone spray it with a paint gun and some single stage urethane vs anything from a rattle can.

Visit http://www.automotivetouchup.com for awesome aerosol based spray products.

I had to do a quick job and did not have access to my spray guns and equipment. I ordered the basecoat and clearcoat (I opted for the 2k version which is really great). The results were incredibly good, I could not believe that they were done with a rattle can.

As a matter of fact, I took it to the dealership where we originally got a quote and asked the body shop to inspect it and they said there was no way that paint was layed with a rattle can.

It may be overkill for this project, but maybe not.

IF it were me, I'd strip off the powdercoat so I can start with clean metal and get rid of the rust too. To do that, use Permatex Gasket Remover in the spray can. I don't know what's in it but it takes it off in a jiffy. Paint removers don't even touch the stuff.

if you didn't have rust starting to come through i'd say paint over the powder coat..


since there is rust i'd get the powder off then prime and paint it..

not sure if you can get it by you or not but the local paint supply place here can put automotive paint into spray cans for ya.. pick a color, they mix it for ya and put it in the can..

on side of the can is a hardener the other side is the paint.. pop the hardener sake and spray.. works well especially for something small like an air cleaner lid.. can even do base coat clear coat..

did my jeep wheels with it.. has held up great so far..

Paint removers can take powder coating off, but you have to scratch up the top surface either before or while the paint remover is on the surface.

I have done a couple of old bmx bike frames this way and it it's messy as can be, and kinda slow, but it works.

OR ... you can just use Permatex Gasket Remover and the stuff will peel right off !!!

That stuff is great BUT just like 2-part automotive paint, it has a short pot life. Once you mix it you pretty much have to use it all the same day or it hardens in the can. So you want to get it right the first time!

Thanks guys for all the good ideas!!!