Looking for input/best practices on applying wrinkle black paint to an air cleaner.

I bought the Summit brand wrinkle paint in the rattle can and it worked good and stayed on for going onm 5 years now. I just prepped the surface with scotch brite and cleaned with a good surface prep cleaner.
Gus

Have it powder coated...


If your spray bombing, apply 3 medium coats, waiting 10 minutes between coats, put in an oven preheated at about 250-300 degrees F to force/cure a good wrinkle, let dry for several days/weeks depending on the brand you use... I've had good luck with VHT brand

Good info above. I also like to pre-heat the part - not too hot to touch, though - and lay down a coat of satin black first.
The reason for the pre-coat/ tack coat is so I don't have to chase a perfect wrinkle coat into a run.

prep the surface

Lay down even coats. Uneven coating = uneven wrinkles

IF possible, Set item over heat source like an oil filled radiant heater, kerosene heater on low to medium etc.

Stand back and watch it wrinkle from the center out.'

When the wrinklig stops, remove from heat source and allow to cool

I used the Eastwood stuff. A little glossier than the factory maybe, but looks good a decade later and tough as nails.

I just followed the directions on the can. As already stated, be sure to get ALL grease and oil off--you want it spotlessly clean.