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Valve Cover Restoration - Back to Black

Posted: Aug 30, 2014 12:01 AM
by M5ZEALOT
My old Ferrari Rosso wrinkle finish was looking tired. Went back to OEM wrinkle black today. I wanted to share this because I see so many people complain about VHT Wrinkle Paint online. Too thick, doesn't wrinkle enough, peels off etc. My last finish lasted 7 years before small chips appeared and started to look weathered.

The key to all paint projects especially rattle can jobs is PREPARATION! The whole painting took about 30 minutes. Prep took hours! Cleaning, sanding cleaning with solvent and cleaning again is key. I don't use primer for these jobs because I have found it inhibits tight wrinkling. Following the directions on the can is a must! Three thick coats applied 5 minutes apart in a cross hatch pattern. Curing in an oven at 200 F for an hour is also a great way to ensure tight wrinkles and proper curing. I'm going to miss the "wow" factor of a red valve cover but I think I like it. Going to get the plenum professionally polished soon.




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Re: Valve Cover Restoration - Back to Black

Posted: Aug 30, 2014 9:50 AM
by BimmerSultan
Nice work. I think it looks great in a more factory way now! What plug wires are you using?

Re: Valve Cover Restoration - Back to Black

Posted: Aug 30, 2014 10:23 AM
by Chimi-Changa
Nice work, and photography

My favorite tip for rattle can spraying is to heat up the can of paint for a bit in warm water. It comes out in a fine mist compared to the usual glob cloud. ( maybe not so fine with this type of paint)

Re: Valve Cover Restoration - Back to Black

Posted: Aug 30, 2014 1:25 PM
by leadphut
much better! nice job

Re: Valve Cover Restoration - Back to Black

Posted: Aug 30, 2014 9:13 PM
by M5ZEALOT
Thanks guys. Wires are Motorsport wires I ordered from BMP Design. I think they are made by Beru. Yes, I do heat up the cans before painting but only in the cooler months. It was about 90 F yesterday when I was painting. Good thing humidity was very low.

Re: Valve Cover Restoration - Back to Black

Posted: Sep 02, 2014 1:42 AM
by M5ZEALOT
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Re: Valve Cover Restoration - Back to Black

Posted: Sep 02, 2014 12:26 PM
by BRRV
This looks great. Mine is getting tired as well, it's been at least 8 years since I did it, using Eastwood wrinkle paint, topped with Diamond Gloss clear. Maybe I should just clean it up. I didn't cure mine in the oven, seems I just set it outside in the sun for the afternoon (we had a blistering summer that year - not so much this year). Rather than tape over the BMW script or the raised lines, I just coated them with petroleum jelly, it's faster and comes off with no effort. Mine now has one small chip in it. I think yours wrinkled more uniformly than mine did, so heating it in the oven might be the key. Great Job!

Re: Valve Cover Restoration - Back to Black

Posted: Sep 03, 2014 9:12 AM
by MicahO
Outstanding job and pictures. I'll need to do this to the coil cover on the B38 this winter. Given the season, warming the paint can and baking the finish will be a requirement. Thanks for the tips and the inspiration!

Re: Valve Cover Restoration - Back to Black

Posted: Sep 03, 2014 10:23 AM
by demetk
Nice, I'll have to do this. So what oven did you use, the one in the kitchen?