Experience with engine paints

[Ecks]

Hi everyone,
I'm trying to decide which engine paint to get, I'm aiming for a factory-like aluminum finish.  David Silver stocks this paint from Autotek: http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/generic-accessories/part_224169, has anyone tried this stuff?  What were your results?

I'm tempted by the Simoniz (Sperex) aluminum engine enamel, though I've read that it requires ambient temperature to be at least 20deg upon application.  Seeing as that weather won't be happening until July, if ever, I'm shying away.  Plus, there seems to be a fair amount of obfuscation regarding what temperature that paint is rated to, something that should be printed on the front of the can in my opinion.

Cheers dudes.

[paul G]

Ecks,

                  I have used the Simonize one on my 400 4 and personally I think it is a bit too silvery.
It covered well and no issues with it yet but I only did the casings and head cover.

Regards,

[SteveD CB500K0]

Did you use silver or aluminium?

I see that Sperex VHT comes in "aluminium" - I used it on the burners on my range cooker...

Also, aerosol paint and low temperatures = crap finish. They are not kidding when they say 20 degrees. If you have to do it now, warm the can in hot water and shake well. Better still, do it in the kitchen!

[Trigger]

The nearest match to Honda engine paint, is Simoniz part number SIMVHT31C. The cheapest is on flea bay from NE spares at £20.99 with free P&P for 3 cans. A lot cheaper than DSS.
You can heat up the engine with a heat paint stripping gun or the wife's hair dryer. If you use a heat gun, just don't get too close. Put the engine and cans in the house over night too warm up to room temp.

[Ecks]

Thanks for the replies, guys.  Paul, Trigger, or others, do you happen to know what the temperature rating of the Simoniz engine enamel is?  Some forum searching has turned up figures as low as  120°C, which seems insufficient for an air-cooled engine.

Looks like I'll be bringing the space heater out to the shed.  Hopefully I can at least get ambient up to 18°, and I'll definitely have to take steps to keep the engine and paint can reasonably warm.  If I do end up going for the Autotek VHT stuff, I'll be sure to let you know how it works.

[Orcade-Ian]

I've been using Silver smoothrite (from Hammerite) in aerosol form for many years now on Hondas - everyone who sees the result says it looks like factory finish.  I did the engine on my 350 Four over 10 years ago and it still looks great.  I had a carb issue many years ago on that engine and there was a puddle of fuel sitting on the top of the crankcase.  I cleaned it off, sorted the carbs and it still looks untouched.  Like all of the other posts say though - it has to be thoroughly dry before use - at this time of year it's got to be assisted.
There is a bit on my site about it.
http://www.stallard-engineering.co.uk/stories/Bikes/Japanese/350four.htm
 
I have also done the rear shaft drive box on my 1500 'Wing which is a notorious bad point and that looks great too.  I recently did the crankcases on the 400/4 and they are looking good - but haven't run that one yet.

[bytio]

I have tried many, however by far the best finish and in particular resistant to fuel and oil is to have them stove enammeled, the finish for mine in Satin black, and others in silver is excellent