Author Topic: Current Thinking On Engine Paint  (Read 1474 times)

Offline Neilw

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Current Thinking On Engine Paint
« on: February 09, 2026, 10:34:54 PM »
I'm trying to find a solution for painting my 550 F2 Engine.

What's the current thinking on silver paint for the top and bottom ends?

What have people used that's been successful? Is a primer coat needed and a top coat lacquer as well?

Is there something available for people who don't have access to Oven Bake?

Offline SumpMagnet

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Re: Current Thinking On Engine Paint
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2026, 11:48:59 AM »
decent VHT paint. Never used a primer, just a couple of light coats to get adhesion before building up the layers.

VHT engine enamel spray

I was doing a 750F2, so needed satin black. Paint stays a little soft until heat cured. Then it's heat and chemical resistant.
CB750F2 - in pieces
CB900F Hornet - the daily transport

Offline DomP

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Re: Current Thinking On Engine Paint
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2026, 12:08:46 PM »
I used Simoniz aluminium engine paint,  really good finish
1975 XS650B
1976 CB550F1 current project
2012 Triumph Daytona 675

Offline Rayzerman

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Re: Current Thinking On Engine Paint
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2026, 02:16:58 PM »
Were those Honda Cloud Silver (as is my 350F)..... you can still buy it, or Duplicolor DE1615. 
Two light coats, I did not use any clearcoat.  Dries just fine with engine heat, but I'd let it flash off/cure for a few days first.
'72 CB350F, 2010 CBF1000FA

Offline anparkinson

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Re: Current Thinking On Engine Paint
« Reply #4 on: April 06, 2026, 09:34:55 PM »
Just done mine when engine stripped right down.
Everything apart from cylinder head and barrel vapor blasted then etch primer, solvent base coat sparkly silver (you'd be amazed how many shades of silver there are) then 2-pack tough clear coat.
Barrel and head in caliper silver good for up to about 250 celcius which exactly matches other silver.
Exhaust clamps blasted and painted VHT silver.
Looks great and still perfect condition after quite a few heat cycles and miles.
1978 CB550K3 rescued from damp garage where it sat for 10 years.

Offline Sesman

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Re: Current Thinking On Engine Paint
« Reply #5 on: Today at 10:26:32 AM »
Do a search on this site: “Simoniz”. The recommendation by Nurse Julie is the right one.

Offline Sesman

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Re: Current Thinking On Engine Paint
« Reply #6 on: Today at 10:28:19 AM »
Oh, and to get optimal results an oven bake is essential in my humble opinion.

Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
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Re: Current Thinking On Engine Paint
« Reply #7 on: Today at 11:52:00 AM »
Simoniz SIMVHT31D.
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new