Author Topic: Brushable VHT engine paint question?  (Read 512 times)

Online McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Brushable VHT engine paint question?
« on: May 10, 2026, 10:58:07 AM »
I'm looking for a suitable black paint for the block & cylinder head on my 400NA Superdream.
I know you can spray aerosol paint into a lid then use a brush, ideally I want to use paint from a tin for a decent covering.
I might spray a final top coat using a rattle can if needed.

Some  paints marketed as engine paint are fine for water cooled engines, air cooled engines run hotter so I need some pointers please.

Any advice/links as to a suitable product/supplier is welcome.
Anyone used this?
#
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114730440532?var=0&_ul=GB&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338575267&toolid=100034&customid=364973559386175217&loc_interest_ms=&loc_physical_ms=9192115&adtype=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2YDQBhD_ARIsAE1qeSd8bgwbJ5bnMK8F0tx_CH7ULtdxJNINNNi6OKvFm9v8ovScpRIgEmQaAvM1EALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAAo7SxrZKeF6ClRB6okZ9jlocuhKtN


« Last Edit: May 10, 2026, 11:06:05 AM by McCabe-Thiele (Ted) »
Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

Online exvalvesetdabbler

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Re: Brushable VHT engine paint question?
« Reply #1 on: May 10, 2026, 11:47:44 AM »
It used to be called cylinder black that I used on the barrel of my fizzie. Guess there's a modern equivalent around somewhere. Not sure what the finish would be like  though as it's intended for crusty/gnarly cast iron barrels.

Or have a look on frost, they carry a wide range of stuff not found in the usual sheds.

Regards
Dave.


Offline taysidedragon

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Re: Brushable VHT engine paint question?
« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2026, 12:45:00 PM »
Granville Cylinder Black in satin finish is still available from autostores and ebay, Halfords do their own version as well, but I've not tried it.
Gareth

1977 CB400F
1965 T100SS

Offline Rayzerman

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Re: Brushable VHT engine paint question?
« Reply #3 on: May 10, 2026, 01:55:46 PM »
For touch-up years ago on my Magna, I used barbecue paint that came in a squeeze bottle.
'72 CB350F, 2010 CBF1000FA

Offline Laverda Dave

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Re: Brushable VHT engine paint question?
« Reply #4 on: May 10, 2026, 02:11:50 PM »
I would be careful using a brush on paint Ted and especially black. The thickness of a brush on paint will be a lot thicker than spray on paint, will be difficult to apply evenly between the fins that could result in a thick coating close to the barrel/combustion chamber area and this may affect the cooling properties of the engine. Black will also hold more of the combustion heat in.
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Online McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Brushable VHT engine paint question?
« Reply #5 on: May 10, 2026, 04:56:34 PM »
I thought black dissipates heat better than silver, hence why car radiators were painted black if they are of steel construction.

In the past I've sprayed silver aerosol paint into a cap then used a brush for missed areas. Interestingly some feedback on block paints mention it being thin. Manufacturers say thick layers results in paint surface cracks.
Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

Offline Skoti

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Re: Brushable VHT engine paint question?
« Reply #6 on: May 10, 2026, 08:02:49 PM »
I'm looking for a suitable black paint for the block & cylinder head on my 400NA Superdream.
I know you can spray aerosol paint into a lid then use a brush, ideally I want to use paint from a tin for a decent covering.
I might spray a final top coat using a rattle can if needed.

Some  paints marketed as engine paint are fine for water cooled engines, air cooled engines run hotter so I need some pointers please.

Any advice/links as to a suitable product/supplier is welcome.
Anyone used this?


#
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114730440532?var=0&_ul=GB&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338575267&toolid=100034&customid=364973559386175217&loc_interest_ms=&loc_physical_ms=9192115&adtype=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2YDQBhD_ARIsAE1qeSd8bgwbJ5bnMK8F0tx_CH7ULtdxJNINNNi6OKvFm9v8ovScpRIgEmQaAvM1EALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAAo7SxrZKeF6ClRB6okZ9jlocuhKtN

Have used that Granville stuff recently that you linked to above, it brushes on well and seals up fine.

It's similar to cylinder black we used back in the 70s.

https://granvilleoil.com/prodInfo?pID=252 
Skoti


Motorcycling is Life, anything B4 or after is just waiting...

1976 Honda CB750F1