How to Paint a Valve Cover

by Anthony Smith

Overview

Engine painting can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your vehicle under the hood. This is important for those that are customizing or restoring a vehicle, and one of the best ways to achieve this effect is to paint the valve covers. This job requires some patience and attention to detail, but can be done by anyone that is willing.

Step 1

Remove the valve covers and do a quick wipe and clean with a rag. The covers do not have to be perfectly clean at this point.
Step 2

Apply a generous coat of paint stripper to the valve covers and allow the stripper to work for about 20 minutes. Scrape off as much paint as you can, then apply another coat of stripper and let sit again for another 20 minutes. Use a heavy wire brush to get the last of the paint off and rinse clean.
Step 3

Sand down the cover thoroughly with a medium grit sand paper and rinse it again. Give it a thorough cleaning with a rag and some Simple Green. Use masking tape to cover any parts of the cover that you do not want painted.
Step 4

Apply a first coat of primer, let it dry for 10 minutes, then apply a second coat. Paint the valve cover in the engine paint of your choice, with 10 minutes between coats. Three coats of engine paint should suffice. Apply three coats of engine clear coat in the same manner.
Step 5

Let the valve cover sit for about one hour, then carefully remove any masking tape. Let the paint dry completely.

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Simple Green cleaner or similar Rags Paint stripper Scraper Wire brush Medium grit sand paper Engine primer Engine paint Engine clear coat
Simple Green cleaner or similar
Rags
Paint stripper
Scraper
Wire brush
Medium grit sand paper
Engine primer
Engine paint
Engine clear coat