Today, as vehicle enthusiasts and enthusiasts of quality, we are spoilt for choice and excellence when it comes to engine enamel spray paint. We have numerous options available, from the most basic and cheap to the most advanced and expensive. But what is the best engine enamel paint?
Brighten and customize your engine with engine enamel paint. This durable coating creates a smooth, high-gloss finish that withstands intermittent high heat and resists oil, gas, grease, rust, salt, humidity, and solvents.
- Resists heat up to 500°F
- Gas & Oil Resistant
- Stops Rust formula
- Any-Angle Spray with Comfort Tip
For best results use a good-quality primer spray
This can be difficult to decide and often comes down to personal preference. To help you choose the best engine enamel paint available, I’ve compiled a list of the best engine enamel paints and their features. From the quality of the paint to the ease of application, you’ll be able to find the perfect engine enamel paint for your needs.
High-Temperature Resistance
When selecting engine paint, it's crucial to opt for products that can withstand the high temperatures generated by engines. Paints like VHT's line of engine enamels are specifically formulated to resist temperatures up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the paint remains intact and doesn't flake or peel off under extreme heat, keeping your Chevy orange or classic blue engine looking stock for decades.
Durability and Finish
The durability of engine paint is determined by its ability to resist elements such as oil, gasoline, and environmental factors. Ceramic resins are often added to engine paints to provide a hard, protective coating. For instance, a high-quality clear coat can add an extra layer of protection and enhance the gloss or metallic finish of your paint job. Whether you're going for a high-gloss, satin, or matte look, the right clear coat will keep your engine shining under the hood.
Surface Preparation and Primers
Proper surface preparation is the foundation of a successful paint job. Using a self-etching primer ensures strong adhesion of the paint to metal surfaces, such as engine brackets and transmissions. It's essential to clean the surface thoroughly and remove any rust or old paint before applying the primer. Once the primer is set, the engine paint can be sprayed on, creating a smooth and even coat that will last.
Variety of Colors and Applications
The beauty of engine paints lies in the variety of colors available. From the traditional Chevy orange to a sleek satin black or even a custom gold, there's a color to match every style and preference. When it comes to application, products like Rust-Oleum's engine enamels are designed for easy use, allowing both professionals and DIY enthusiasts to achieve a flawless finish with minimal effort.
Protection Against the Elements
Engine paints are not just about aesthetics; they also play a crucial role in protecting engine components from the elements. Quality engine paint will form a barrier against moisture, preventing rust and corrosion. This is particularly important for parts that are in close contact with corrosive substances or subjected to harsh conditions.
Summary
Choosing the best engine paint is a critical step in any engine refurbishment or customization project. High-temperature resistance, durability, and a professional finish are key factors to consider. With the right surface preparation and a suitable primer, you can apply a coat of paint that not only looks great but also provides lasting protection. Whether you're touching up an old classic or working on a modern build, the right engine paint will keep your engine looking like new for years to come.
Can we help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Engine Paint on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Engine Paint - Reviews
The Best Including Best Value
Product information
One of the standout features of this product is its durability. The finish, once applied, is built to last. This means that once you've used it, you can trust in its longevity. It's not a product that will require frequent reapplications or touch-ups. It's designed to withstand the test of time, providing a dependable and long-lasting solution for your needs.
Another impressive attribute of this product is its resilience against various substances. It can effectively resist oil, gas, grease, and even rust. This makes it an ideal choice for use in environments where these substances are prevalent. Furthermore, it's also resistant to salt and humidity, which adds to its versatility. This resistance ensures that the product maintains its appearance and functionality even in harsh conditions.
The availability of industry-standard colors is another significant advantage. This means that you can easily find a color that suits your needs without compromising on quality. Whether you're looking for a specific shade to match existing decor or equipment, or you want to try something new, you'll likely find a suitable option among the available colors.
Finally, the product comes in a convenient 12 oz spray can. This makes application a breeze, as you can simply spray it onto the desired surface. This eliminates the need for brushes or other tools and makes the process much more straightforward. Plus, the 12 oz size is generous enough to cover a reasonable area, making it a cost-effective choice.
Great paint when the instructions are followed. Great job for a catalytic converter.
As usual, some customers reported that the nozzles didn't work properly.
Our Thoughts - It seems to match well with some OEM colors. If you need to repair any imperfections do it before an hour otherwise the paint may wrinkle.
Very Good
Product information
One of the standout features of this product is its durability. The finish, once applied, is built to last. This means that once you've used it, you can trust in its longevity. It's not a product that will require frequent reapplications or touch-ups. It's designed to withstand the test of time, providing a dependable and long-lasting solution for your needs.
Another impressive attribute of this product is its resilience against various substances. It can effectively resist oil, gas, grease, and even rust. This makes it an ideal choice for use in environments where these substances are prevalent. Furthermore, it's also resistant to salt and humidity, which adds to its versatility. This resistance ensures that the product maintains its appearance and functionality even in harsh conditions.
The availability of industry-standard colors is another significant advantage. This means that you can easily find a color that suits your needs without compromising on quality. Whether you're looking for a specific shade to match existing decor or equipment, or you want to try something new, you'll likely find a suitable option among the available colors.
Finally, the product comes in a convenient 12 oz spray can. This makes application a breeze, as you can simply spray it onto the desired surface. This eliminates the need for brushes or other tools and makes the process much more straightforward. Plus, the 12 oz size is generous enough to cover a reasonable area, making it a cost-effective choice.
High-quality engine paint that resists high temperatures. Hard to believe that it can take a temperature of 2000F but that's what is advertised.
Paint can take up to seven days to fully dry. Can need to be shaken fully.
Our Thoughts - Some cans like many others we mentioned have defective spray nozzles. Some of these issues could be operator errors. Let's not forget that this is a primer.
Good
Product information
The product is renowned for its Phantom Black color, a shade specifically designed to complement all-black Mercury outboards and MerCruiser engines and drives. This ensures a seamless visual integration when used with these particular engines or drives. The cohesiveness in design and color adds to the overall aesthetic appeal, making your equipment look not just well-maintained, but also chic and professional.
The product is conveniently packaged in a 12 oz spray can. This packaging choice guarantees easy application, making it user-friendly even for those who may be new to maintaining their own outboard or stern drive. The size of the can is generous, providing ample product to cover a significant area. This makes it not only easy to use but also cost-effective, as one can go a long way.
Lastly, it's worth noting that this product is produced by Mercury Marine, following our stringent original equipment manufacturer specifications. This means you can trust in the quality and performance it delivers. Whether you're using a Mercury and Mariner outboard or a MerCruiser stern drive, this product is designed to optimize their performance. It's a testament to the commitment of Mercury Marine to provide top-tier products that enhance the functionality and longevity of your marine equipment.
Gave the correct color for Mercury black. Looks good like a professional job.
Some cans may have small niggly defects. Nozzles getting blocked but that could be an operator error.
Our Thoughts - It's a good paint that resists most engine fluids. It dries fast with a nice gloss.
Very Good
Product information
The first thing to note about this product is its exceptional durability and finish. It's a high-quality product that promises to last, providing a robust coating that can withstand wear and tear. The finish it leaves is also noteworthy. Whether you're restoring old items or adding a protective layer to new ones, this product ensures a clean and polished result.
Another significant feature of this product is its superior resistance to heat and chemicals. This makes it a fantastic choice for environments where these elements are a concern. Furthermore, the product can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees when properly cured, making it remarkably resilient in various circumstances. This level of resistance is not common, marking this product as a standout in its category.
For optimal results, it's recommended to use this product in conjunction with a primer color paint and a clear coat process. This three-step approach ensures the best possible adherence and finish, enhancing both the appearance and longevity of the coating. Please note, however, that due to certain restrictions, this item is not available for sale on Catalina Island. Despite this, its benefits and features make it an excellent choice for those seeking a durable and resistant coating solution.
The company offers colors to match vehicle OEM specs. Made to resist corrosion.
This can is slightly smaller than others, an 11 oz spray can. A small number of cans had defective nozzles.
Our Thoughts - This paint is made specially to take on high temperatures.
Good
Product information
One of the key attributes of this product is the inclusion of an EZ Touch Conical Nozzle. This feature ensures a smooth and controlled application, making it easy for users to achieve a professional-looking finish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time user, this nozzle design takes the hassle out of the application process and helps you get the job done efficiently.
The product also boasts maximum heat dissipation and high-gloss retention, thanks to the ceramic resins that can resist heating up to 500 °F. This means your engine blocks and accessories will not only look good but also be protected from high temperatures. Moreover, the product dries to the touch within 30 minutes and is safe to handle within an hour, allowing you to proceed with your project without unnecessary delays.
Finally, this product offers resistance to oil and other automotive fluids, ensuring it will not blister, flake, crack, or peel even under harsh conditions. This robust performance makes it an ideal choice for use on engine blocks and engine accessories. With this product, you can rest assured that you're investing in a solution that offers not just aesthetic appeal, but also long-lasting protection for your engine components.
Also works on suspension parts. Great colors to pick from.
No returns are allowed. Some reported defective spray nozzles.
Our Thoughts - Good brand that will withstand 500F degrees.
Good
Product information
This product is designed to restore the original factory color to engines, transmissions, and other OEM equipment. It's an ideal solution for those seeking to rejuvenate their machinery and bring back its initial luster. The product does more than just refresh the look of your equipment; it also creates a durable coating that can withstand various stress conditions, ensuring your equipment remains protected in demanding environments.
Impressively, this coating is heat resistant up to 300F and is also resistant to chemicals and gas. This makes it a superb choice for environments where these elements are prevalent. In terms of application, the product is user-friendly, drying to the touch in just 5 minutes and becoming tack-free in 30 minutes. This quick-drying feature allows for efficient use, saving you time while delivering a high-quality finish.
Good enamel paint can be used for many other applications.
The wrong color paint was delivered. The nozzle clogged very quickly could have been a defective batch.
Our Thoughts - One can not be enough to cover a 6-cylinder engine. You may need a high-temperature primer or two cans of enamel paint.
FAQ Section
Can engine paint be applied to plastic components?
Yes, certain engine paints are formulated to adhere to plastic as well as metal surfaces. It's important to check the product specifications to ensure compatibility.
How long does engine paint take to dry?
Drying times can vary depending on the product and environmental conditions. It's recommended to allow at least 24 hours for the paint to fully cure before starting the engine.
Is it necessary to use a primer before applying engine paint?
While some engine paints can be applied directly to the surface, using a self-etching primer is recommended for better adhesion and a more durable finish.
