painting 2az-fe plastic engine cover

[CharmCityES]

i decided that i want to paint the plastic engine cover on my 2az silver instead of the standard black....i was considering this today, and since im sure someone here has painted the engine cover, i was wondering a few things that you guys might be able to help me with
1. what type of paint would i need?
2. would i need to sand/primer before i paint?
any help is appreciated as usual!

[LE05]

i haven't painted the engine cover myself, but i have painted plastic before:

1. i would use paint that can withstand the engine heat, probably engine enamel paint or something similar
2. if you want the paint to last, i would definitely sand and primer before painting

[Engineer2048]

To add to LE05's post: degrease thoroughly, then dry, sand with 320-grit sandpaper, prime, then paint. Not to insult you by any means, but several thin coats of paint will give you a longer-lasting job than trying to cover in one coat. Good luck, and please post pictures of the result.

[CharmCityES]

thanks for your help everyone....i will definitly be painting it next weekend, and i will post pictures of the finished product

[importcars]

Originally Posted by CorCamrySE

thanks for your help everyone....i will definitly be painting it next weekend, and i will post pictures of the finished product

look forward gl

[TRD VVTi]

I've considered painting mine Lunar Mist to match my car for some time now.

I agree that you will need to sand it first. Primer will definetely help also.

Hurry up so I can see some pics...

[JustAnotherAsian]

speaking of painting covers... has anyone clearcoated their stock cover (without paint)? i actually really like the red and silver letters on black (which happens to by my favorite color next to silver and red lol). i'm just wondering what the steps are to make the cover really glossy. so i assume...

light sand >>> clean and alcohol >>> light coats of clearcoat?

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by JustAnotherAsian

speaking of painting covers... has anyone clearcoated their stock cover (without paint)? i actually really like the red and silver letters on black (which happens to by my favorite color next to silver and red lol). i'm just wondering what the steps are to make the cover really glossy. so i assume...

light sand >>> clean and alcohol >>> light coats of clearcoat?

If you sand the plastic and clearcoat it, you will be able to see where you sanded.

If you want it to look glossy but otherwise the same you should just clean it and clearcoat.

[Netforcer]

don't forget to mask off letters and areas you don't want painted

[JustAnotherAsian]

Originally Posted by TRD VVTi

If you sand the plastic and clearcoat it, you will be able to see where you sanded.

If you want it to look glossy but otherwise the same you should just clean it and clearcoat.

^ok. that makes sense. thanks.