Here's an example of a write-up for the DIY section if it ever goes up! This is something anyone with a valve cover can use.
Okay so you guys don't need nearly as much sand paper as I got because I was originally going to polish this thing out to
look chrome. If you're just going to paint it I suggest some light sand paper to scratch up the surface and let the primer
catch on properly.
I used 80 grit, 120, 220, 440, 600, 800, 1000 wet, 2000 wet.
In my case it took a little longer because there was paint on it before, so, I had to sand all of it off first and the
3S-GTE valve cover is covered in ridges, letters, crevices, and little nooks all over (annoying).
All done with the sanding (FINALLY!). That took about 4 hours. Have a lot of water, cigarettes, and friends around for
moral support. So! Up next is the painting process. I suggest Duplicolor paint because it's never let me down. Get
high temperature paint for a project like this one guys, other paint WILL change color and if it's bad enough
even get extremely sticky. I've never heard of anyone's valve cover catching on fire because they didn't use high temp.
paint but I'm sure it's a possibility.
I also got this Metal Specks paint (flake) which actually looks pretty damn good. For those of you that don't know how to
use a rattle can, let me explain. Hold the can 8-10 inches away from what you're spraying, spray in a left-right-left motion
releasing the button as you reach the end of left and then pressing the button again on the way to the right, rinse and
repeat. Do light coats, heavy coats usually end up in big blotches of paint, splatters, drips, and uneven paint distribution.
Guys, pretty much, follow the instructions on the can!
Okay, I did two layers of Primer, 15 minutes inbetween each other.
I then hit the valve cover with the Metal Specks paint to get some flake and shine on it, I only did one coat of this.
Then I did three coats of red, 15 minutes apart from each other, and after the second coat of red I did a
light coat of Metal Specks again. After that has dried for about an hour hit it up with two coats of clear coat.
Oh and don't do this to your mom's tile floor (I got it off with degreaser and a hose, but it scared me!):
Enjoy.
Okay so you guys don't need nearly as much sand paper as I got because I was originally going to polish this thing out to
look chrome. If you're just going to paint it I suggest some light sand paper to scratch up the surface and let the primer
catch on properly.
I used 80 grit, 120, 220, 440, 600, 800, 1000 wet, 2000 wet.
In my case it took a little longer because there was paint on it before, so, I had to sand all of it off first and the
3S-GTE valve cover is covered in ridges, letters, crevices, and little nooks all over (annoying).
All done with the sanding (FINALLY!). That took about 4 hours. Have a lot of water, cigarettes, and friends around for
moral support. So! Up next is the painting process. I suggest Duplicolor paint because it's never let me down. Get
high temperature paint for a project like this one guys, other paint WILL change color and if it's bad enough
even get extremely sticky. I've never heard of anyone's valve cover catching on fire because they didn't use high temp.
paint but I'm sure it's a possibility.
I also got this Metal Specks paint (flake) which actually looks pretty damn good. For those of you that don't know how to
use a rattle can, let me explain. Hold the can 8-10 inches away from what you're spraying, spray in a left-right-left motion
releasing the button as you reach the end of left and then pressing the button again on the way to the right, rinse and
repeat. Do light coats, heavy coats usually end up in big blotches of paint, splatters, drips, and uneven paint distribution.
Guys, pretty much, follow the instructions on the can!
Okay, I did two layers of Primer, 15 minutes inbetween each other.
I then hit the valve cover with the Metal Specks paint to get some flake and shine on it, I only did one coat of this.
Then I did three coats of red, 15 minutes apart from each other, and after the second coat of red I did a
light coat of Metal Specks again. After that has dried for about an hour hit it up with two coats of clear coat.
Oh and don't do this to your mom's tile floor (I got it off with degreaser and a hose, but it scared me!):
Enjoy.
