Hello People.

I just pulled my engine.. and while its out i want to repaint the engine bay.
here are my questions:

1. What should I use to clean?
2. Ive heard I clean before and after sand.. is that true?
3. Do I clean like every inch im going to paint?

Im going to use wet sanding with 400 grit sandpaper.. that seem good?
How far down do I need to sand?

Im new at body work


-Andrew

 

 

If you have access to a power washer will work good or a car wash if you have a trailer. I would imagine any type of degreasing soap would work. I have never painted my engine bay so I am not sure of the paint prep involved. Maybe wiping with acetone. There are a few on here who have smoothed out their engine bay and eliminated the clutter as well. You might want to search the forum.

 

it depends on how bad it looks. you may have to do some scraping to get the thick grease and dirt out of the cracks. then, spray the area with some purple power or mean green, etc... scrub it down with a brush and water if you can, if not wipe it down with some rags.

once you have the area as clean as you can get it, wipe it down with some lacquer thinner. do not use paint thinner! it will leave a residue.

400 sand paper should be good. sand the entire area. if the paint has any scratches or chips, you will have to sand these areas down to the bare metal. then, sand around bare areas until it feathers the spots down so the painted area feels the same as the bare areas. this will be easy because the engine bay doesnt have clear on the paint. (kinda hard for me to explain)

once area has been cleaned and sanded, wipe it down again with the lacquer thinner. you may have to do this a few times. after it's as clean as possible, then tape off the areas that shouldnt be painted and prime your bare spots.

once the primer has dried, block sand it.( sand it with a 800 fine grit) blow out the dust, wipe it down again, and it's ready for paint