Take back the keys!

I was wondering what people recommend to make their valve cover look blingin'.

I used some duplicor primer, paint, and clear coat that they sell at the auto parts store the first time I did it. It came out decent, but the color turned dark because of the dark grey primer I think, and it chips very easily when I so much as touch it with a wrench when I'm changing spark plugs.

I'm going to repaint it. I am not usually one to care how something looks, but I think the valve cover is the first things folks see when you pop your hood.
What are some proper steps to take so that the color will come out right, and have the paint to be decently durable and wear resistant?

Have Tony powder coat it.

If you do end up painting it, prepping of the surface is the most important thing. Clean the fuck out of it and then paint, it should have enough of a texture to accept the paint.

I cleaned it up pretty good. I'm thinking the paint will adhere better to a scuffed surface? I didn't sand the valve cover before I painted it, would this help?
Sorry if I sound like a dumbass, but painting stuff really isn't me.

Polish then clear powder coat. I wish I could go back in time.

Markdawg20 wrote:I cleaned it up pretty good. I'm thinking the paint will adhere better to a scuffed surface? I didn't sand the valve cover before I painted it, would this help?
Sorry if I sound like a dumbass, but painting stuff really isn't me.

Yes, if painting you'll need a scuffed surface. Not rough, you can still wet sand it smooth but the paint needs something to stick to.

Deviant wrote:Have Tony powder coat it.

Tony does a great job for a really good price and it saves you all the hasle. He did my friends valve cover and jesus it looks good. there is some pictures of it floating around here somewhere

Rb25Cory wrote:Polish then clear powder coat.

thats the way to go for sure. Still looks perfectly like new and it'll stay that way. u'll never scratch or mark them!