I’m looking for a high heat gloss clear rattle can paint I can use on the head of a flathead engine. Originally I was going to paint it to match the rest of the engine and after putting a few coats I discovered the Hirsch paint I was using had a formula change & didn’t match in color or sheen. It wasn’t even remotely close so I had to strip it all off. Once off I realized I really don’t want paint covering up the beautiful head. Thus I’ve been looking for a clear I can use on bare metal/cast iron that can take heat, not yellow or cloud over time. Bare Head: Head painted (before stripping it off):
This looks interesting. It’s gloss. Haven’t tried it. Most high heat clears are matt. https://www.stovepaint.com/Products/AT/View/PID/1/Thurmalox-293-Clear
I’ve had the absolute worst experience with Hirsch paint products. I will never use them again & here is why: Example of problems with their brush on 2000 degree silver paint: Within a couple weeks of having this problem I ordered the spray can version of the exact same 2000 degree silver paint. I didn’t end up using the spray can until a few days ago which was completely the wrong color & the sheen went from high gloss to flat. When I called them to discuss what was going on they said “ we changed the formula”. It would have been nice of them to have told me because they knew I was working with the gloss formula to begin with. When I brought up the sheen was almost flat, his reply was, “all paint will dull with time”. Really... that’s his answer?! In addition to those issues, I was told that paint can handle 2000 degree temps which is why I also painted the exhaust manifold since it sits on top of the engine. It was properly prepped, blasted, cooked in the oven then lacquer thinner before paint. When I first ran the old car for 15-20 minutes, the paint on the exhaust manifold started to turn a burnt brown. I had my infrared thermometer on it & it only got to 325 degrees. Thanks, but I’ll never use their products again! Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
I'm surprised. I have used Bill Hirsch engine enamel with no problems. My thought was that if he made a "clear" engine enamel ,it would work just as good as his regular engine color enamels. https://www.hirschauto.com/ENGINE-ENAMEL/productinfo/EE-QUART/
I've used motor coater products most brush on ,on my 72 short bed ford with fe engine went on well , and seems to hold up but honestly haven't put many miles since paint was applied , I am pretty sure they have several clear products , wish you well,
Eastwood makes a product called "Diamond Clear". Crystal clear rattle can spray, withstands up to 600 degrees and is fuel, chemical, oil resistant. I've used it a few times, seems to be a good product.
The pros use catalyzed paint on engines. Specifically, hardened urethane, I think. Spray Max makes hardened urethane in spray cans. They have high gloss clear. I never used it. Might do the job. Sent from my VS835 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I've painted plenty of engines with automotive base/clear, candies and pearls. Never had an issue, doesn't need to be high heat. Prep is key.
Follow up: I finally got the engine together & have run it for a couple hours total now. The clear I painted the bare head was Duplicolor gloss clear 500 degree F engine paint. We’ll see how it holds up over the long haul...
I've been told this as well. Think about all those pastel engines in from the '80's/early '90's. Those were done with auto paint.