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Projects High Heat Clear on Flat Head

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by HuskerNation, Nov 9, 2019.

  1. HuskerNation
    Joined: Dec 28, 2010
    Posts: 337

    HuskerNation

    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:
    Adjustments.JPG

    Head painted (before stripping it off):
    Adjustments.JPG
     
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2019
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  2. Petejoe
    Joined: Nov 27, 2002
    Posts: 12,264

    Petejoe
    Member
    from Zoar, Ohio

  3. v8flat44
    Joined: Nov 13, 2017
    Posts: 1,211

    v8flat44

    You might try Bill Hirsch products ? They do rattle cans, not sure of clear.
     
  4. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,025

    19Fordy
    Member

    Yes, if Bill Hirsch sells a clear coat, it would be great.
    His paints are top notch.
     

  5. HuskerNation
    Joined: Dec 28, 2010
    Posts: 337

    HuskerNation

    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:
    [​IMG]


    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?!

    [​IMG]

    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.

    [​IMG]

    Thanks, but I’ll never use their products again!


    Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
     
  6. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,025

    19Fordy
    Member

  7. Bigmac48
    Joined: Apr 3, 2017
    Posts: 625

    Bigmac48
    Member
    from Dundalk Md

    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,
     
  8. 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.
     
  9. Bandit Billy
    Joined: Sep 16, 2014
    Posts: 12,286

    Bandit Billy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Google's your friend
    upload_2019-11-13_11-18-56.png
     
  10. Rickybop
    Joined: May 23, 2008
    Posts: 9,606

    Rickybop
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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
     
  11. HSF
    Joined: Oct 25, 2014
    Posts: 225

    HSF
    Member
    from Lodi CA

    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.
     
  12. HuskerNation
    Joined: Dec 28, 2010
    Posts: 337

    HuskerNation

    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...

    IMG_0024.JPG
     
    olscrounger likes this.
  13. banjorear
    Joined: Jul 30, 2004
    Posts: 4,479

    banjorear
    Member

    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.
     

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