i have a 88 crx si with a 1st gen b16 that i am restoring and i just got done sanding the valve cover i wanted to paint it black with red letters and i wanted to know if i have to put a primer on it or do i just spray the heat resistant paint on it and was wanting on a opinion on the color im choosing for it a black with a red pearl to give it a flashy look

 

I would definitely prime it, as for the colors your chosing, that's all personal preference and if you like it then go for it... Its YOUR car. IMO I wouldn't chose those colors but that's just me. I'm getting ready to do a write up on paint and body steps and will be using house of kolors flamenco black pearl and substituting the white pearl in the mix with 6 grams of deep blue pearl. That's just me though, if someone doesn't like it, then its not my problem since its my car lol

 

Primer doesn't seem to be necessary on valve covers. Many people don't use it. I sprayed mine straight on with high-temp Duplicolor engine paint (from a can), but it's not been on long enough for me to say anything about durability.

 

there was a great article in Project Car recently about powder coating with a mini oven. Perfect size for a valve cover. If I were you I would go check out their website to see if they have a more in depth write up on it. Guaranteed to be step by step. Good Luck!

 

^^^ X2! Powder coating truly is the way to go if its something you can afford. It does tend to get pricy depending on color choice, number of colors and work involved. I used to do powder coating and there's so many color possibilities, its absolutely crazy! Anytime someone wants me to paint wheels, calipers, etc... I always talk them into powder coating and they are always 150% satisfied. If its not in your budget then high temp rattle can is what u want, but like I said before I would prime it, but that's just me. I know people who have had success without priming and lasted a good while before needing to be resprayed. Good luck dude!