I just painted my valve cover and also painted the bolt heads that tighten down the valve cover. Of course while putting the bolts back on the paint came off some from the socket touching it. I was wondering how to touch up the paint on these? I used Duplicolor High Heat Engine Paint (spray can) and thought maybe I could get a fine paintbrush and spray onto some cardboard and touch up the bolts that way? I think it sounds kind of far fetched but maybe it will work? Has anyone else had any ideas or suggestions about this? Thanks in advance!

(Also, I did use the primer as well)

 

You could do that but why ? next time you take it off it's gone they're too slippery to hold paint(the acorn ones at least).

 

I actually don't mess with the valve cover at all. This was the first time I ever took it off. I mean sure my mechanic took it off to change the head gasket/timing belt a few years ago but that's all. I don't plan on messing with it anymore after this. And I don't think they aren't acorn shaped, the heads are regular looking hex (?) flanged bolts. I just want to know if basically the paint will stay wet enough on the cardboard to touch up the paint on the bolts, or if there is another way.

 

Another stunt is to mask off the valve cover with plastic and painters tape, leaving just the acorn nuts exposed. Then a quick blast with the rattle can and let dry for a couple of hours, remove mask and done until next time you have to tweak the nuts.

 

I was considering that too, I have masking tape and paper left over from painting my calipers so I may do that if the other solution doesn't work. Just not sure how far out to mask off to prevent overspray.

 

Knowing me, I'd probably cover the majority of the engine bay. Or you could use a large tube to surround the nuts to grab all the overspray.

I'm thinking one quick blast to each nut should do it. A toilet paper role would be too narrow in diameter. Need something about the size of a planters cashew can or so. With something like that, just covering the valve cover should be plenty.

 

it would look a lot less ricey with them left black/silver...

 

I thought of this too (leaving them silver/original coating) and they need to be replaced but damn they are expensive! I hope the bolt comes with the rubber grommet already on it. Don't want to mess up anymore grommets for that kind of money.

 

Consider an eBay type valve cover dress up bolt kit. Black or silver. Cheap and subtle

 

So no plans to do the required valve adjustments?