I'm using VHT flameproof primer and duplicolor engine enamel with ceramic. 2 light coats, and one heavy coat (of both primer and color).

The can says its dry to the touch in an hour and can handle in 3 hours.

It doesn't say anything about starting the car and it getting hot.

How long do I have to wait before I drive it because I'm not gonna have my last coat done until 3:30pm but I really need to go somewhere around 6.
​​​
If I'm careful to install it, would it be okay or do I really need to wait for it to fully cure before driving?

 

I'm really happy with the results, and I'm gonna paint the heat shield underneath the engine tomorrow. Hopefully it doesn't start peeling.


I kind of wish I went with a blue or white color instead but red looks nice too. Do you think the shiny gloss look will last?

 

Take a little bit of acetone on a Q-Tip and wipe it on the raised Honda logos.

Get some high-temp engine block “silver” (or black) and paint your exhaust manifold heat shield.

 

So, to "cure" the VC I always cure it on the engine, basically install it and drive for about 2 to 3 days and by then the smell will go away, and it will be cured. after that take a damp paper towel and wipe the VC clean and dry it off.

 

Should I use primer or just spray the black paint? This is what I have:

 

I’ll be honest, I never primed, I just shot it with paint.

 

Ive painted multiple valve covers for race cars with regular Rust-Oleum paint. I used to stick with the vht but I tried regular spray paint, and you know what? It lasts just fine.

Degrease/clean well. I always use primer on bare metal.

 

I agree on the VC, but for the heat shield, I’d use the high temp stuff.

 

Do you thinking it looks betterment with White dipstick handle or red? I did white at first then thought red would look better, but now I'm thinking white might have been better.

Either way I'm really happy with the results. Do you think I could paint the battery and distributor?



Do you think it looks better with white dipstick handle or with red?