Paint engine areas Flat Black Or Glossy Black

[firebirdcrazy]

I put this in my engine detailing thread but since not many people went to it I started a new one. I bought all the paint and stuff needed to repaint areas of the engine bay especially above the radiator, and head light assemblies. The stock paint was flat black. Should I repaint them in flat black? or should I redo the whole area in Glossy black for better show quality? What do you think?

[WildBillyT]

Flat. Glossy will show any imperfection and that will not be good for show. Also, glossy will detract from any other shiny parts under your hood.

[firebirdcrazy]

You know the area where the hood latches in? I have seen that painted in Glossy and it seems to look nice. I wish some members would post some detailed engines that were painted in that manner.

[Featherburner]

The only reason it was flat black from the factory is, they were too cheap to clearcoat it at the factory. I think they look great with a gloss finish. This is a guy on another board that has an amazing car. I hope he doesent mind me posting it.

[Pampered-Z]

I disagree, go gloss. It gives the car a more none factory look, much more custom. Also when you use gloss ( and I also cleared ) it cleans up so much nicer. A little detailer spray on a rag cleans all the dust and such right off.

I sanded my engine bay: radiator support, fendors, firewall etc. With 600 grit before painting so I have a nice looking finish.

My new web site isn't done, but if you want send me your E-mail addr and I'll send you a few pics.

[Tru2Chevy]

Search for some pics of SmokingSS's engine bay. He just repainted and cleared his and it looks great.

::edit:: Nevermind, I see he already posted them in your other thread.

- Justin

[edpontiac91]

Clear looks fantastic, but you can also use SEMI-GLOSS. Make sure you get the surface 100% clean or you'll get fish eyes that will look even worse. I like CLEAR on the BODY colored parts and SEMI GLOSS on the BLACK colored parts. It makes the BODY colored parts stand out more.

[bad64chevelle]

Also when you use gloss ( and I also cleared ) it cleans up so much nicer. A little detailer spray on a rag cleans all the dust and such right off.

Thats the main reason I go with a glossy finish. On my 327 it blows oil from the breather under heavy acceleration and I just hit that with some cleaner and it comes right off.

[GrandmasterCow]

http://nordiccamaros.se/z28/z28.htm
look at his Camaro Z28 photos, engine bay is very clean and gloss black. looks real nice just everything has to be kept clean.

[firebirdcrazy]

Well I spent half the night in my garage last night and painted up the bad areas of the engine pat. I used semi gloss for those front bad areas and the ram air box I painted it in gloss black. I took before and after pics so as soon as I upload them I will post it. I did use primer 1st then laid a few coats of the black. So it came out pretty good as a do it yourself can be lol. Better then it was for sure.

[ar0ck]

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll41/1FASTSS/maris200061.jpg
(not my car)

Gloss all the way!

[HardcoreZ28]

Go with gloss black. And if the parts are removable I'd highly suggest powdercoating them for added durability and ease of cleaning.