My 1895 MERY engine

[Jack3M]

I assume you meant automotive paint and clear? Heat may be an issue on them. I am considering powder coating. I saw one in purple powder coat and it was just awesome. Nothing wrong with ocd

 

[PhilL]

It was Krylon paint and clear. Both of them are too hard. I ended up using Rustoleum. It's softer and can tollerate hardware tightening and bumps.
I did several coats of that with sanding between. Then I gave it a light buff to make it a uniform gloss.
I've never done powder coat. I would be curious how that behaves compaired to Krylon or Rustoleum.

 

[karlw144]

Phil, did you use rattle cans or bulk paint and thin it? I just started to machine mine and I’m already worried about painting.

 

[PhilL]

I mainly used rattle cans and masking. I did get the mini cans of brushable for the details. I've always used Rustoleum on my engines and didn't have any problems. This engine I first wanted a particular color I found in Krylon. That was my mistake. The enamel paints are just too hard for this use. Use Rustoleum and you'll be fine.

 

[Jack3M]

As an itty-bitty side note, I have taken the rattle cans and sprayed small amounts of the paint into the cap for slight use like that.

 

[PhilL]

Agreed Jack. I've done that as well. I wasn't sure which method I was going to use for the majority of the painting. I was just happy to find the same color in both mediums. After I thought about it, that off white on the inside was brushed. Masking / spraying that would have been more painful.

 

[Jack3M]

Well at oh dark thirty when couldn't go back to sleep after the pit stop and maybe I will begin on this. Recently had another project that was just giving me fits and was getting that attitude where I should not work on it. So worked on another for awhile then getting the light bulb for the first project, and completing it yesterday with the exception of 4 pieces of brass trim that needs to be bought. So...