This was a small side project that I did while performing other maintenance on my car. Much of the info provided here should be somewhat universal to paint matching other small parts.
Here is what I started with. The polymer LS1 intake manifold. As cast it has a number of blemishes from the factory and a overall rough finish.
PREP
Sanding first with 300grit. Sandpaper clogged up pretty quickly with plastic but a few slaps usually cleared it out enough to conserve some sand paper.
Contiued sanding with 400 and 600 grit. I didn’t go finer than 600 to leave a lot of bite. For the primer.
-Find a well ventilated area because this stuff is overwhelming!
An area that is clean and well lit with plenty of room around your work is also desireable. Keep in mind that most spray products call for temperatures above 60-65* Honestly my location only met the temperature requirement.
Make sure all surfaces are cleaned first with air if a compressor is available and wipe down surfaces with an appropriate wax and grease remover. I used lacquer thinner followed by denatured alcohol.
Tape off vacuum ports, PCV, EVAP, throttle body opening, ect. Anything you don’t want paint in. Threaded holes can be plugged or cleaned out with a tap or bolt later on
Then for may plastic polymer application I used an adhesion promoter (Follow instructions). A few gentle coats will get you a satin finish.
PRIMER
With appropriate wait time (read directions on your products) start to apply the primer in light coats first.
Use as many conservative coats as necessary to ensure no sagging or running until surface has a uniform coat of primer. Let coats stand for 10-20min to tack up, or as instructed by product label.
You may need to do some sanding to get the primer smooth as a good base for the color. Do not sand through the primer or you will be applying coats to cover damage. Make sure primer is completely dry. I wouldn’t reccomend going to fine with sandpaper here as you still want a bite. I would limit it to 1000grit
COLOR/BASE COAT
Next is the color! Try to have patience just like with the primer. Your ADD will result in poor end product. How do I know you have ADD? Cause other wise you wouldn’t be painting your intake manifold.
I did a few very light coats to get some extra metallic laying on top for that added bling factor…
CLEAR COAT
As you may have noticed the paint does not have a true gloss shine to it. Don’t panic. This is not a typical spray can gloss enamel. We will need some clear to duplicate the factory finish.
Again, refrain from hosing this down like a back alley rapist with pepper spray. light even coats will get the job done. One last heavy wet coat may be needed to get the gloss you’re after but be careful cause this stuff loves to run.
FINISHED
The finished product in sunlight.
And the ever important match!!!
