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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Engine Primer Paint

Hi,

Just got the engine back from the engineers and I need to get it painted.

Once all the remaining old paint has been removed and the outside thoroughly degreased, would any of you paint the engine with a primer first before colour or just paint on a couple of coats of colour?

If yes, what primer would you recommend?

Many thanks

James

https://www.mgmidgetrestoration.com/2021/11/engine-rebuild.html
James Paul

I didn't use any primer. But I did follow advice that I got years ago which was to use an oil-based engine paint. The explanation was that the castings of a used engine will have absorbed oil over the years and that however well one might degrease the surfaces, the impregnated oil will continue to exude and contaminate the fresh paint. So use an oil based one that will tolerate this.
GuyW

Indeed - ignore the DIY products, go to a farm or plant machinery supplier and get something proper from there. I used Kramp tractor paint the last time I did mine, it goes straight on to the cast iron and sticks really well.
AdrianR

I buy my paints from Paragon Paints. They have more colours than you can shake a stick at including paints for machinery and workshop tools. Well worth a look.
David Cox

UPol works for me very well. A good basic etch primer which has a superior spray nozzle, leaves a good key for the topcoat, and is readily available. Check the temperature considerations.
Oggers

I've never top coated my engines, but have used primer on at least 3 of them. And my primer of choice, is bonda primer. Celly based, sticks, and doesn't burn off. But I don't think you really need a primer if using an engine paint designed for the job.
anamnesis

I use the BMC Mowog green aerosol from A H Spares. Covers in one coat, gets into all the nooks and crannies with a smooth gloss finish so good for painting rocker boxes too. Easy to use and looks original.
f pollock

Thanks everyone!
James Paul

This thread was discussed between 02/11/2021 and 03/11/2021

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