Recommendations for durable spraycan paint for engine parts

[Sambo42]

hi folks

A quick query - I've been painting most of my engine bits with the VHT spraycan paints. These have produced a nice finish but not very hard wearing and chip a lot. Even with good roughing up, cleaning, and then using 3 coats primer/3 coats main colour and 3 coats of clear coat.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a more durable brand in a can? POR 15 is a bit of a pain and the brush on finish is just not the same as a spray coat.

Or do I need to bite the bullet and buy a spray gun? I'm just trying to get things like alternator pulley wheel coming up nicely....

Sam

[AndyVAS]

Most engine bits don't do well with several coats. You want just enough to cover and that is it. Several brands offer engine paint that is self etching to some extent meaning no primer is needed. Also, you may need to heat the parts before painting to burn off any oils trapped within.

[Sambo42]

Thanks Andy. Maybe I'm overdoing the coats and laying it on too thick. The alternator pulley wheel I had sandblasted so it was pretty clean (I think) even of oil, so adhesion of the primer seems to be my problem...