So after reading this thread about painting your valve cover - http://www.sr20forum.com/technical-information-library/150814-how-paint-valve-cover-header-optional.html

I was inspired to do so. However where I am, it's hovering around the freezing mark. The only place I have enough space to paint is in my non-insulated garage. Can anyone give me tips/advice about painting in these temps? Any special precautions or techniques that I need to know about?

Thanks,

Jason

I wouldn't do it. Painting under around 50F, it's not going to adhere or dry properly.

No cellar you can do it in?

No, we don't have a basement b/c the aquifer is very close to the surface. However, if I ever wanted an indoor pool... LOL!!

So you're saying that I should wait then?

It won't turn out right, so I wouldn't. However, if you can find someplace warmer, go for it. Make sure it stays in the warm place for a few days afterwards so it cures properly.

BTW, the paint on my DET VC is Tremclad. You can get a surprisingly good finish from a cheap rattlecan.

Thanks. That's what I plan on using except that it's Duplicolor! Nothing but the best at Canadian Tire. Maybe I'll go to Alex's place...he lives in the Banana Belt. :)

if you can find a place slightly warmer (insulated garage with a space heater. you can do this

what you need:
-propane torch or heat gun
-high temp paint (nothing crazy, a 500* will work just peachy)
-a bucket

-put the paint in the bucket and fill the bucket with hot water. i suggest doing that indoors and let it soak for a good 30minutes. hot water out of the tap will be just fine.
-use the torch or the heat gun and bring the temp of the valve cover up. dont go ape shit on it your not trying to weld the thing. just get it good and warm.
- go get the paint and go to town.

my absolute favorite paint is krylone BBQ black. its rated at 1.2k* and its tough as nails. i heat up the valve cover then spray a thin coat, dry it with a heat gun. spray another coat, then again dry with heat gun. spray one or 2 slightly heavier coats and again dry with heat and it will be an awsome shiny satin black.:biggthump

propane heater...heat it up...turn off heater...slick it out...air it out and blast heater to dry...that is if the paints single stage

keep the valve cover inside your house until its ready to paint. run hot water over the can for a few seconds, shake it, and keep repeating. [just running water over it only warms the propellant/paint by the surface of the can. shaking it mixes the warmed and the still cold]. take the paint and cover to the garage. spray a coat, take it back in your house. shouldnt smell that bad as it cures. just keep repeating. I do it at work sometimes, cant paint in the bays becuase of overspray.

Thanks guys!!!