I was inspired by another post and thought I would attempt painting my engine cover.

Shopping List (Home Depot)
- 3M Scuff Pad
- Acetone - Clean after scuffing
- Rust-Oleum Professional Primer
- Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Enamel Gloss Safety Red

Steps
1. To remove, simply lift up from the front to release
2. Remove 0W30 sticker in the lower left corner and remove glue residue
3. Clean with degreaser and rise clean
4. Dry throughly, CAUTION NOTE - excess water will be hiding under the Mini badge, try using a leaf blower to ensure all water is gone
5. Tape over the Mini emblem, use razor to cut away excess ensuring the edges are covered CAUTION NOTE - check to ensure the tape edge is not touching the engine cover, this will create a blemish when pulling tape off
6. Use scuff pad to create a slightly hazy surface for the primer to bond
7. Apply primer following directions on the label, I applied 4 coats
8. Apply paint following directions on the label, I applied 6 coats
9. Allow to dry
10. After dry time, use the edge of the razor to CAREFULLY pick off the tape, a second pair of hands work great!
11. Follow paint can instructions to allow time to dry before reinstalling

NOTE: This is my first attempt at painting something and was amazed at how well it turned out. I fully expected the need to wet sand to get a smooth finish.

I hope this is helpful to anyone interested in adding some color under the hood.

Cheers!

Before

After scuff pad

After several coats of primer

After a couple of coats of paint

Last spray

Final look after drying

Final product and supplies used

 

Looks great!

 

Yeah, that actually looks really good. Nice job!

 

Looks great Let's see a pic installed

 

I know this thread is 10 months old but do you have any photos of this in your engine bay?