Valve Cover Prep and Paint

[gmcthunder]

I am looking to replace the valve cover gaskets on my 85 GMC and would like to paint the old valve covers.  Any suggestions on how to properly prep and paint them?  Any suggestions on valve cover gasket replacement, prep and paint of the covers would be helpful.  Thanks in advance!

[bake74]

      What are your valve covers that you want to paint made out of ?  That will depend on how you paint them.

[gmcthunder]

bake74 I am not 100% certain but I believe they are the OEM valve covers.  I am assuming they are steel.

[bake74]

     If they are just steel, then either way you paint them (rattle can or spray gun), prep is going to be your best friend.  I would suggest you clean them very well and wash with a soap made to remove grease and oil. 
     I have always had the best luck if I rattled can something to use a product that will actually etch the metal before applying the primer.  Ecthing the metal will allow the primer to adhere better, since you are not using a hardener like with a air spray gun type.  You can find all kinds of products sold at auto/paint places in rattle cans that will etch the metal.

[gmcthunder]

Thanks for the tip.