The varnish that detailers use on engines

[Beano]

I have seen car engines (usually in secondhand car yards) that look pristine because they appear to have some kind of varnish applied to them. Like this :



But when I smell it I cannot smell anything. Can anyone tell me what kind of varnish it is ? I am guessing acrylic clear top coat, but how well do you need to prepare the surface ? Because I imagine that unless it is spotlessly clean and dry to begin with, the final look will be awful...

 

[driven]

Poms have the best stuff. Have used this on my Villiers stationary engine project

Lacquer & Varnish :: Paragon Paint Products :: Stationary Engine Parts Ltd

Needs to be high temp.

Detailers just spray clear acrylic on. See underside of top radiator hose still dull grey

Do test first to see how long it stays "shiny and clean"

 

[Beano]

The longevity is what I am worried about. A test would have to be for a long time.

Perhaps my question should be : how long does it take till the acrylic starts to flake, peel, and look like crap ?

I didn't know high-temp clear existed....just engine enamel. I'll go down to Repco and Supercheap....

 

[baldrick56]

I was at a paint merchants in Sydney recently picking up some "weld-through" primer for one of my projects, also went home with an aerosol of 'clear coat' {though not high temperature}. Got this because my Merc 124 has sun damage to one rear fender. I have to say that {after rubbing down & 'liquid cutting'} it initially went on & made the thing look 100% better - but then I got too impatient & sprayed a subsequent coat too soon {at least too soon for the sub-arcticness of Katoomba, was going by what it said on the tin}. Now I've got dribbles {& the car's not looking so good either}, so will have to rub down & reapply - maybe in a couple of seasons :-/

I'm suspecting you may have to get onto an auto-paint specialist store, but try Repco / SCA - surprising what they do stock sometimes.
Happy fixing,
Rob

 

[dimistyle]

Don't they just use a form of wipe on silicone.
Awful stuff but makes rubber all shinny again

Sent from my SM-G900I using aussiefrogs mobile app

 

[pugwash]

Tyre shine may have similar effect ,i have used it in the black plastic skirts /bumpers on my vw transporter to good effect, but its short term ,pugs

 

[RI88IT]

Beano- try these guys:
Clearcoat Paints - Automotive Finishes - Paints & Coatings @PPCCO online shop
I've used several Eastwood paint products to restore a motorcycle and they have held up really well. I haven't used any of their clear coat products, but if I had the need I'd definitely look at this brand of products first.

 

[Wildebeest]

INOX spray.
Good for rubber, black paint underbonnet.

 

[Beano]

Some good ideas there. Thanks, dudes.

 

[pugwash]

I want to retract my post on tyre shine ,read the instructions ,i just did ,its seriously gnarly stuff ,wear a respirator and only use as directed , i will be in future, pugs

 

[geedee]

Have seen tyre shine used on the interior of a dunger and it worked wonders on the door trims and dashboard, as least as good as Armourall. Not that I would use either on my cars however.