You can get some really cool VHT paints - first spray undercoat then topcoat then clear (if you want).

I'm doing a blue anodised theme on mine.

But, looks like brushing an enamel gives a good result as well!

http://www.vhtpaint.com/anodized.html

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Regards,

Mike
"He who dies with the most toys wins."

I don't usually primer my engines before painting. The current engine has only 5000 on her so really can't be used as definitive example, but I've not really had a problem without...it might also keep the paint a little thinner, the thicker coats are easier to chip off I feel.

Still, if you're going to paint it with a colour on top, then it certainly can only improve the chances of it sticking better if you keep the paint to the minimum required..

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I had a cool effect once.

The water tap had started leak and squirted all the water out. I drove it out shopping without realising, then on the way home it started pinging really badly, got home, looked under the bonnet to find the oil and crap on the front of the head smoking as it burnt off

I left it to cool down, then when I looked, the sky blue colour I'd originally painted the head was green at one end, and blue at the other with a nice gradient in between

heres meenis new engine painted in vht "quick coat" black and supercheap 2 dollar grey... (high quality pic i know) all that was was a quick wipe over with degreaser.. plug up the holes and start spraying... no primer lol.. i dont think you need it unless your going for hot rod show wins

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Potato