Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Another little update.. I've finally started to look at the prep work needed in order to paint the engine bay.....and it appears quite a lot....

It appears some ares of the engine bay have been primed others have not, resulting in flaking paint. some areas also seem to have a flexible "peelable' rubberised paint. I'll have to strip as much as I can.

What was originally used on the engine bay or what is mostly used now?

https://youtu.be/9Msb__MqAG8

Matte black, I think.

Matt black is difficult to wipe clean. Satin black is more friendly
Eric in Burnley

I used Car Plan satin black brush on. Works well and dries quickly.

I use truck bed coating paint from Dupli-color. You can brush, roll or spray it on. Available at many auto parts stores and Walmart. Spray leaves the best finish. Other brands I have tried do not work. Do not use Eastwood (they normally have great products) or Rustoleum.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dupli-Color- ... 52fbd9f910

Sorry you're right I meant satin...

I've done a few black engine bays in the past and tbh my personal preference is to use jet black base coat then egg shell clear, might require a better level of prep but it's much more durable and resistant to scratching, heat and chemicals.

Agree with last post. We did a customer Elan 4 years ago and although he supplied the black in aerosols we did a 2pack satin clear coat over it and it is still good today. Make sure you get a really good key to the original base or primer with the black. Not sure if clearcoat satin is available in rattle cans if you don't have spray equipment, though I know gloss is,
Have fun.