painting valve covers

[Jokester]

I'm wanting to paint between the fins on my Cal Custom covers.  I'm using regular car paint, not rattle cans.  

Do I need to use primer?

thx,

.bjb

[Carnut]

Dunno, but these valve covers were painted with Chevy Orange Rattle Can Engine Paint in 1989 with no primer.



Seems to still be holding up well.

[rumrumm]

I would use some epoxy primer under the paint since it is aluminum. The paint will stick much better.

[enjenjo]

I have done it both ways, primer seems to reduce chipping. I use PPG DP40 LF

[Jokester]

Thank you gentlemen.

.bjb