JayCC

Basically, I know its getting old hat now, but I'd still like to do some crackle black in my engine bay. (I'm not keen on chrome and stuff really)

Soooo the question is pretty simple really.

What can I use it on? I know people do header tanks and stuff, but is it designed for metal? I have a fair few bits made in plastic that I'd like to cover, just to change it from the norm.

Also, how do you use it? Does it need heat treating to make it crackle?

JamesH

iTrader: (21)

Yeah I used a heat gun to get it to crinkle up nicely!

darrenb16two

It crackles itself mate, no need to heat it up. Ive only done metal bits but think it would be just as easy to do on plastics etc

S1-Tiz

iTrader: (1)

ive done loads of metal bits in my cossie bay, rocker cover, header tank etc. I found it crackled better when heated. Same on a couple of plastic bits ive recently done. Although obviously dont heat that too much as it well melt/distort.

Also i wouldnt say its getting old hat you don't see that many doing it.

R4N SS

iTrader: (6)

pics ?

S1-Tiz

iTrader: (1)

Going to do my power steering bottle and washer filler neck next i think.

tejy

iTrader: (1)

have been wanting to do the same thing. been prepping my engine bits and pieces. will put some pics up once ive had a go.

Joshy

that looks mint

JayCC

Thanks for the input. Do I need to prep the plastic/metal with a scotch pad or anything before painting?

ram

iTrader: (4)

prep as per normal but no need for primer. ive done loads of plastics too

JayCC

Happy days! Thanks very much.

I'm still unsure about heating it though? Would a hairdryer cut the mustard?

BRAMMER

iTrader: (23)

I've done a few bit's on various car all metal though, the key is to get the item as warm as poss (within reason of course) and then follow the spray instructions on the tin and leave under heat.

You could well use a heat gun as i would say it should work pretty well, as would your oven in the kitchen - i used the oven in the bookshop and the outcome was pretty good but the 1/2 tin i used was actually 4 years old so maybe a fresher paint and the out come would have been far better

Doing plastic imo is going to be tricky to get the best of finishes, not impossible as long as the room is warm which isn't too hard this time of year or out in the sun light.

try something plastic thats scrap/ non important first as you wouldn't want to fuck everything up

The finish

Hycote wrinkle is glossy and thick but was done in the winter so wasn't the hottest room

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hycote-Wrinkle...item4399d3410f



PJ1 wrinkle paint is more satin which is the look i prefer

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PJ1-BLACK-WRIN...item5adbf3dd70

JayCC

Thanks brammer. A big help! Throw some more pics of the car up! got a bay shot?

PJ1 looks to be the one I'm going to go for. Prefer the look. Shiny crackle must be an arse to clean!

JayCC

Time to drag up an oldie!

Do ally Header-tanks get too hot for Crackle paint? (Bailey style) The PJ1 that Brammer suggested says it'll withstand 177 degree's, but unsure as to how hot headertanks get? I know they're FOOKIN hot!

Any ideas?

Danster76

iTrader: (2)

I got mine powder coated black with a textured finish. Doesn't look far off crackle and its durable and cheap to do.

Joshy

will be fine mate.

most parts of the coolant system wont see above 80-90*C