Motor Coater Engine Paint: High-Heat Enamel Rated to 500°F with 40+ OEM Colors

Motor Coater is specifically formulated to be brushed on. Its advanced self-leveling formula flows out so brush marks disappear completely, producing a smooth, spray-like professional finish.

It can also be applied by foam roller or sprayed at 35–45 psi for siphon/pot guns and 25–35 psi for gravity/top-container guns. A 12oz aerosol is also available for fast, no-setup application on smaller areas or touch-ups.

For a typical automotive engine, a 12oz aerosol or a pint (16oz) is usually enough for complete coverage of the entire engine block.

For diesel engines, a quart is generally sufficient. If you are painting additional components — such as the transmission, valve covers, or brake calipers — consider getting extra to ensure full coverage without running short.

Yes. Motor Coater is highly resistant to oil, transmission fluid, gasoline, and other common underhood chemicals. Its ceramic resin system forms a tough, rock-hard barrier that protects against drips and spills that would break down ordinary engine enamels.

This chemical resistance also makes it an excellent choice for brake calipers exposed to brake dust, road chemicals, and heat cycling.

Yes — Motor Coater is 100% UV stable and rated as an exterior-grade coating. It will not discolor, chalk, or fade when exposed to sunlight and the elements.

This makes it an excellent choice not just for engine bays, but also for farm equipment, marine engines, ATVs, home radiators, lawn mowers, and any application where the coated surface will see sunlight.

Surfaces must be clean, dry, and properly prepped before application. Start by wire brushing or sanding to a solid profile — 320-grit sandpaper works well. Then degrease thoroughly with KBS Klean to remove all grease, oil, and contaminants.

For surfaces with active rust, apply RustBlast full-strength for 10–40 minutes depending on rust level, then allow to fully dry. An optional base coat of RustSeal (two thin coats, 8-hour cure) adds corrosion protection beneath Motor Coater. Apply Motor Coater at ambient temperatures between 55°F and 82°F for best results.

Yes — Motor Coater is an excellent choice for brake calipers. It bonds directly to metal, withstands the heat cycling calipers experience, resists brake dust and road chemicals, and its self-leveling formula delivers a clean, professional-looking finish even on complex caliper shapes.

Motor Coater is a high-solids engine enamel rated for temperatures up to 500°F intermittently. It is designed for engine blocks, transmissions, brake calipers, and underhood components. It offers OEM color matching, a high-gloss finish, and is 100% UV stable.

KBS XTC is formulated for extreme-heat surfaces operating from 500°F to 1,200°F, such as exhaust headers, manifolds, and exhaust pipes. XTC is the right product for anything on the exhaust side; Motor Coater handles everything else.

Primer is optional but recommended for best long-term results. Motor Coater can be applied direct-to-metal on properly prepped bare ferrous and non-ferrous metal surfaces.

For older engines, previously rusted surfaces, or projects where maximum corrosion protection is the priority, apply two thin coats of RustSeal as a primer base and allow 8 hours to cure before topcoating with Motor Coater.

Motor Coater dries to touch in 2–4 hours depending on humidity levels. For a second coat, recoat within 30 minutes of the first coat — or wait at least 7 days.

Two thin coats are always better than one heavy coat; applying Motor Coater too thick can cause wrinkling. If you plan to topcoat with DiamondFinish Clear, allow a minimum 7-day full cure before applying the clear coat.

Yes. Motor Coater is available in over 40 colors formulated to match original OEM engine colors, including Chevy Orange, Ford Corporate Blue, Street Hemi Orange, Pontiac Metallic Blue, GM Corporate Blue, Cadillac Dark Blue, and many others. Diesel-specific colors include Detroit Diesel Alpine Green, Old Cummins Gold, Cummins Apex Red, and Cat Yellow.

Color formulations are designed to meet OEM standards. If you want to verify an exact color before ordering, you can request a free painted-out color sample from KBS Coatings.