What is Motor Coater?
Motor Coater is a single-component, high-heat engine enamel that resists temperatures up to 500°F and bonds direct-to-metal on ferrous and non-ferrous engine parts without a primer. Motor Coater ships in 40+ OEM-matched automotive and diesel colors and self-levels to a smooth, spray-like finish even when brushed on.
1-2 Coats
Brush, Roll, or Spray
30 Min or 7 Days
Recoat Window
Motor Coater's ceramic resin system delivers a deep, mirror-like gloss that will not blister, flake, crack, or peel under normal underhood heat cycling. The formula is UV stable and exterior grade, so painted brackets and covers will not chalk or fade when exposed to sunlight.
Color formulations are matched to original equipment manufacturer standards across more than 30 automotive colors and 6 diesel and heavy-duty colors, covering engines built from the 1940s through current production.
Motor Coater is backed by the KBS satisfaction guarantee. Satisfaction guaranteed!
The KBS Motor Coater Engine Paint Kit
Motor Coater bonds direct-to-metal on both ferrous and non-ferrous engine and underhood components without a primer, including engine blocks, valve covers, brackets, and brake calipers. Motor Coater is rated for continuous underhood service up to 500°F, making it suited to parts that see sustained heat but do not reach exhaust-manifold temperatures.
- Engine Blocks & Heads — cast iron and aluminum blocks, heads, and valve covers on cars, trucks, and diesels.
- Brake Calipers — withstands brake heat and resists brake fluid and road grime; a common show-quality upgrade.
- Transmissions & Differentials — ferrous and non-ferrous housings exposed to oil and underhood chemicals.
- Motorcycle Engines — air-cooled and liquid-cooled cases that need color-matched, heat-stable coverage.
- Farm & Power Equipment — tractors, lawn mowers, and small engines exposed to fuel and oil splash.
- Marine Engines — boat engines and outdrives where UV stability and chemical resistance both matter.
- Power Sports — ATV and UTV engines subject to mud, fuel, and vibration.
- Home & Shop Equipment — chainsaws, home radiators, and generators.
Motor Coater combines a 500°F ceramic resin system with OEM-matched colors and self-leveling application, so a brushed-on finish looks sprayed without special equipment. Motor Coater resists oil, transmission fluid, and gasoline exposure that breaks down standard enamel over time.
- 500°F Heat Resistance: Withstands high engine temperatures without blistering or flaking.
- Chemical Shield: Highly resistant to oil, transmission fluid, and gasoline.
- 100% UV Stable: Exterior grade coating that will not fade or chalk.
- High-Gloss Ceramic: Delivers an extremely high-gloss, high-performance finish.
- Superior Leveling: Formulated so brush marks flow out for a smooth, spray-like look.
- OEM Standards: Color formulations designed to match original equipment manufacturer standards.
- Direct-To-Metal (DTM): Exceptional adhesion to both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, no primer required.
- Fast Drying: Advanced acrylic enamel formula for reduced downtime.
- Flexible Barrier: Engineered to never crack, peel, or flake under thermal stress.
Can Motor Coater Be Used on Brake Calipers?
Motor Coater is an excellent, durable paint for brake calipers. The 500°F rating covers typical street-driving caliper temperatures, and the ceramic resin resists brake dust, road grime, and brake fluid contact.
Motor Coater is used on automotive and motorcycle engines as well as farm, marine, and power equipment that needs a heat-stable, OEM-matched finish. The same formula that protects a show car engine also holds up on tractors, boats, ATVs, and chainsaws.
Primary Applications
Cars & Motorcycles
Tractors & Farm Equipment
Boats & Marine Engines
ATVs & Power Sports
Lawn Mowers
Power Plants
Chainsaws
Home Radiators
Motor Coater ships in more than 30 automotive OEM-matched colors and 6 diesel and heavy-duty colors, covering factory engine colors from classic muscle-car applications through current diesel production.
Automotive OEM Colors
Chevy Orange
Gloss Black
Aluminum
Ford Corporate Blue
T-Bird Red
Pontiac Metallic Blue
White
Street Hemi Orange
Fire Red
Ford Dark Blue
Daytona Yellow
Velvet Black (Matte)
Ford Green
Chrysler Blue
Cadillac Dark Blue
Race Hemi Orange
Olds Gold
Olds Bronze
Chevy Blue
Pontiac Light Blue
Buick Green
Buick Red
MG Green
Buick Turquoise
Chrysler Turquoise
Austin Healey Moss Green Met.
MG Maroon
Chevy Grey
Chevy Dark Charcoal
64-67 Rampart Red
68 Caravelle Metallic Blue
69-72 AMC Engine Met Blue
73-81 AMC Engine Blue
Torch Red
GM Corporate Blue
Diesel & Heavy Duty Colors
Detroit Diesel Alpine Green
Old Cummins Gold
Cummins Beige
Cat Yellow
Detroit Diesel Engine Blue
Cummins Apex Red
NOTE: If you want to see an exact color, request a color sample here.
Does Motor Coater Match a Specific Model-Year Engine Color?
Many Motor Coater colors are tied to a specific factory application window. Use the historical guide below to match a Motor Coater color to your engine's original production years.
| Motor Coater Color | Historical Application Notes |
|---|
| Chevy Orange | 1955, 1957-1975 V8 Engines |
| T-Bird Red | Red/Red-Orange OEM engine color (not body color) |
| Ford Corporate Blue | 1967-on with 302 Engine |
| Ford Green | 1927-1941 |
| Street Hemi Orange | '66-'71 426 Street Hemis; '70-'71 383/440 Hi-Po; '70-'71 340 |
| Race Hemi Orange | '62-'64 413/426 Max Wedge; '64-'65 426 Race Hemis |
| Pontiac Metallic Blue | 1966-1972 |
| Pontiac Light Blue | 1959-1965 |
| GM Corporate Blue | 1978-1981 |
| Olds Gold | '64-'67 330 CI & '68-'76 350 CI |
| Olds Bronze | 1965-1969 400 CI |
| Cadillac Dark Blue | 1949-1976 |
| Chrysler Turquoise | All 383-440 Big Block (1962-1971) |
| Ford Dark Blue | 1941-1948 |
| Chrysler Blue | 1973-1983 |
| Chevy Blue | 1954-1962 6 Cylinder & 1953 Auto |
| Buick Green | 1953-1965 |
| Buick Red | 1966-1971 |
| MG Green | 1945-1948 TC Engine & Firewall |
| Buick Turquoise | All 1942-1952 & some 1953 Spec |
Coverage depends on engine size and whether the vehicle uses gasoline or diesel.
| Size | Typical Coverage |
|---|
| Aerosol (12oz) or Pint | One complete automotive engine |
| Quart (Diesel Colors) | One complete diesel engine |
| Gallon | Multiple engines or fleet/shop use |
Recoat window: a second coat can be applied within 30 minutes or after the first coat fully cures, typically 7 days. For time-sensitive jobs, Motor Coater can also be force cured at 140 to 180°F for 20 to 30 minutes; this step is optional.
Pro Tip: Spray metallic colors rather than brushing them for the most even, factory-look finish.
Motor Coater differs from standard engine enamel in that Motor Coater bonds direct-to-metal with no primer and holds up to 500°F, while standard engine enamel typically requires a primer coat and is rated well under 400°F before it starts to discolor or lift.
| | Motor Coater | Standard Engine Enamel |
|---|
| Primer required | No, direct-to-metal | Usually yes |
| Heat resistance | 500°F intermittent | Varies, commonly under 400°F |
| OEM color matching | 40+ matched colors | Limited or none |
| UV stability | Exterior grade, will not chalk or fade | Varies by product |
| Application | Brush, roll, or spray, self-leveling | Typically spray only for a smooth finish |
Standard engine enamel can be the lower-cost choice, but it does not offer the longevity or the deep, rich color that Motor Coater delivers.
Motor Coater does not require a clear topcoat, but a clear coat adds extra durability and gloss for show-quality builds.
- Wait Period
- Allow at least 7 days of cure before applying a clear topcoat over Motor Coater.
- Compatible Clears
- DiamondFinish Clear or KBS MAXX Clear.
View Full Application Directions
Have questions before you buy? Find answers to the most common Motor Coater questions below — or
order Motor Coater now and get it shipped same day.
Motor Coater is a single-component, high-heat engine enamel rated to 500°F that bonds direct-to-metal without a primer. Motor Coater is available in 40+ OEM-matched colors and self-levels to a spray-like finish even when brushed on, which sets it apart from standard engine enamel that usually needs a primer coat and spray equipment for a smooth result.
Motor Coater resists temperatures up to 500°F intermittently without blistering, flaking, cracking, or peeling, and is applied between 55 and 82 degrees F. For surfaces that exceed 500°F, such as exhaust headers, manifolds, or exhaust pipes, KBS XTC is rated from 500°F to 1500°F continuous.
Motor Coater bonds direct-to-metal on ferrous and non-ferrous engine parts, including engine blocks, heads, valve covers, brake calipers, transmissions, and differentials. It is used on cars, motorcycles, tractors, marine engines, ATVs, lawn mowers, chainsaws, and home radiators.
Motor Coater can be applied by brush, roller, or spray equipment. The formula self-levels so brush marks flow out, though KBS recommends spraying metallic colors for the smoothest cosmetic finish.
Motor Coater typically cures to the touch in 2 to 4 hours depending on humidity and temperature. A second coat can go on within 30 minutes or after the first coat fully cures, usually 7 days; do not apply between those windows. When timing is critical, Motor Coater can be force cured at 140 to 180°F for 20 to 30 minutes; this is optional and not required for a normal cure.
No primer is required. Motor Coater bonds direct-to-metal on properly cleaned and prepped ferrous and non-ferrous surfaces. KBS recommends degreasing with KBS Klean and etching with RustBlast first for the strongest adhesion; a RustSeal base coat is optional for extra corrosion protection on previously rusted metal.
Motor Coater's ceramic resin system is highly resistant to oil, transmission fluid, gasoline, and other underhood chemicals, and is also UV stable so exterior-facing painted parts will not fade or chalk over time.
Use KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner for immediate clean up, including the spray gun. Always wear protective gloves; if skin contact occurs, remove Motor Coater with #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner followed by soap and water.
A 12oz aerosol or pint is usually enough for a complete automotive engine. A quart is typically enough for a diesel engine. Larger gallon and 5-gallon pail sizes are available for fleet or shop use.
Motor Coater offers 40+ OEM-matched automotive and diesel colors, including historical factory colors like Chevy Orange, Ford Corporate Blue, and Street Hemi Orange, formulated to match the original equipment manufacturer standard for each application.
Stacey David from Gearz shares about Motor Coater
