Preserving Bead Blasted valve cover

[Nicad]

What are my options for keeping the new clean look of a bead blasted valve cover. I do not want it glossy and fake looking with clear. If I do nothing will it tarnish and stain quickly?

Tia.

[esty]

you've stated your only 2 options...clear coat it or keep cleaning it and be prep'd to bead blast it again down the road

anything you put over the bare aluminum will alter its appearance from the blasted look

[slash02]

What are my options for keeping the new clean look of a bead blasted valve cover. I do not want it glossy and fake looking with clear. If I do nothing will it tarnish and stain quickly?

Tia.

Clear powder coat may work.

[Chamonix72]

They do make matte clear. That might do the trick.

[BillWilliams]

Alodine - clear or gold.

Gold is on my Alpina Box and valve cover

Clear

http://www.skygeek.com/henkel-alodine-1001-quart.html?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_content=henkel-alodine-1001-quart&utm_campaign=froogle

Gold

http://www.skygeek.com/henkel-turco-alodine-1201.html

[beammmer]

On my intake. Nearly matches the blasted level and doesn't corrode (white rust). Still looks good after three years. The intake is not as visible as the valve cover so not as critical, but it worked.

Don

[Nicad]

Alodine - clear or gold.

Gold is on my Alpina Box and valve cover

Clear

http://www.skygeek.com/henkel-alodine-1001-quart.html?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_content=henkel-alodine-1001-quart&utm_campaign=froogle

Gold

http://www.skygeek.com/henkel-turco-alodine-1201.html

Bill I also have an Alpina box I am planning on refinishing for My E9. Yours looks great. Is that a painted crinkle finish or a Powder coat?

[BillWilliams]

VHS or VMT Paint. Can't remember the name exactly

[eastsidebimmer]

I just had mine glass blasted, along with a second hand cannon intake manifold. I've decided to let everything age gracefully and just let it turn colors as the Bavarian gods intended.

[pkbinplano]

Clear motor paint. Check your local auto parts store

[jdt10768]

nt

[c.d.iesel]

just hit it with Brake Clean spray cleaner every 5 months

do not paint it or spray any other paint like substances on it

[jgerock]

Eastwood's AlumaBlast rattle can paint from several years ago. Still looks good.

When painted

Picture taken 11/25/2011

[mike472]

(nt)Clearcoated with POR15 clear

[Tommy]

I have exactly same targets. They say wiping with alcohol (denaturated spirit) is the best method. I use it to clean all the bare aluminum parts. Supposedly it makes some kind of invisible oxidation layer that preserves alu. I have experience only from a year, but so far so good.

Tommy