Painting an Engine after a minor rebuild - Best Practices

So I have my engine on a stand and I degreased it pretty well to get started. I've got a new sport cam, tappets, double row chain & sprockets, head gasket, seals, gaskets from brit-tek and waiting till I get it disassembled to source parts like new rod bearings and higher compression pistons.

What's the best process to follow to paint? Do you paint the head while it's off? Chain cover off? Mounting plates off? etc....

Just wonder what you guys do....

Thanks

I've always painted the block after reassembly has been completed. Only piece I've done separately has been the valve cover.

I think it's a personal preference and depends on how you're going to do the painting ie. brush, spray can, paint gun etc. I painted the head, block, oil pan, front cover etc. all individually by hand. That way when I have to take something apart (you notice I say when not if), I don't have to contend with joints that are painted together. I also don't like to paint the hardware either for some practical but mostly aesthetic reasons. Again, it really is a personal preference.

I was thinking to take your approach Earl. I'm not fond of black which is the proper color. Anyone care to post some pictures for ideas?

Purple is nice for the block...
Maybe a nice lavender or lilac...
Violet for the oil pan...
Tappet covers Schwinn Bicycle Yellow
Intake Manifold should be Hunter Orange
Valve Cover High Gloss White

Point being do what makes you happy, but do 'em separately

I would wire brush the block down to clean metal before taking it apart then break it down rebuild reassemble and then paint. It's much easier to get everything done when your not worried about where the gunk goes or disturbing a seal.