FYI FORD MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum / Eng. bay finish?

**Posted by Ozblitz** 3/29/2016 9:06 PM

Ok, Shop I go to always uses a steel supply "ornamental black" for the eng. bays. I really think its very close to flat black. So, I bought a gallon of Gloss black (same brand paint) and mixed 50/50 in hopes to get semi-gloss. Well... Its a little more glossy than I wanted. I'm Considering painting the bay a 3rd time so, should I try 70% flat and 30% gloss or 80% flat and 20% gloss?

**Posted by jerseyjoe** 3/30/2016 6:56 AM

The industry standard...SEM Trim Black 39143..flat semi gloss .easy tuch up, blends perfectlt every time..I know ,I know, your buddy's have something better..friends this is the one you want.....jj

Last edited by jerseyjoe (3/30/2016 7:05 AM)

**Posted by Ozblitz** 3/30/2016 7:07 AM

Thanks JJ, but I still have 2 gallons Of black

**Posted by jerseyjoe** 3/30/2016 7:13 AM

Ozblitz wrote:
Thanks JJ, but I still have 2 gallons Of black

Go to a auto paint supply store they can put a flattening agent in it for you..no need to mix half and half....good luck.....jj

**Posted by DBROWN** 3/30/2016 9:47 AM

Mix small amounts in a dixie cup usings a tablespoon. since 50/50 was too glossy , mix one tbls. gloss to 2 flat. At the same time mix one 1 to 3, one 1 to 4. Spray out with a touch up gun if you have one and see if it gives you the sheen you want. Don't test on your engine bay until you get it right.

**Posted by MS** 3/31/2016 7:49 PM

All of that mixing guarantees you will never match that color it you ever need to. Luckily black is pretty forgiving, especially under the hood.

I used to use Rustoleum 7777 but they changed it in the last couple of years.

My new favorite, which is JUST RIGHT is VHT chassis and roll bar black. Perfect satin, dries fast and touch ups match perfectly.

**Posted by terry** 4/01/2016 5:32 AM

My buddy that owns a body shop says you can use a ordinary household product to flatten that, problem is I cant remember what it is. I'm thinking corn starch! I'll find out later and let you know! but JJ was right they do sell a flattening agent!! we repainted the gas tank on a 31 model A a couple years ago and he was able to get it to match PERFECTLY!!

**Posted by Ozblitz** 4/01/2016 8:23 PM

I'll find out tomorrow how 70/30 vs. 80/20 come out. I'll do some small test mixing with a paint mixing cup to get right measurements. Will keep you posted.

Last edited by Ozblitz (4/01/2016 8:24 PM)

**Posted by terry** 4/02/2016 5:54 AM

Corn starch it is! he said you just have to mix mix mix mix and then mix some more. the more starch you put the duller it gets

**Posted by Rudi** 4/05/2016 4:26 PM

Corn Starch!!!! OMG the engine bay is gonna smell like your wife's kitchen oven.

**Posted by True74yamaha** 4/09/2016 9:22 AM

go the nearest autobody supply and get a flattening agent for the paint. Thay or use SEM trim black or rustoleum satin 7777.

**Posted by Hornman** 4/11/2016 9:29 PM

Not corn starch! Talcum powder!