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Toyota Camry: How to Paint Your Engine Cover

Add a jolt of color to your engine by painting the heat shield in your Toyota Camry with engine enamel.

By Charlie Gaston - July 31, 2015

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2011).

The purpose of a heat shield is to protect or "shield" your engine from harmful, excessive heat. Constructed from a layer of plastic resin, the heat shield is not the most attractive part under the hood of your car. However, you can spruce it up with a layer of paint. The job takes about a day to complete, including the necessary drying time. Read on to learn how to achieve a burst of color underneath the hood of your car!

Materials Needed

  • Brake cleaner
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Sponge or bristled brush (optional)
  • VHT enamel primer
  • VHT enamel color

Step 1 – Remove upper heat shield

This can be done by quickly removing the screws located along the upper and lower portion of the heat shield. They are easy to spot, as they hold the heat shield in place and are not obstructed by other components or covers. Check to the right and left of the heat shield, moving from top to bottom (or bottom to top), unscrewing each screw as you go.

Figure 1. This is what the heat shield looks like.

Step 2 – Clean heat shield

Using a high-quality, non-abrasive brake cleaner, clean the heat shield entirely. Wipe away any excess cleaner using a clean microfiber cloth.

Pro Tip

Be sure to give the brake shield a good scrubbing. For tough grime, use a bristled brush or sponge. Allow the product to set for several minutes before wiping it away.

Step 3 – Prep surface

Apply a liberal amount of VHT Engine Enamel (primer) to the surface of the heat shield using a steady, overlapping motion. Apply two additional coatings when you are done. Allow each coat to settle for several minutes before applying the next.

Step 4 – Add paint

Using the same steady, overlapping motion, apply four coats of VHT enamel in the color of your choice. Allow the paint to dry overnight.

Figure 2. How about fire engine red?

Step 5 – Complete project

Re-install the heat shield the next day or once the surface has had sufficient time to completely dry.

Figure 3. See the incredible "before" and "after" results.

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