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So i decided to paint my valve cover on my Nissan 240sx, but this process can be applied to almost any object. It is a relatively simple task and requires very few items to complete. All you need are:

--Primer

--Black Spray Paint (semi-or flat, i used flat)

--Dark Silver Spray Paint (I used a Charcoal color)

--Jointers Tape (this is used for sheet rocking, and can be found at any hardware store)

--Clear Coat Spray Paint (not pictured)

The most important step in any painting project is the preperation! Make sure that you clean the object completely to ensure that the paint will make a good contact. I used a wire wheel to clean all the oil that has built up on the valve cover over the years. This worked really well, i also made sure to wipe the cover down with some rubbing alcohol to remove any oils that came off my hands.

Next make sure to cover up anything that you do not want to get paint on, or to have the carbon fiber pattern with masking tape. A razor blade makes for a quick and easy way to get the tape where you want it and trim the excess precisely.

Next find a place to paint your object, i just used my front steps, but be careful of over spray, anything you dont cover up, will get dusted. I was pressure washing my driveway the following day so i didnt mind a little overspray, but putting down a piece of newspaper but make sure to secure the edges incase a wind comes through, you would hate to have the news paper hit the wet paint and ruin your finished product.

Now apply a few even coats of primer to your project. I used 3 coats and it covered the valve cover very well. Then let the paint dry for about a half hour or until dry. Make sure to do light coats to avoid running. Its better to apply several light coats rather than one thick one.

Next apply a few even coats of black to your project. I used 4 coats and it covered the valve cover very well. Again, let the paint dry for about a half hour or until dry. Make sure to do light coats to avoid running.

Heres the valve cover after the 4 coats and after it had dried. As long as the project looks good and is dry enough to handle you can move onto the next step. I waited 12 hours before moving to the next step, but depending on your application this could be a shorter time.

Heres when patience comes into play. Depending on how many curves you have this part could get complicated, but make sure you take your time!!! This will all add up to how your finished product will look. So dont rush, and be sure to match up your mesh strips to get a smooth unbroken pattern. If the mesh looks uneven, your end result will too, so i cannot stress enough to take your time!!!

This is my almost completed mesh covering. The curves and corners posed difficult, but a razor blade made cutting the excess and the corners all that much easier. Now you are ready for your silver coat of paint!!!

Before moving on to the next step, ensure that your mesh is pressed flsh against the object you are working with, any space inbetween will allow the silver paint to slide onto where you dont want it. Apply an even coat of your dark silver spray paint being careful not to make it too thick. You want just enough paint so that your object is completely covered. Now allow the paint to dry for at least 1/2 hour before going any further.

Now carefully remove the jointers tape to reveil your new carbon fiber pattern. Next to protect the paint, even out the look, and provide a rich real carbon like finish, apply at least 3 coats of clear coat over your entire design. I used a clear coat by Dupli-Color, and i like it because it can be applied relatively thick without the risk of runs. Let this too sit for at least 1/2 an hour. And i would wait at least 12 hours before handling the finished product for installation. And thats it, you now have a unique looking part with the look of real carbon fiber without the high cost. And anyone who has used a spray can before can do this themselves in a weekend for under 20 dollars. Once you have the supplies you can do this over and over again!

While rebuilding the head of the 240sx, we wanted to brighten up the dull aluminum. It was the perfect chance to try something different. Using ordinary tools to to help paint a pattern to mimic the look of carbon fiber!