I've been experimenting with trying to paint some old 111s, and here are a few observations : "Hammerite" type paint - does the job, doesn't look great Ford Cosmos Blue - looks FANTASTIC, but even when baked in the oven for 30 mins and then left for a week to harden, this paint still seems to melt (and yes I am dainty and careful with priming)! The painted area under my 111T's burner went gooey and actually started coming off the outside base of the tin. Did I go wrong somewhere ? Based on my experience I couldn't recommend the car spray paint route.
Ford Cosmos Blue is a color, not a brand or type of paint. What brand/type did you use? You want the kind designed for painting engine blocks, not the car bodies. The latter is just regular spray paint not intended for high temps.
I think that's a given. Engine block paint isn't going to be available in FCB. It is, however, accepted as a faithful repro colour match. Optimist - car body paint probably won't withstand the temperature seen under the burner (as you've discovered). Look good or work well is the decision; I'd go for work well myself.
I was at the auto parts store today and picked up some high temp spray paint. They had 3 blues - Classic Ford Blue, General Motors Blue, and Chrysler Blue. Of the 3, Chrysler Blue looked closest, so I grabbed that. It is engine block paint rated to 500 deg F. Hopefully that's strong enough. They had exhaust manifold paint, rated to 1200 deg F, but only in white, black, silver, and of all things "almond". Picked up a supersized can of Gumout carb cleaner too.
What everyone says here in the replies is what I would have thought, but I read of several savants here who have used FCB auto spray paint on their stoves, baked the finish, and then been happy with the results ! Looks like I'm off to get some engine block paint.....
