Engine Aesthetic Upgrade Series
Whether you're refreshing your 6.7 Cummins valve cover or giving your Miata valve cover painted flair, it all starts with a decision: should you just clean your valve cover or go all-in and repaint it?
This guide helps you choose the right approach—clean valve cover or painted valve cover—based on your goals, tools, budget, and the condition of your engine bay.
When Cleaning a Valve Cover Is Enough
You may not always need a full repaint. Sometimes, proper cleaning and surface restoration is all your valve cover needs.
Ideal for:
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OEM-style restorations
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Minor dirt, dust, or faded shine
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Maintaining originality (especially for classic builds)
Tools to Use:
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Simple Green or Purple Power
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Brake cleaner
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WD-40 for shine
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Wire brushes and microfiber cloths
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Optional: car wax for added sheen
Benefits:
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Fast and budget-friendly
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Preserves factory markings/logos
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No cure time—drive the same day
🧽 Tip: If you're working with an aluminum cover, avoid harsh chemicals and use soft brushes to maintain the finish.
When to Repaint Your Valve Cover
Sometimes cleaning alone won’t cut it. Peeling paint, corrosion, or custom aesthetic goals call for a full respray.
Ideal for:
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Chipped or flaking paint
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Custom engine bay styling
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Heavy oil stains or corrosion
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Matching new performance parts (intake, fuel rail, etc.)
Recommended Materials:
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Aircraft remover or sandblasting tools
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Primer, high-temp engine enamel, clear coat (if needed)
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Wrinkle paint (e.g. VHT or Dupli-Color)
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Sandpaper (320–600 grit)
Benefits:
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Total visual transformation
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Long-term durability (when properly prepped and cured)
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Lets you personalize your build
🎨 A wrinkle paint valve cover not only looks aggressive, but also hides imperfections beautifully.
Clean vs Paint: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Clean Valve Cover | Painted Valve Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Time Required | 30 minutes – 1 hour | 4–48 hours (including cure time) |
| Cost Range | $10–$30 | $30–$100+ |
| Tools Needed | Cleaners, brushes, towels | Sandpaper, paint, tape, primer, clear coat |
| Skill Level | Beginner-friendly | Moderate (spray control, masking, drying) |
| Visual Impact | Restores factory appearance | Full customization potential |
| Durability | Short to medium term | Medium to long term (if cured properly) |
| Style Flexibility | Limited | Endless: gloss, wrinkle, satin, two-tone |
Vehicle Example: Choosing for a 6.7 Cummins Valve Cover
A 6.7 Cummins valve cover typically builds up oil mist and grime over time. If your cover is structurally fine but looks dull, a deep clean may do the job. Use a degreaser and follow up with a polish.
However, if you’re installing new charge pipes, a performance manifold, or just want a cleaner engine bay presentation, painting the valve cover in wrinkle black or Cummins red makes a bold visual impact.
💬 SPELAB TIP: Many Cummins owners prefer wrinkle black with polished lettering for a subtle yet powerful finish.
Miata Builds: Clean or Go Bold?
The miata valve cover painted scene thrives on color. If your OEM red or silver finish is faded or chipped, go for a respray—red wrinkle is a fan favorite.
If your Miata is kept mostly stock and you want to keep the aged silver paint, just clean and polish it. Use fine brushes and WD-40 to gently restore shine.
Final Word: Choose What Fits Your Build
There’s no single right answer—just the one that fits your goals. Ask yourself:
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Do you want it to look new or look custom?
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Do you have time to wait for paint to cure?
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Do you plan to repaint other engine parts later?
Whichever route you take, SPELAB has the tools and components to support it.
📦 Recommended by SPELAB:
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Valve cover gaskets (replacement-ready for clean or painted covers)
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Engine-safe cleaners & degreasers
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Wrinkle paint kits for Cummins, Miata, and universal applications
💡 Want to see real examples? Check out our Customer Build Gallery and get inspired.
Related articles
How to Clean Your Valve Cover – 9 Proven DIY Methods That Actually Work
How to Paint a Valve Cover – From Style Selection to Spray Techniques
✅ That wraps up our 3-part series on valve cover restoration. Whether you chose to clean it, paint it, or polish it—your engine bay deserves to look as good as it performs.
