Need advice on painting an engine block

[DSMsamurai666]

I just picked up a 4g63 block that I want to build, but first I want to paint it. Mostly I'm concerned with getting paint on the deck and in the cylinders. What's the best way to cover that stuff? It seems like tape might leave an uneven edge where the deck ends. Also, should I paint over the core plugs or should I pop em out and cover the holes. I'm going to change em' anyways. Lastly, what temperature should the paint be rated for and I've read that high temp paint has to be baked. What ... should I just put the block in the oven?

 

[Colt4G63 also]

I have great luck with the Plasticote Engine Enamel that they sell at all the auto parts stores. It's rated for 500F which is fine for any engine block. I generally do all my masking with masking tape, and if you plan to drive the car, that should bake the paint well enough.

You can barely tell that I used masking tape to cover the deck while painting. See:

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One it's in the car, you can't see the edge anyway:

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[fastasseclips95]

Have the block hot tanked first so its nice and oil free. Masking the deck, front, rear and oil pan area of the block is more then fine. You just dont want paint where you need a gaket to seal.