Paint over gasket surface?

[Michael_G]

I’m about to paint my transfer case and was wondering if it is ok to paint over gasket surfaces like where the oil pan gasket goes or is there an advantage to having a metal surface for the gasket to interface with?

-Michael

[Wolfman]

The way I have always done it is, do not paint the gasket surfaces.
The clean, bare metal is porous and makes a better surface for the gasket sealer to adhere to.
Painting the surface seals the metal and is slick. Sealer don't stick so good.
My reason behind do not paint.

[dpcd67]

Right; don't paint on any surface where oil or water needs to be kept in or out. Manifold surfaces; don't paint those either although I have...don't tell anyone. Bell housings and transmission fronts; I paint those.

[Joe Gopan]

I am a firm believer of Permatex #3 (liquid) on Jeep Gear case gaskets. The Factory and Army shops did the same, gaskets require clean metal contact surfaces.

[dpcd67]

Only use Permatex #2, for a few decades now. No issues noted.

[Michael_G]

Thanks for the input y'all. No paint it is! I'll look into the Permatex as well. Thanks for the tips.

-Michael