Painting Valve covers
 

High temp paint

+1 What color are you planning on painting them? You should be able to find it in engine paint, which would be hi-temp paint. The most important thing is prep.

definitely make sure it's high heat paint

Im thinking about going with a blue. Anything special prep wise that i need to know? or is it basically just make sure all the oil and grime is off?

Id first just clean the hell out of them, then scuff 'em up real good with a scotch-brite pad or some fine sandpaper. If they are pitted or rough, you might want to give them a few coats of primer. You could also clearcoat them too, if you wanted.

Blue sounds good, if I ever have my valve covers off I'm gunna paint them the Ford blue as well. Give it a classic touch.

As far as cleaning use a cleaner/degreaser and just make sure you have all the dirt/grease/oil off, anything that will prevent the paint from sticking. Like BlueOvalFanatic said, prep is the most important step, painting is the easy part.