I want to repaint my exhaust pipes - Revision history

Bokonon: /* Links to high-temp paint */

2010-07-31T10:31:27Z

Links to high-temp paint

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:31, 31 July 2010
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	[http://www.hirschauto.com/ Bill Hirsch Auto Paints]		[http://www.hirschauto.com/ Bill Hirsch Auto Paints]

	[http://www.plastikote.com~~/plastikote/auto~~/index.jsp plasti-kote paints]		[http://www.plastikote.com/index.jsp plasti-kote paints]

	====Before & after painting photos====		====Before & after painting photos====

Bokonon: /* Links to high-temp paint */

2010-07-31T10:30:25Z

Links to high-temp paint

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:30, 31 July 2010
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	[http://www.caswellplating.com/vht/vht_high.htm Caswell Plating VHT]		[http://www.caswellplating.com/vht/vht_high.htm Caswell Plating VHT]

	[http://www.duplicolor.com/~~products/engine.html~~ Dupli-Color High Heat]		[http://www.duplicolor.com/ Dupli-Color High Heat]

	[http://www.hirschauto.com/~~acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=27&Product_ID=12&CATID=1~~ Bill Hirsch Auto Paints]		[http://www.hirschauto.com/ Bill Hirsch Auto Paints]

	[http://www.plastikote.com/plastikote/auto/index.jsp plasti-kote paints]		[http://www.plastikote.com/plastikote/auto/index.jsp plasti-kote paints]

Bokonon: /* Let's get these testimonials out of the way right now */

2010-07-31T10:24:36Z

Let's get these testimonials out of the way right now

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:24, 31 July 2010
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	*'''Against:''' "I've had 1200 degree BBQ paint -- applied properly -- fail on the pipes near the headers in only six weeks. I've never seen glossy paint good past 900 degrees."		*'''Against:''' "I've had 1200 degree BBQ paint -- applied properly -- fail on the pipes near the headers in only six weeks. I've never seen glossy paint good past 900 degrees."

	*'''For:''' "I've had really good luck with the Dupli-Color High Heat paint, as opposed to barbecue paint. I've had it on the exhaust headers of my 1100 for a few years now, and it's held up well. I found it worked better if I "cycled" it a bit at first (see below). The best paint I've found is [http://~~duplicolor~~.com/~~products~~/~~engine.html~~ Duplicolor Ceramic High Heat]. Part number is DH1602 for black. There are a limited number of other colors.”		*'''For:''' "I've had really good luck with the Dupli-Color High Heat paint, as opposed to barbecue paint. I've had it on the exhaust headers of my 1100 for a few years now, and it's held up well. I found it worked better if I "cycled" it a bit at first (see below). The best paint I've found is [http://www.summitracing.com/search/Brand/Dupli-Color/Product-Line/Dupli-Color-High-Heat-Paint-with-Ceramic-Resins/?autoview=SKU Duplicolor Ceramic High Heat]. Part number is DH1602 for black. There are a limited number of other colors.”

	:Another feature is this nifty spray can which it comes in:		:Another feature is this nifty spray can which it comes in:

Bokonon at 11:50, 19 November 2009

2009-11-19T11:50:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:50, 19 November 2009
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	[[Image:Blackmuff.jpg\|180px]]		[[Image:Blackmuff.jpg\|180px]]

			====Painting chrome====

			Sand chrome as you would any metal (with a VERY coarse grit), and kill the shine. Clean properly with thinner, let dry, and use an etching primer. Then, apply the base and clearcoat as usual.

	====Long-term results====		====Long-term results====

Bokonon: /* Painting the headers */

2009-11-19T11:46:02Z

Painting the headers

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:46, 19 November 2009
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	====Painting the headers====		====Painting the headers====

	If you're still with us, and want to give this process a shot, here's your best chance at success. Keep in mind that you should use 1200 degree (F) (or higher) high temperature paint. Nothing else will stick for very long, especially on the headers. You will undoubtedly end up with flat paint, as glossy is pretty much unavailable in that heat range.		If you're still with us and want to give this process a shot, here's your best chance at success. Keep in mind that you should use 1200 degree (F) (or higher) high temperature paint. Nothing else will stick for very long, especially on the headers. You will undoubtedly end up with flat paint, as glossy is pretty much unavailable in that heat range.

	Most of the trouble club members have had has come when they tried to paint the headers. The cans are not as hot, and will usually hold up better, but the header pipes, and the area where the header pipes join the slip-ons, have trouble holding paint, due to the high amount of heat they give off.		Most of the trouble club members have had has come when they tried to paint the headers. The cans are not as hot and will usually hold up better, but the header pipes, and the area where the header pipes join the slip-ons, have trouble holding paint, due to the high amount of heat they give off.

	If you just strip the pipes (and don't paint them), they will rust. You can do this, then clean the pipe periodically with steel wool, but that falls into a "high maintenance" area for most people.		If you just strip the pipes (and don't paint them) they will rust. You can do this, then clean the pipe periodically with steel wool, but that falls into a "high maintenance" area for most people.

	Sand the pipe with fine sandpaper and use a dremel tool with a wire brush to clean around the welds, then paint it. Make sure you take your time. Follow the directions on the can (especially regarding time between coats), apply thin coats, and the paint will stick better. Did we mention to follow the directions on the can?		Sand the pipe with fine sandpaper and use a dremel tool with a wire brush to clean around the welds, then paint it. Make sure you take your time. Follow the directions on the can (especially regarding time between coats), apply thin coats, and the paint will stick better. Did we mention to follow the directions on the can?
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	Once you are satisfied with the look of your pipes, you should “heat cycle” them. This works better than just popping them on and going for a ride:		Once you are satisfied with the look of your pipes, you should “heat cycle” them. This works better than just popping them on and going for a ride:

	*After you start the bike for the first time, run it for 30-60 seconds, shut it down, let it get cool again... Do that about half a dozen times before you get it hot for any extended period.		*After you start the bike for the first time, run it for 30-60 seconds, shut it down, let it get cool again... Do that about half a dozen times before you get it hot for any extended period.

	====Painting the mufflers====		====Painting the mufflers====

Bokonon: /* Let's get these testimonials out of the way right now */

2009-11-19T11:42:06Z

Let's get these testimonials out of the way right now

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:42, 19 November 2009
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	:[[Image:558615.jpg\|180px]]		:[[Image:558615.jpg\|180px]]

	*'''Ceramic coating:''' "Check your local yellow pages for performance or exhaust shops that do ceramic coating. They claim they can do a range of colors, and that they'll stand up to hot-rod engine heat. It's pricey, but ~~that~~'s a process which is much more likely to last. The best paint, from a ratings standpoint, is 1500 degrees, and that's not really enough to use on the headers and expect it to last."		*'''Ceramic coating:''' Check your local yellow pages for performance or exhaust shops that do ceramic coating. They claim they can do a range of colors, and that they'll stand up to hot-rod engine heat. It's pricey, but it's a process which is much more likely to last. The best paint, from a ratings standpoint, is 1500 degrees, and that's not really enough to use on the headers and expect it to last.

	====Painting the headers====		====Painting the headers====

Bokonon at 01:45, 29 May 2008

2008-05-29T01:45:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:45, 28 May 2008
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	[http://www.plastikote.com/plastikote/auto/index.jsp plasti-kote paints]		[http://www.plastikote.com/plastikote/auto/index.jsp plasti-kote paints]

			====Before & after painting photos====

			The following pictures are of a 16 year-old system done with Duplicolor high heat and lots of prep time. How long they will stay looking like this is anyone's guess.

			Send $20 and we'll send you the plans to the high-tech 3 mil spray booth:

			N250RC FAQ Beer Fund<br>
			Box 250 Taipei, Taiwan ROC

			[[image:exhaust 01.jpg\|150px]]
			[[image:exhaust 02.jpg\|150px]]

			[[image:exhaust 03.jpg\|150px]]
			[[image:exhaust 04.jpg\|150px]]

			[[image:exhaust 05.jpg\|150px]]
			[[image:exhaust 06.jpg\|150px]]

			You can try scrubbing, you can try soaking, but chances are you're not going to get that pitting out.

			[[image:exhaust 07.jpg\|150px]]
			[[image:exhaust 08.jpg\|150px]]

Bokonon at 09:40, 24 May 2008

2008-05-24T09:40:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:40, 24 May 2008
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	*'''Against:''' "I've had 1200 degree BBQ paint -- applied properly -- fail on the pipes near the headers in only six weeks. I've never seen glossy paint good past 900 degrees."		*'''Against:''' "I've had 1200 degree BBQ paint -- applied properly -- fail on the pipes near the headers in only six weeks. I've never seen glossy paint good past 900 degrees."

	*'''For:''' "I've had really good luck with the Dupli-Color High Heat paint, as opposed to barbecue paint. I've had it on the exhaust headers of my 1100 for a few years now, and it's held up well. I found it worked better if I "cycled" it a bit at first (see below). The best paint I've found is Duplicolor Ceramic High Heat. Part number is DH1602 for black. There are a limited number of other colors.”		*'''For:''' "I've had really good luck with the Dupli-Color High Heat paint, as opposed to barbecue paint. I've had it on the exhaust headers of my 1100 for a few years now, and it's held up well. I found it worked better if I "cycled" it a bit at first (see below). The best paint I've found is [http://duplicolor.com/products/engine.html Duplicolor Ceramic High Heat]. Part number is DH1602 for black. There are a limited number of other colors.”

	:Another feature is this nifty spray can which it comes in:		:Another feature is this nifty spray can which it comes in:
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	Our rider (above) who painted his pipes green, then returned to black, has sent in results after a year and a half of testing while riding in rain, salty roads, snow, and the occasional dirt. He used Duplicolor 1200F ceramic gloss black paint for the mid pipes and mufflers. After 2 weeks the gloss black faded to flat black and was dull. He then took the pipes off, stripped them all, did it again and found a method that worked.		Our rider (above) who painted his pipes green, then returned to black, has sent in results after a year and a half of testing while riding in rain, salty roads, snow, and the occasional dirt. He used Duplicolor 1200F ceramic gloss black paint for the mid pipes and mufflers. After 2 weeks the gloss black faded to flat black and was dull. He then took the pipes off, stripped them all, did it again and found a method that worked.

	With the pipes prepped, apply 3 thin coats of 1200 degree flat black BBQ paint by [http://~~doitbest~~.com/~~Spray+Paint-Krylon+Consumer+Div-model-1623-doitbest-sku-785587.dib~~ Krylon]. Then use 500 degree clear Engine Enamel by [http://~~www.northernautoparts~~.com/~~ProductDetail~~.~~cfm?ProductId=2062~~ Duplicolor]. The pipes came out great. They shine, and luster is amazing. After 5,000 miles of riding the mufflers are still shiny. The pipes will begin to attract the loose dirt and dust from dirty roads, so when the pipes are cool, a wet paper towel will clean them right up and bring the shine out again.		With the pipes prepped, apply 3 thin coats of 1200 degree flat black BBQ paint by [http://krylon.com/products/bbq_stove_paints/ Krylon]. Then use 500 degree clear Engine Enamel by [http://duplicolor.com/products/engine.html Duplicolor]. The pipes came out great. They shine, and luster is amazing. After 5,000 miles of riding the mufflers are still shiny. The pipes will begin to attract the loose dirt and dust from dirty roads, so when the pipes are cool, a wet paper towel will clean them right up and bring the shine out again.

	There is paint failure where the muffler tapers down to meet the mid pipe on the right side of the bike, caused by heel of the foot. The mid pipe will need to be repainted soon, since the paint seems to have rust coming through.		There is paint failure where the muffler tapers down to meet the mid pipe on the right side of the bike, caused by heel of the foot. The mid pipe will need to be repainted soon, since the paint seems to have rust coming through.

Bokonon at 07:01, 24 May 2008

2008-05-24T07:01:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:01, 24 May 2008
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	Doing just the mufflers (or “cans”, as they're commonly called) is not much different than doing the front part of the exhaust. The process is the same, but the paint requirements aren't quite as stringent. It's generally agreed that you can get away with 500 degree F engine enamel on the mufflers, since they don't run nearly as hot as the headers. This will give you a better choice of colors. We can't say for sure that this will work, as there are no long-term tests that we know about. If you're just going to paint the cans one of the colors available in the 1200F paint, then you should use that, as you'll have a better chance of success.		Doing just the mufflers (or “cans”, as they're commonly called) is not much different than doing the front part of the exhaust. The process is the same, but the paint requirements aren't quite as stringent. It's generally agreed that you can get away with 500 degree F engine enamel on the mufflers, since they don't run nearly as hot as the headers. This will give you a better choice of colors. We can't say for sure that this will work, as there are no long-term tests that we know about. If you're just going to paint the cans one of the colors available in the 1200F paint, then you should use that, as you'll have a better chance of success.

	In spite of the number of choices available in 500F paint, there is still little chance that you will be able to match the color of your bike. It's probably best to stick with a contrasting color. Here's what one member came up with when he tried to paint his pipes Kawasaki Green. Even in these taken-with-a-cellphone pictures you can see that the color just wasn't true. Three days later he ended up going back to black~~. Still no long-range tests~~.		In spite of the number of choices available in 500F paint, there is still little chance that you will be able to match the color of your bike. It's probably best to stick with a contrasting color. Here's what one member came up with when he tried to paint his pipes Kawasaki Green. Even in these taken-with-a-cellphone pictures you can see that the color just wasn't true. Three days later he ended up going back to black.

	[[Image:554170.jpg\|220px]] [[Image:554171.jpg\|220px]] [[Image:554174.jpg\|220px]]		[[Image:554170.jpg\|220px]]
			[[Image:554171.jpg\|220px]]
			[[Image:554174.jpg\|220px]]

	You can make these look pretty good, if you're careful, follow the directions, and take your time.		You can make these look pretty good, if you're careful, follow the directions, and take your time.
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	[[Image:Blackmuff.jpg\|180px]]		[[Image:Blackmuff.jpg\|180px]]

			====Long-term results====

			Our rider (above) who painted his pipes green, then returned to black, has sent in results after a year and a half of testing while riding in rain, salty roads, snow, and the occasional dirt. He used Duplicolor 1200F ceramic gloss black paint for the mid pipes and mufflers. After 2 weeks the gloss black faded to flat black and was dull. He then took the pipes off, stripped them all, did it again and found a method that worked.

			With the pipes prepped, apply 3 thin coats of 1200 degree flat black BBQ paint by [http://doitbest.com/Spray+Paint-Krylon+Consumer+Div-model-1623-doitbest-sku-785587.dib Krylon]. Then use 500 degree clear Engine Enamel by [http://www.northernautoparts.com/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductId=2062 Duplicolor]. The pipes came out great. They shine, and luster is amazing. After 5,000 miles of riding the mufflers are still shiny. The pipes will begin to attract the loose dirt and dust from dirty roads, so when the pipes are cool, a wet paper towel will clean them right up and bring the shine out again.

			There is paint failure where the muffler tapers down to meet the mid pipe on the right side of the bike, caused by heel of the foot. The mid pipe will need to be repainted soon, since the paint seems to have rust coming through.

			'''Recommendation:''' If your pipes are factory black, keep them that way. The paint on the factory pipes is not brittle and won't flake off. If you paint, plan on re-doing the mid pipes and headers once a year, or every 5,000 miles, to maintain a clean look. The mufflers should be able to go significantly longer.

	====Links to high-temp paint====		====Links to high-temp paint====

Bokonon: /* Let's get these testimonials out of the way right now: */

2008-05-24T06:28:37Z

Let's get these testimonials out of the way right now:

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:28, 24 May 2008
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	Some have had good luck with this, others haven't. You have most likely heard that most of the real work in painting is in the preparation. This is certainly true, but we have had people who did their prep work and still had their paint fall off in a short time. Motivational speakers will tell you to not prepare for failure, but, when it comes to painting your exhaust, a back-up plan may be in order.		Some have had good luck with this, others haven't. You have most likely heard that most of the real work in painting is in the preparation. This is certainly true, but we have had people who did their prep work and still had their paint fall off in a short time. Motivational speakers will tell you to not prepare for failure, but, when it comes to painting your exhaust, a back-up plan may be in order.

	====Let's get these testimonials out of the way right now:====		====Let's get these testimonials out of the way right now====

	*'''Against:''' "I've had 1200 degree BBQ paint -- applied properly -- fail on the pipes near the headers in only six weeks. I've never seen glossy paint good past 900 degrees."		*'''Against:''' "I've had 1200 degree BBQ paint -- applied properly -- fail on the pipes near the headers in only six weeks. I've never seen glossy paint good past 900 degrees."