I want to repaint my exhaust pipes: Difference between revisions

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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.

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.

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[[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====

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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.
-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.
@@ Line 54: / Line 56: @@
 [[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====