SS surface paint prep. for manifolds?
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,485
Likes: 1,028
From: Wichita, KS
SS surface paint prep. for manifolds? I've always used cast OEM manifolds and never had an issue with BBQ grill paint peeling or having any issues with the heat. Spray it directly on the turbo housings and it holds up great. With non-porous SS I'm guessing if I hose these manifolds down they the paint won't stick and it will make a huge mess. Anyone have luck just roughing up the surface? I've heard "special" galvanized etching primers are generally needed. And that these don't hold up on exh. manifolds. I could be over thinking it, just curious if anyone else has had luck spraying the typical cheap polished SS manifolds. Found some new bronze/copper BBQ grill paint I wanted to try out.
thanks!
thanks!
Launching!
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 270
Likes: 30
From: Detroit
In my view on any painting project over bare metal of any kind, it is advisable to use either a etching primer or epoxy primer. The surface should be hospital clean, and scuffed for mechanical adhesion.
All that said, painting headers/manifolds has another challenge which is extreme heat, can be 2000F!
I have not found any material that has any longevity other than a ceramic.
I have personally had great success with Cerokote. I have used directly over cast Iron, unfortunately no experience over SS. I would contact then for advice if you choose to go that route.
All that said, painting headers/manifolds has another challenge which is extreme heat, can be 2000F!
I have not found any material that has any longevity other than a ceramic.
I have personally had great success with Cerokote. I have used directly over cast Iron, unfortunately no experience over SS. I would contact then for advice if you choose to go that route.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,485
Likes: 1,028
From: Wichita, KS
I'm not aware of any self etching primers that will hold up to exhaust heat. I've never had an issue with with heat on standard 16g steel hot sides, turbo housings, or cast manifolds with the standard BBQ grill paint. It holds up extremely well. Better than VHT or any other exhaust paint i've tried. I haven't tried cerakote or any of the other ceramic based stuff based on price. I don't want more in my paint than my china headers are worth. They are prone to crack and who knows what else.
Seems like they will bronze up with heat pretty well if I can keep the oil off them. Kinda neat video.
Seems like they will bronze up with heat pretty well if I can keep the oil off them. Kinda neat video.
I'm not aware of any self etching primers that will hold up to exhaust heat. I've never had an issue with with heat on standard 16g steel hot sides, turbo housings, or cast manifolds with the standard BBQ grill paint. It holds up extremely well. Better than VHT or any other exhaust paint i've tried. I haven't tried cerakote or any of the other ceramic based stuff based on price. I don't want more in my paint than my china headers are worth. They are prone to crack and who knows what else.
Seems like they will bronze up with heat pretty well if I can keep the oil off them.
Seems like they will bronze up with heat pretty well if I can keep the oil off them.
Trending Topics
I’ve done creakote, bbq paint and rustoleum 2000F header paint. They all work but the creakote is by far the best. I blast my SS headers and hotside for correct prep for the creakote which. I used 70 grit aluminum oxide, hit it with brake clean and then spray and let air cure. Works like a dream. If u don’t blast the metal the creakote will flake off after it heats up.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
