Painted my headers,don't like rust.

[Galaxy]

So,I had an extra 6 bucks and decided to try some 1200 degree header paint to get rid of the rust in my engine bay.It would have been nice to remove and sandblast them but if I was gonna go that far I'd want them ceramic coated or something that I really don't need ....so,I brushed the rust off,degreased it,rinsed,let dry,and got to masking it off.That was the fun part and be sure to have plenty of tape and newspaper.I sprayed it as best I could with a can but its kinda hard to do in cramped spaces but overall I like the way it came out.

I let it dry overnight and when I started it the next morning it smoked a bit and started to bubble so I figure I didn't prep it well enough.It says to wait 7 days before reapplication if its not within the first hour so I'll let it chill,scuff off the bubbles and coat it the the other half can next weekend.

 

[Galaxy]

One more with the tape gone and after it had been run the next day.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

I don't think you let it cure long enough. The can of header paint I have says it takes a full seven days before it cures - that may be why it peeled in those spots.

 

[AndrewD5418]

Usually heat cures paint quicker, I thought?

 

[1stGenRocks]

Usually heat cures paint quicker, I thought?

only to a point. If it cures too fast or gets too hot before its set it crackles and peels

 

[boosted_91_tsi]

I painted my manifold with the Hi-Temp stuff and let it cure in the oven for 6 hrs.......did do any better.

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[turbo2g111]

If you want to paint your headers, but don't want to wait all 7 days, try VHT header paint. They sell it at jegs.com. It says that it only needs around 30 minutes to cure, if handled right.

 

[GSntncT]

only to a point. If it cures too fast or gets too hot before its set it crackles and peels

So true. Did you ever think to just buy some thermal wrap for your headers? I have the same issue with my manifold, and opted for thermal wrap. Hope to put it on this weekend.....So, just a suggestion seeing that your painting unfortunately cracked.

 

[sk8shorty01]

If you are trying to go for the looks though i would go with painting. The thermal wrap just doesnt do anything for me. Sure its functional, but it just doesnt look all that great in my opinion. Well the difference is i guess that i have a show car, so going all racing is not my "cup of tea" so to say. I enjoy making the car look good, and also be quick. If you paint the headers make sure you dont need to drive for a while because the extreme heat is definately going to cure the paint way to fast and crack the paint.

 

[AdoreGSX]

my lord, i would think it took more time to mask the rest of the engine off than to just take off the headers...

 

[wolf20043]

my lord, i would think it took more time to mask the rest of the engine off than to just take off the headers...

Glad someone else was thinking the same thing.
Mike