Anyone Use VHT Engine Enamel for Exhaust Manifold?

[gophishy10]

So I've been converting everything in my engine bay to black and red. I picked up some VHT High Temperature Engine Enamel (Satin Black) from Autozone and used it on my exhaust manifold. When I started the car, I smelled something burning and saw smoke from the manifold. It must have smoked and smelled for about 25 minutes or more. When I went back out to look at it, it lost all "glossyness" except where it bolts to the head. Did I do something wrong? Anyone else have this issue or have suggestions on what to use? I want a color that will somewhat match my IC pipes in the pictures. Thanks!

p.s. Don't mind the VC or timing belt cover. They're being painted right now.

 

[BogusSVO]

First... Fix your thread title.

Next, read the directions on the can.

You will find out the paint needs to be baked on in an oven to it will adhere to the part properly and not flake off.

 

[smokestack]

If u decide to use vht use the high temp ones that go to 2000F the manifold gets as hot as 1600F i believe. That 550 isnt gonna do anything cause the exhaust parts are hotter than that temp range.

 

[daren_p]

Yes, you used the wrong paint for the job. Like said, temp rating is not near high enough for an exhaust mani.

If you paint an exhaust mani, you will need the stuff that ~2000F. You will likely have to re spay it every so often if you want to keep it looking good as well. As even the very high temp stuff will wear off eventually.

 

[agentorange313]

I would have used VHT flameproof for the exhaust manifold.
VHT FlameProof™ Coating

Our exhaust temps far exceed 550F*, the heat limit of that paint.

The prep process is also very important for these coating to adhere correctly. Curing process is just as important.

Gloss paints are normally not as heat resistant as flat paints, VHT offeres a satin finish coating that should be applied after the VHT flameproof.

I have had sucess with VHT flameproof on my Jeep XJ, followed the directions, cleaned the manifold, removed all dirt dust and grease. Coated it with the primer, then the VHT flameproof. Put the manifold on the Jeep, let it idle for 10 min, shut it off, let it cool for 20, start it back up, idle for 20 min, turn off, let it cool for 20 min, turn on and and operated under normal conditions (drive it around)

 

[gophishy10]

First... Fix your thread title.

Next, read the directions on the can.

You will find out the paint needs to be baked on in an oven to it will adhere to the part properly and not flake off.

Fixed. I just reread the directions and I feel like an idiot. It does state this, although in another section. Oops. Thanks for the info.

If u decide to use vht use the high temp ones that go to 2000F the manifold gets as hot as 1600F i believe. That 550 isnt gonna do anything cause the exhaust parts are hotter than that temp range.

Does it really get that hot??? I had no idea it got that hot. Apparently I should get a higher temp range paint then.

Anybody have suggestions on what to use?

 

[Bud92gsx]

After a heat cycle that 550 farenheit paint is not gonna hold too long..I used the 1200 degree stuff and that still after a year or so dont look so good and the rust wants to come back through.

 

[gophishy10]

I would have used VHT flameproof for the exhaust manifold.
VHT FlameProof™ Coating

Our exhaust temps far exceed 550F*, the heat limit of that paint.

The prep process is also very important for these coating to adhere correctly. Curing process is just as important.

Gloss paints are normally not as heat resistant as flat paints, VHT offeres a satin finish coating that should be applied after the VHT flameproof.

I have had sucess with VHT flameproof on my Jeep XJ, followed the directions, cleaned the manifold, removed all dirt dust and grease. Coated it with the primer, then the VHT flameproof. Put the manifold on the Jeep, let it idle for 10 min, shut it off, let it cool for 20, start it back up, idle for 20 min, turn off, let it cool for 20 min, turn on and and operated under normal conditions (drive it around)

Yup realize this now. I'm looking for like a satin black. Not gloss. So you put down the primer, then the flameproof? Does the flameproof come in a satin black? I'll definitely use this process. Thanks!

After a heat cycle that 550 farenheit paint is not gonna hold too long..I used the 1200 degree stuff and that still after a year or so dont look so good and the rust wants to come back through.

Good to know. I'll definitely use a higher temp rating paint.

First... Fix your thread title.

Next, read the directions on the can.

You will find out the paint needs to be baked on in an oven to it will adhere to the part properly and not flake off.

And do you literally put this in your oven? I don't know if I want the fumes in there if I put food in it too.

 

[knochgoon24]

I wouldn't bake it at the same time as a casserole. I used VHT high temp primer on my valve cover. Baked it in the oven. After the oven cooled, I stuck a box fan on the open door and aired it out plenty. Nothing cooked in it ever tasted like paint.

 

[RamenPride]

I had the best results painting valve covers by putting them in the oven after the paint dried. Horrible fumes, but they went away after a few hours after opening the windows. I just use the barbecue grill now to cure stuff that's been painted with high temp paint.

 

[daren_p]

I have used VHT FlameProof in the past on exhaust mani's & it stands up alright. Every summer or two (summer only vehicle) it required a re-coat to stay looking good.

A good ceramic coating is required if you want it too last longer.

 

[gophishy10]

Alright I just got some VHT "very high temp" paint for 1300-2000*. Suggestions other than sand blasting to get the old high temp paint off the manifold?

I would have used VHT flameproof for the exhaust manifold.
VHT FlameProof™ Coating

Our exhaust temps far exceed 550F*, the heat limit of that paint.

The prep process is also very important for these coating to adhere correctly. Curing process is just as important.

Gloss paints are normally not as heat resistant as flat paints, VHT offeres a satin finish coating that should be applied after the VHT flameproof.

I have had sucess with VHT flameproof on my Jeep XJ, followed the directions, cleaned the manifold, removed all dirt dust and grease. Coated it with the primer, then the VHT flameproof. Put the manifold on the Jeep, let it idle for 10 min, shut it off, let it cool for 20, start it back up, idle for 20 min, turn off, let it cool for 20 min, turn on and and operated under normal conditions (drive it around)

Curing the paint this way, did you notice any unevenness in the curing? And how long did you let it dry before you put it back on?

 

[agentorange313]

Yup realize this now. I'm looking for like a satin black. Not gloss. So you put down the primer, then the flameproof? Does the flameproof come in a satin black? I'll definitely use this process. Thanks!

I left a link in my post to the webpage of "VHT flameproof". There is a list of colors and serial number that correspond to the paint on the right of the page. Flat black is the only black listed. Like I said previously, they sell a satin clear coat finish, but I dont see a need for it performance wise, its clearly (no pun intended) for ascetics. It will give it a glossy affect, sating glossy, not what people consider "glossy black".

Alright I just got some VHT "very high temp" paint for 1300-2000*. Suggestions other than sand blasting to get the old high temp paint off the manifold?

Curing the paint this way, did you notice any unevenness in the curing? And how long did you let it dry before you put it back on?

Sand blasting is the best bet over all, you can try and remove it with paint thinner or some of other corrosive liquid. You can try sanding it all yourself. I did sand my exhaust manifold a bit before applying the primer, increase surface area.

No there isnt an uneven-ness. I think that would only occur if you do not apply it in even coats or do not let it dry before you cure it on your vehicle. I left the manifold dry for 24 hours, with a cover made of cardboard so no dust or dirt got in it since it was outside. Since you are doing a small 4 cylinder manifold, why not bake it in an oven?

 

[T is for TURBO]

I have used VHT FlameProof in the past on exhaust mani's & it stands up alright. Every summer or two (summer only vehicle) it required a re-coat to stay looking good.

A good ceramic coating is required if you want it too last longer.

In which by the time he figures out the cost of the VHT he alread bought, plus a new can, plus getting the manifold properly media blasted he will have spent ~ the same as it would cost to get ceramic coated.