Exhaust Coating Recommendation

[Pelikan]

So I just picked up a Yoshimura TRS and got a great deal.  Regarding the factory headers and pipe that the Yosh system uses, it's looking like it's about time to repaint.  The guy at the media blasting place suggested I look into ceramic coating, as I wont have to worry about repainting/rust in the future.

So I called the ceramic place, and I'm looking at $180-$200 plus for those coatings (yowch!).  Are they really worth it, or will a good coat of PJ1 last a few years?

[Big Rich]

Problem with exhaust paint is that it's subjected to a lot of abuse from rocks and such. Even fully cured, a hard object will scratch it right off.

While it may not look "proper" on a GS, have you thought about fiberglass wrap? The pipes will need media blasted and painted, but glass wrap can last just as long as ceramics.

[adidasguy]

You might check  eastwood.com
They are into car and bike restoration. They have lots of different header capable paints and rust products.
They have a tech line: 800-343-9353

This one of the paints they have good to 1200* F:
http://www.eastwood.com/satin-black-hi-temp-coating.html

There is high temp powder coating good to 1000* F

[Pelikan]

Hmm.  I guess I'll just paint and hope for the best right now.  I'm dropping a decent penny on upgrades, and really can't justify $200 for ceramic.  I'll just have it blasted and give it a good several coats.

Regarding curing, should I just stick it in my oven at the highest temp for a given amount of time, or can I just strap it on the bike and go for a spirited run?

[redhenracing2]

My pipes are heat wrapped, and the heat wrap is painted with a black silicone sold by the same manufacturer. It is available at auto zone. I had some left over after painting the wrap, and used it on part of the header that is not wrapped. It seems to have lasted pretty good.

Whatever you use, oven curing is recommended. Mine had to be baked at 350 for 20 minutes..

[Big Rich]

Oven curing is best, but it shouldn't be in an oven that you cook food in. The paint releases chemicals as it cures that stick to the oven walls......and will be released again every time the oven is used.

And it will stink up the entire house.

[The Buddha]

Creamic coating rusts too. Some worthless crap it is. I actually think anything "permanent" you put on it will give up in 2-3 years. I'm for painting it every 2 years.
Cool.
Buddha.

[tb0lt]

Clean it as much as possible to get the rust off, degrease and then use high heat BBQ paint available at Walmart or Home Depot.

[Bluesmudge]

Yeah, it lasts a year or three and only takes a few hours. Ceramic coating is not worth it on a GS. The pipes don't even get that hot.