I've been searching on how to paint it, but everywhere I look says that the paint will eventually come off in the part closer to the engine if I just paint it. So I looked into the option of covering the exhaust in header wrap, but I saw some people saying that it's actually worse as all the heat is trapped inside the exhaust, and that in some cases it can even damage some part of the engine.
So there isn't a way to repaint the exhaust without having to repaint it now and then?

In a word, no.

I've heard good things about ceramic powder coating, but have never tried it. Would need to be done by a shop, thus expensive.

I'll keep spraying the pipes with my $5 can of BBQ / Stove paint every few years... it's held up the past 3 anyway.

You can pick up black exhaust paint at Pep Boys I used it on my dual exhaust on the car. Now that I got me a proper tool set for my house I will probably tackle that soon. Rustoleum has some high temp paint to for BBQ grills and have heard good things about that.

Mary

Quote from: noiseguy on June 23, 2011, 12:03:17 PM
In a word, no.

I've heard good things about ceramic powder coating, but have never tried it. Would need to be done by a shop, thus expensive.

I'll keep spraying the pipes with my $5 can of BBQ / Stove paint every few years... it's held up the past 3 anyway.

Is how long it will last more time dependant than use dependant? I'd be ok if it lasts so long before it needs to be painted again, I thought it depended more on use.

I use engine paint.

Rustoleum high heat paint works pretty good for me... Just did it back in March.
Lightly sand down loose rust and dirt, then use rust converting acid for deep rust, wait and lightly sand it again, wait dry, paint 2-3 coats with enough dry time in between, completely dry then rag shine, DONE.
I painted it in March and put over 1000 miles on it, no peels or dings, just some slight discoloration at the head (turned slight white).

yep, i also used the rustoleum high heat paint. sanded, phosphoric acid treated, cleaned with denatured alcohol, and sprayed.  did it a couple of months ago. looks good so far.

Quote from: Yuri. on June 23, 2011, 03:52:39 PM

Quote from: noiseguy on June 23, 2011, 12:03:17 PM
In a word, no.

I've heard good things about ceramic powder coating, but have never tried it. Would need to be done by a shop, thus expensive.

I'll keep spraying the pipes with my $5 can of BBQ / Stove paint every few years... it's held up the past 3 anyway.

Is how long it will last more time dependant than use dependant? I'd be ok if it lasts so long before it needs to be painted again, I thought it depended more on use.

I think it depends more on storage and where you live. For example, outside storage in MI or FL beach (salty and wet) is going to eat up the headers faster than if it's kept garaged and only ridden on dry days.

Grills get pretty harsh use. They are stored outside, heated to 400F+, and are made of cheap steel to begin with.

I painted my entire system 2 years ago. I garage my bike and put ~2000 miles/yr on it. My headers are a long way from needing another coat of paint.

Quote from: noiseguy on June 23, 2011, 08:18:46 PM

Quote from: Yuri. on June 23, 2011, 03:52:39 PM

Quote from: noiseguy on June 23, 2011, 12:03:17 PM
In a word, no.

I've heard good things about ceramic powder coating, but have never tried it. Would need to be done by a shop, thus expensive.

I'll keep spraying the pipes with my $5 can of BBQ / Stove paint every few years... it's held up the past 3 anyway.

Is how long it will last more time dependant than use dependant? I'd be ok if it lasts so long before it needs to be painted again, I thought it depended more on use.

I think it depends more on storage and where you live. For example, outside storage in MI or FL beach (salty and wet) is going to eat up the headers faster than if it's kept garaged and only ridden on dry days.

Grills get pretty harsh use. They are stored outside, heated to 400F+, and are made of cheap steel to begin with.

I painted my entire system 2 years ago. I garage my bike and put ~2000 miles/yr on it. My headers are a long way from needing another coat of paint.

I live in a brazilian coastal city, store it on an open garage, and ride regardless of the weather, probably one of the worst case scenarios


I will get the rustoleum paint the guys above talked about, it's the one with the highest temperature resistance I've found(2000F), thanks everyone for the tips.

Every other year with a couple 1000 a year. The thing gets pelted with rocks and will eventually chip the paint.
Cool.
Buddha..