Header Paint

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RustyRatRod

I was born on a Monday. Not last Monday.
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What's everybody using for header paint that WORKS? I HAVE a quart of the VHT FLAME PROOF black header paint. According to "adevrtising" the VHT is about as good as there is with temperature. What are yall using that you're actually happy with?
 
I've had good luck with the VHT paint on my headers. Also really like the POR15 manifold paint which held up very well though very limited color choices. I used the cast iron looking stuff.

Be well,
Pat
 
Satin Black Hi-Temp Coating
I put this on last winter and it seems to be holding up just fine so far, even after suffering the heat of breaking in a new cam. There are some very small bubbles near the heads but no flaking yet. I sandblasted the headers very thoroughly before applying the paint as recommended and I think that is an important step in applying any exhaust coating.
 
Yeah well, best prep I am doin with my lazy *** is steel wool and no primer. So we'll see I guess.
 
I've done VHT with no primer it works, but I always sandblast.
I've got one set of headers that are individual tubes so I put them in the oven for 45 minutes @ 450° talk about nice.
 
I've done VHT with no primer it works, but I always sandblast.
I've got one set of headers that are individual tubes so I put them in the oven for 45 minutes @ 450° talk about nice.

I don't have an oven that big, so I'll cure them on the car. I'll just have to make sure the engine has enough timing in it so as not to over heat the headers. I went ahead and decided to use a 7 year old quart (still unopened) of VHT flat black. There was about an inch of solids in the bottom but I stirred for about 20 minutes or so and got it all back mixed together. It actually went on good for coat number one. We'll see how it turns out. Worst case is, they'll be coming back off and done again. It's all I have and I cannot afford another can so.........
 
I used a VHT years ago with ceramic, not sure if they make it anymore. It was white and literally fused to the header under heat. When I took them off 3 years later, the metal was still silver under the paint where I got it to chip off. Rustoleum high heat ultra works great too...better that the standard VHT high heat?
 
I used a VHT years ago with ceramic, not sure if they make it anymore. It was white and literally fused to the header under heat. When I took them off 3 years later, the metal was still silver under the paint where I got it to chip off. Rustoleum high heat ultra works great too...better that the standard VHT high heat?


That's what I have. A quart can of flat black VHT with ceramic.
 
this thread has been unanimous! We all agreed, wow! LOL VHT VHT VHT.... they pulled off what most brands cannot, a FABO one-voice applause! :D
 
That Rustoleum "High Heat" 2000 degree paint is one of the best. Stays on, Proven results over years on the mopar exhaust manifolds.

Best to sand blast or media blast things first, no need to prime with high temp primer either. Lots of products are 1000 degress, Rustoleum Claims 2000 degree. It just works, does not flake off.

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Spray on and let the solvents evaporate, dries quick. Install them on the car, fire up the engine and bake it on.
Done Deal . . .
 
I'm using the rustoleum high heat grill paint on mine I can't speak of the durability as I have not ran it yet but it sprays good!
 
I used a VHT years ago with ceramic, not sure if they make it anymore. It was white and literally fused to the header under heat. When I took them off 3 years later, the metal was still silver under the paint where I got it to chip off. Rustoleum high heat ultra works great too...better that the standard VHT high heat?

That's the same stuff I have.
 
I painted my headers a year ago,
They still curing as the engine isnt in car yet.
Will have to take a look at what i used,was some sort of high heat duplicolor.
 
They kinda look rough right now. Does the paint smooth out after it cures?
 
They kinda look rough right now. Does the paint smooth out after it cures?
IIRC it levels out and hardens when heated, but it must be heat cured or else it will come off on your hands like powder.
 
If you don't plan on prepping the headers really well, the VHT isn't going to work for you. From my experience, it's very dependent on a GOOD prep job, or it'll flake off in sheets.
 
OK...i've tried a few.The best i found was Cast Blast and it needs a hi heat clear coat...then i tried Calyx and never looked back.It's a graphite paste and works good.After time touch ups are easy.
 
If you don't plan on prepping the headers really well, the VHT isn't going to work for you. From my experience, it's very dependent on a GOOD prep job, or it'll flake off in sheets.

Well, it might, we'll see. I hit them pretty hard with the REAL coarse steel wool. I loaned my blaster out and the kid used all my media and hasn't replaced ut yet and right now I cannot afford it, so......"it is what it is" as they say now. Hopefully it will last a little while at least.
 
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