Ceramic or other header coating

It depends on what you want the coating to accomplish.
Zirconium dioxide is applied hot, using a plazma or flame process. An intermediary coating is applied first. The final product is relatively thick (for a finish) and is probably one of the highest insulating thermal barrier finishes available for headers.

If you are looking for a bright shiny finish, the plazma sprayed Zirc isn't going to be the ticket. Most hotrodders go for a organic finish which can have a variety of materials carried in it providing everything from chrome-like shine to flat black. There's at least one FABO member who does this type work. Shiny surfaces will radiate less heat than matte and very dark surfaces although there is some disagreement about how effective this is within an engine compartment.

Properties of Thermal Barrier Exhaust Coatings