Painting the muffler

Sparky

Sparky

Well-known member
No, I'm not being anal ;) Most of my exhaust system is exposed on my speedster, and I want it to look good. I have tried using silver Duplicolor high-temp spray paint (made for engines), but it always starts flaking after a couple of weeks. I think the problem is that there is a thin film of rust on the surface that prevents the paint from sticking well, but regular Rustoleum paint says it is good only to 200 degrees. Any suggestions?
 
I used just a high temp black that is used for painting mufflers(don't remember the brand) and it worked well both on my A and my old Ford 8N tractor.
 
I'm reading on the the Duplicolor site that there appears to be several engine hi temp paints.

Duplicolors VHT Flame proof coatings are supposed to good up to 2000 degrees. They come in Aluminum, silver, and cast.

The engine enamel is good for 550 degrees.

They also have a High temp paint that is good for 1200 degrees.

Which are you using?
 
Sparky said:
I think the problem is that there is a thin film of rust on the surface that prevents the paint from sticking well
Click to expand...

There is your problem. No matter what type of paint you use, it will not adhere properly if the surface isn't clean. You need to bust out the grinder with a roloc disc and grind it to bare metal, clean it and shoot it with hi-temp.
 
i powder coated my manifold and complete mufller assy with hi temp silver. it has held up perfectly and still looks like the day i did it.
 

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I used flat black high temp stove paint from Tremclad. Brushed it on a clean muffler and exhaust manifold several years ago. Still looks fine.

Dick
 
I have been told that if you temper the paints it will last longer. That is running a few hot/cool heat cycles prior to getting out on the open road for a day.
 
I have always sandblasted the exhaust parts, either new or coated in heavy rust, before painting them. Never have had a problem with high-temp paint not sticking.
 
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