Okay, first off excuse my lack of knowledge!
I am looking for pros and cons when it comes to powder coating versus ceramic coating various engine / exhaust components. I want to "black out" my '08 nightster by starting with having the pipes (I will be buying new pipes, not the stock ones. However I am going for a "gloss" black look hence the reason I can't just buy black pipes) and selenoid covers coated. I have heard a bit about the 2 different process, but not sure who to believe (as usual). Two things I have heard are:

1) Powder Coat will not stand up to the heat. It will Bubble.
2) You should only ceramic coat brand new parts.

Can anyone enlighten me on the pros / cons? I only want to do this once!

Thanks!

 

I can't give you technical info on ceramic coating since I'm not an expert in that process, but I can talk on powder coating.

If you are looking to only black out the heat shields and mufflers you won't have a problem with powder coat, in any gloss level. However, the pipes themselves get too hot and the coating will overheat and char. Anywhere on chrome pipes that "blue" from heat is too hot for powder.

 

Yes I am talking about the heat shields only on the pipes (that is if the new pipes I decide on have heat shields - if not, that may be the reason to go ceramic coat), But what about the selenoid covers? I assume if powder can take the heat from mufflers the covers should be okay as well?

 

Any other metal parts on your bike can be powder coated.

 

hum...that advice sounds familuar.... ha ha ha powdercoater is RIGHT (as he always is) plus if you use a wet black ... it loooooooks **** with a dark bike... i did my rides last year,
just please make sure you get a powder coater that will prep this right... you have to media, chrome is slippery stuff powder will not adhear to it in a durrable finish)

 

Thanks guys, I guess the stories I hear about powder bubbling may be due to improper prep? Who knows. All I know is I love the gloss black. Any thoughts on ceramic coating from anyone?

 

I've done both ways with heat shields.Liked the gloss blk better than the Jet Hot's black.No comparison in the heat dept.PC shields=hot as chrome.JH coating very noticable decrease in the heat.No comparison.