I need some advice on preping my exhaust for paint. I got an older exhaust and it was ceramic coated, but has been laying around and has surface rust on it. What is the best way to prep for paint? What are the steps and materials? Thanks.

 

First off, make sure that you use high temp paint,.. I'm talking stuff that will withstand at least 2000 degrees or higher. As for preping, get yourself some Degreaser. I use stuff call Prep-all that is available at O'Reillys or Autozone, and I think even Walmart has it. While your there, get a tack-cloth (looks like cheese cloth). Just put some on paper towels and rub it down good, making sure to get all finger prints and grease and dirt off. Its important to have it clean before you start prepping, because if there is grease on the pipes, the sand paper could really put that grease and oil from your fingers in deep and will come back to haunt you.
Then follow with red scotch brite pads, or 400 grit sand paper. Ruff it all up good enough that you can't see any shiney spots or your reflection in the finish. Then follow that up again with your prep-all degreaser. Follow that with your tack cloth to pick up any fibers left from the paper towels. Next,.. sling some paint!!
Its more intimidating then anything, but if you prep everything good, the paint will stick and look good for years to come.

I hope that helps.

 

Thanks, I already started messing around with the muffler with a wire brush and some 80 grit paper. Hope I didnt mess it up to bad, but I plan on going over it again with some finer paper. I got some VHT Flame Proof paint. I guess its good up to 2000*. Thanks again.

 

The more coarse the better on the sand paper, but you will see the scratches from 80 grit after its painted. 400 is good so the paint bites, but its also smooth enough you won't see scratches all over from the sanding. Oh, and throw the wire brush away,.. you don't need a wire brush for anything in a paint shop and adds to many variables and more chance to mess up a paint job. Wire brushes belong in welding shops.

 

im assuming your painting it black?

 

if you have deep scratches from the 80 grit you gonna have to use a orbital sander the get them out dont paint them with scracthes in u can sand them out with 180 grit paper on the orbital.u wull need some kinda adhesion promoter so the paint will stick permanatly. you buy a areosol can of metal etching primer all u will need is a **** coat. do not try to cover the metal completely. etching primer is for a thin coat the heat will not disturb the etching primer. the prep is the most important part of the painting anyone can paint but not evryone can prep right. buy your products from a automotive paint store and you get a nice job done on your exhaust. hop-e this helps.

 

If at all possible I would try to have the exhaust "blasted" either sand or media. I have a friend in the powder coating business and also does ceramic coating, he won't do anything without blasting first. I think you gotta get all of the rust off, even the smallest spot will come back and "haunt" you later.

 

I'd be real careful putting anything like primer on something like pipes. I have never done it, and never had a problem with just straight paint on both bare pipes and chrome pipes. So the primer is an option (one I don't recommend because its not made to withstand high temperatures).

 

they do make a high temp primer.... id follow the baking instructions too. dont want to go to hot too fast. dont be tempted to ride it, just let it idel as instructed. trust me, i know... LOL
http://www.caswellplating.com/vht/vht_high.htm