Side pipe coating ?

otto · #1 (**permalink**) 08-17-2011, 07:45 PM

Hi, i have a set of sidepipes on my cobra that are off white and have a sandpaper type finish, anyone know what type of coating this is and maybe best way to remove it would like to change them to flat black
thanks for any info
regards Bob

strictlypersonl · #2 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011, 06:31 AM

I've seen rough finishes with both the simple high-temp spray and (bad) ceramic coating. What happens when you sand it? If the sandpaper easily cuts the surface, it's paint. If it's harder to flatten, it's probably ceramic. Either way, the coating should be sandblasted off to bare steel to flatten the surface for the new coating.

Don · #3 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011, 07:31 AM

One possibility is Swain's White Lightning:

From Swain's web site:

Like all of Swain Tech’s coatings, White Lightning™ is a performance improving coating. What makes White Lightning™ the best performance exhaust coating?

1) White Lightning™ really is ceramic so the material is a superior insulating material.

2) White Lightning is applied much thicker than any of the cosmetic coatings. White Lightning™ is applied about .015” thick compared to about .002” thick for the cosmetic coatings.

White Lightning Exhaust by Swain Tech for Automotive Coatings including engine piston coatings, ceramic coating services engine, automotive ceramic coating, ceramic header coating, dry film lubricant, race engine coatings, exhaust header coating

I had a black thermal coating, which has a satin look, applied over Swain's coating by Plas-tec in South Windsor CT. Filled in some, but not all, of the rough sand paper texture of Swain's ceramic coating.

Plas-Tec Coatings, Inc.

lovehamr · #4 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011, 10:08 AM

I'm planning on having SwainTech do my sidepipes in white this winter. Wish yours were for a BDR.

Don · #5 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovehamr

I'm planning on having SwainTech do my sidepipes in white this winter. Wish yours were for a BDR.

In case you are not aware, the Swain ceramic coating is not pure white, but an off white/ivory shade

lovehamr · #6 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don

In case you are not aware, the Swain ceramic coating is not pure white, but an off white/ivory shade

Hey Don, yeah I was aware of that but thanks anyway. Have you used their service?

Steve

Don · #7 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovehamr

Hey Don, yeah I was aware of that but thanks anyway. Have you used their service?

Steve

Yes, twice on two different sets of side pipes,very pleased with their ceramic coating. Purpose was to benefit from their ceramic coating, As mentioned, I had a black thermal coating applied over Swain's ceramic coating.

One time I delivered and picked up the side pipes at their upstate NY location. 2nd time, the UPS Store constructed from HD corrugate 2 shipping boxes, side pipes were returned to me in the same cartons.

lovehamr · #8 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011, 05:42 PM

Do you mind if I ask what they charged and how "neat" the job was?

Don · #9 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovehamr

Do you mind if I ask what they charged and how "neat" the job was?

I do not recall the UPS Store charges for constructing the HD corrugate boxes for the side pipes,it was a number of years ago. The individual making up the boxes did excellent work, watched him making the first one, obvious he had constructed other shipping containers, included packing material to minimize movement. UPS insured for full replacement value.

Each of the 2 round trips ( delivery/pick up ) to Swain from my home for the first set was 700 miles.......having done it once, didn't take long to decide to ship the 2nd set of side pipes.

TButtrick · #10 (**permalink**) 08-20-2011, 07:24 PM

If you're looking to change them to flat black, sand blast and use Rust-Oleum high heat grill paint. If the current coating is not chipping or flaking, just paint over without sand blast. I had my pipes powder coated silver and just painted over with the Rust-Oleum. It's a VERY flat black finish. I take a washcloth and polish them to a powder coat look after dry. Incredible durability on that stuff.

danc30 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-08-2011, 07:45 AM

You can sand the Swain coating to a relatively smooth finish and still retain the beneficial properties of it. I would recommend trying that first, if it doesn't produce an acceptable finish, sandblast away.

Dan