[2012Raven]

So I just got my cobra speedster swepts in the mail. Got them dirt cheap. only problem is that they are chrome . Ive been reading up on ways to make them black. I know high heat ceramic is the best way to go but it's too expensive. Has anyone had any luck/experience with the VHT paint they sell @ auto stores? http://www.tcpglobal.com/spraypaintdepot/vht-flame-proof.aspx It says it's good up to 2000F after you cure it properly. Shouldnt be too hard since I can do the heat shields off the bike.

Open to suggestions and or criticisms.

 

[megabuddys]

VHT is the only paint that works out of a can period. I have been using it for years.
The better your surface prep the better and longer it holds/lasts.
If your going over chrome, it needs to adhere to something, so scuff it up good or attempt to sandblast the pipes.

The silver stuff for some reason, just doesn't work as good as the black IME

 

[2012Raven]

VHT is the only paint that works out of a can period. I have been using it for years.
The better your surface prep the better and longer it holds/lasts.
If your going over chrome, it needs to adhere to something, so scuff it up good or attempt to sandblast the pipes.

The silver stuff for some reason, just doesn't work as good as the black IME

Right on. Ive been hearing good stuff about it and its good to hear it from someone who's actually used it. Surface prep is already started with 600 grit. Once it's nice and rough, I'll go ahead and coat.

When you used it did you cure it in an oven or on the bike? I dont have an oven big enough so on bike is my only choice.

Everything must be balck when im done, lol. Except for the future metallic green accents of course

 

[sfcmcgan]

if you go to "powderbuythepound.com" you can get ceramic exhaust coating that does not require extensive temp to cure.. some even air cure...... real reasonable prices. I order from them all the time for powder coating stuff.

 

[fujums]

Good thread. I have the same problem and plan to paint my chrome Swepts this winter. When I bought the VHT the guy at the parts store said that it is "self etching", for whatever that's worth.

Here's my question...can I treat the VHT like a primer and put another high heat engine rattle can paint over it? The VHT is a flat black and I'd like the finish to match some of the other parts I've painted. I bought some other high heat engine paint and just haven't had a chance to try it.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[bekohlko]

I used the VHT to do my slip-on muffler, and I cured it on the bike. Few things I learned the hard way:

-Paint in a well ventilated area or wear a dust mask. VHT is like powdercoat in a can. I was blowing black snot for three days...
Until it's cured:
-Make sure your hands are very clean or wear gloves. The oils from your hands don't come off and you'll have to re-paint.
-Make sure the part is secure at all times. My muffler tipped over and the paint scratched very easily.

Don't be afraid to use a heavier grit than 600. When I scuffed my chrome, I used a 200 grit foam sanding block. I felt like the paint would hold better, and I couldn't see any scratch marks in the final product. - just my two cents

 

[2012Raven]

Good thread. I have the same problem and plan to paint my chrome Swepts this winter. When I bought the VHT the guy at the parts store said that it is "self etching", for whatever that's worth.

Here's my question...can I treat the VHT like a primer and put another high heat engine rattle can paint over it? The VHT is a flat black and I'd like the finish to match some of the other parts I've painted. I bought some other high heat engine paint and just haven't had a chance to try it.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

http://www.tcpglobal.com/spraypaintdepot/vht-flame-proof.aspx VHT has several colors and their own primer. I dont know if you could put a different kind of high temp paint over it or not. If you did It would have to stand about 1200F

 

[ktourville]

I used the VHT to do my slip-on muffler, and I cured it on the bike. Few things I learned the hard way:

-Paint in a well ventilated area or wear a dust mask. VHT is like powdercoat in a can. I was blowing black snot for three days...
Until it's cured:
-Make sure your hands are very clean or wear gloves. The oils from your hands don't come off and you'll have to re-paint.
-Make sure the part is secure at all times. My muffler tipped over and the paint scratched very easily.

Don't be afraid to use a heavier grit than 600. When I scuffed my chrome, I used a 200 grit foam sanding block. I felt like the paint would hold better, and I couldn't see any scratch marks in the final product. - just my two cents

I Agree. Use 200 grit. I scuffed mine and used a few coats VHT self etching primer. Sanded that down with a red scotch bright and put three coats of VHT flat black on. It seams to be holding up well. I just let the bike run for 30 mins to cure. Just be aware fuel spilled on this stuff will leave marks. Ceramic coating is the best way if you can aford it. I have picks of my exhaust painted black in my profile. They were chrome.

 

[dreadly]

I painted my exhaust (just two stripes) on my Raider OEM exhaust with header paint - sanded and hit it with a couple coats. Two years and still looks good.

 

[SmokenJoe]

Painted my engine on my VTX with HT Dulicolor...............looks good and is holding up very well. Not sure how it would be on pipes though.

 

[V8Astro]

Did you guys use the satin black or flat black?

 

[Raven]

Interested in this as well. I have a set of VH Big Radius on the way, chrome obviously, so I need to black them out and looking for options

 

[middleagecrisis]

I'd practice on the stock exhaust if you have the chome set.

 

[middleagecrisis]

Interested in this as well. I have a set of VH Big Radius on the way, chrome obviously, so I need to black them out and looking for options

Send them back and get the twin slash staggered. They are about 150 bucks cheaper and already have the black finish.

 

[2012Raven]

update: i sanded everything down with some 200 grit and sprayed them a few days ago. cured them on the bike per instructions on the can. i couldnt be happier with it! the main thing i was worried about was chipping, etc due to it be rattle can paint, but after it was cured the wife and i got caught in the rain. the pipes got showered in water/mud/roaddebris during the ride. But low and behold i sprayed them off and theres not a single nick or scratch on the pipes! I would definitely recommend this stuff if you need to black out a chrome exhaust and ceramic coat is out of the price range. I'll post up some pics tomorrow.

 

[Raven]

Interested in this as well. I have a set of VH Big Radius on the way, chrome obviously, so I need to black them out and looking for options

Send them back and get the twin slash staggered. They are about 150 bucks cheaper and already have the black finish.

Those and the Cobras were the three I was deciding on. What did you pay for the staggered?

 

[Raven]

update: i sanded everything down with some 200 grit and sprayed them a few days ago. cured them on the bike per instructions on the can. i couldnt be happier with it! the main thing i was worried about was chipping, etc due to it be rattle can paint, but after it was cured the wife and i got caught in the rain. the pipes got showered in water/mud/roaddebris during the ride. But low and behold i sprayed them off and theres not a single nick or scratch on the pipes! I would definitely recommend this stuff if you need to black out a chrome exhaust and ceramic coat is out of the price range. I'll post up some pics tomorrow.

Great to know man! Can't wait to see the picks

 

[2012Raven]

update: i sanded everything down with some 200 grit and sprayed them a few days ago. cured them on the bike per instructions on the can. i couldnt be happier with it! the main thing i was worried about was chipping, etc due to it be rattle can paint, but after it was cured the wife and i got caught in the rain. the pipes got showered in water/mud/roaddebris during the ride. But low and behold i sprayed them off and theres not a single nick or scratch on the pipes! I would definitely recommend this stuff if you need to black out a chrome exhaust and ceramic coat is out of the price range. I'll post up some pics tomorrow.

Great to know man! Can't wait to see the picks

 

[Raven]

Looking great man!. Can't tell from the pics that they aren't the black ones from Cobra!

 

[middleagecrisis]

Interested in this as well. I have a set of VH Big Radius on the way, chrome obviously, so I need to black them out and looking for options

Send them back and get the twin slash staggered. They are about 150 bucks cheaper and already have the black finish.

Those and the Cobras were the three I was deciding on. What did you pay for the staggered?

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