How to Paint Motorcycle/Car Exhausts

Painting motorcycle or car exhausts requires a specific product capable of withstanding the high temperatures reached by manifolds and end pipes. Our high-temperature Black Matt Harley Davidson paint for car, motorcycle and boat exhausts is the ideal solution for this type of application. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to use this special paint, including surface preparation and painting and curing methods.

Product Description

HIGH-TEMPERATURE BLACK MATT HARLEY DAVIDSON PAINT FOR CAR, MOTORCYCLE AND BOAT EXHAUSTS

This special paint is designed exclusively for areas that reach temperatures exceeding 300 degrees, such as manifolds, end pipes and boilers. Its main characteristics include:

High Temperature Resistance: Designed to withstand elevated temperatures without deteriorating. Perfect Adhesion: Ideal for bare, sanded or sandblasted metal. Matte Finish: Gives exhausts an elegant and professional appearance.

Surface Preparation

To achieve the best results, it is essential to correctly prepare the surfaces before painting. Follow these steps:

Sanding or Sandblasting: Apply the paint to bare, sanded or sandblasted metal to ensure better adhesion. Use SOFT-type bodywork abrasive papers, starting with grit 340/400, followed by 500, 600 and, if possible, 800.

Hand Protection: Always wear latex gloves to prevent hand secretions from triggering metal oxidation afterwards.

Degreasing: Before painting, degrease the metal with our aeronautical degreaser, pure acetone or 70° isopropyl alcohol.

Painting

Once the surfaces are prepared, proceed with painting following these steps:

Mix the Paint: Stir the paint thoroughly in the tin.

Tools: Use a spray gun with a 1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.4 mm nozzle at a pressure of 1.5 or 2 bar.

First Coat: Apply a light anchoring coat and wait until it becomes completely matte.

Second Coat: Apply a coat that is neither too heavy nor too light and wait again until it becomes matte.

Third Coat (Optional): Apply another coat if necessary and wait 12 hours before curing at 200/220°C for one hour.

Curing the Paint

Method 1: Using an Oven

The best method for curing and tempering the paint is to use a dedicated oven. However, if a professional oven is not available, the following alternative method can be used:

• Positioning: gently place the exhaust on a workbench without scratching it
• Heating: heat the manifold area with a heat gun at maximum power
• Do not dwell on one point for too long to prevent the paint from bubbling and cracking
• Increase the temperature gradually and progressively

Method 2: Using the Vehicle

• Assembly: after waiting 12 hours, carefully mount the exhaust
• First start: start the vehicle and leave it at idle for a few minutes. Constantly monitor the exhaust. As soon as it begins to smoke, turn off the engine and allow to cool for one hour
• Second start: repeat the previous operation, allowing the exhaust to emit smoke for a little longer, then turn off and rest for one hour
• Third start: repeat the operation one final time, then allow to rest overnight. The following day, use the motorcycle normally

Frequently Asked Question: Curing in a Domestic Oven

The product emits toxic fumes and must therefore not be cured in a domestic oven, unless the oven is no longer in use and is used exclusively for this purpose. Only electric ovens can be used safely — gas ovens are dangerous due to the flammable vapours of the paint.

Important Note

During the curing phase, only the manifold area emits smoke as it is the only part that reaches elevated temperatures. Pay attention to heat exposure times — curing for too long can burn the paint near the manifolds.

Final Note

Curing high-temperature paint is not straightforward and requires precision. The advice provided is indicative and does not guarantee perfect results. The procedure described is basic and not always technically correct — we therefore accept no responsibility for any problems that may arise during and after the treatment.

By carefully following these guidelines, it is possible to achieve a durable and resistant finish for your motorcycle or car exhausts. Happy painting!