Frequently Asked Questions

What are Ceramic Coatings?
Ceramics are a “wet” process coating that, when properly applied, bar excessive heat radiation with a barrier that reflects the heat instead of absorbing it. This prevents the eventual destruction of the outer coating and the part itself. For instance, a ceramic coat applied to the inner and outer walls of tubular headers will seal the tube’s body with a thermal barrier and reduce heat transfer. This relieves the steel tube from excessive heat absorption and reduces cracking by preventing excessive expansion/contraction of the part. This barrier also protects the base metal itself, preserving the part and extending its service life. Today’s ceramic coatings are effective up to temperatures of 2000F and come in a variety of colors and finishes. Test data has shown radiated temperature drops in excess of 130F between coated and uncoated exhaust parts. Trade magazines, like HOT ROD, have done articles on ceramic coated headers, showing similar temperature drops when comparing coated and uncoated headers. A secondary benefit from ceramic coatings is its capability to seal the part from the elements. This creates a rust/corrosion resistant coat that rivals the best anti-rust coatings on the market. Ceramic coats, however, will outperform those coatings when high heat is applied.

What are powder coats?
Powdercoating is a “dry” process that uses static transfer to apply the coat. Powder is applied from a gun that electrically charges the powder. The pre-heated part will be grounded, thereby attracting the powder to it. The heat and static charge will hold the powder onto the part. The part will be baked in an oven to “flow” it into an even coat. Powdercoating doesn’t require any chemicals and is not harmful to the environment.

How do ceramics compare to powder coats?
The short answer is powder has a huge number of colors and finishes available where ceramics do not; ceramics can handle 2 to 4 times the heat (500F vs. 2000F) compared to powder and block excessive heat radiation. Ceramics require a high temperature to cure the coat (750F); powders require a low temperature to cure (375F) . Please see the section on ceramic coatings for more information.

Can ceramics be used on anything?
No. Ceramics are not a paint and require a high heat cure of 750F. Many plastic and thin metal parts cannot withstand the curing process. Feel free to e-mail us with questions about your part.

What kind of ceramic coats are available?
We have heat barriers, which are the most common. There are also ceramic coatings for piston tops that reflect heat back into the flame during ignition, creating a longer and cleaner burn cycle. There are thermal dispersants that draw the heat off the part and extend the parts’ service life. There are oil shedding coats that enhance oil return and reduce drag due to oil clinging onto the part, like a crankshaft. Finally, there are dry film lubricants that reduce friction and lower surface temps of the coated part, like a bearing. Dry film lubricants impregnate the surface and burnish down to a .000” thickness, so no extra expensive machining has to be done to accommodate these coats.

How much heat can ceramic coatings take?
The current ceramics on the market generally last until 2000F. Black, grey, aluminum or the ceramic “chrome” finishes generally hold the highest temperature ratings. Blues, reds, metallics and more exotic colors have a significantly lower temp rating, usually in the 1100-1300F range. Most ceramic colors will fade or dull over time, but the thermal barriers will still be intact. A failure in the ceramic coat usually occurs when it begins to flake or peel.

How much heat can powder coatings take?
Most garden variety powders will start to lose their color and flake off above 500F. Some poly or epoxy based powders will hold until 700F or so. There are “hi-temp” powders available that can last until 900F-1000F.

What cannot be coated with powder or ceramic?
Magnesium, anodized aluminum or any extremely thin metal. The deciding factor is if they can withstand high heat for a prolonged period of time for the curing process.

I have a pair of headers that have a rough surface. Will a ceramic coat make it smooth like new?
Ceramics cannot restore your headers’ rough surface to a brand-new appearance. Ceramic coatings will not fill over a rough surface, but will protect your old headers from cracking and rust through for some years to come. For customers with rough surfaced parts, we recommend one of our darker satin ceramic coats. They have a higher temp rating and do a great job of hiding the roughness of the surface.

Will ceramic coats keep my exhaust manifold from cracking?
The built in heat barrier in ceramic coatings will help a cast exhaust manifold resist excessive expansion and contraction. Provided the manifold is solid and crack-free, yes it will keep it from cracking.

What kind of preparation do I have to do to my part before I bring/send it in?
Washing and sandblasting is included in our prices. Be sure any accessory items are removed, i.e. brackets etc. and that any heavily caked grease or dirt is knocked off. We need to be able to see the whole part and assess its condition prior to the coating process. We also ask that bushings, bearings/races and parts of that nature be removed prior to delivery. For alternators, starters, or any assembly that you wish to have the outer case coated, the part must be disassembled and only the outer case sent to us.

Do you fix cracks or holes in manifolds/headers?
No, we do not accept damaged or deteriorated parts. If a crack is discovered on a cast metal part or if holes appear during the prep stage, the customer will be contacted and asked what they wish to do.

What do you guarantee?
On new parts, we guarantee the coat for the lifetime of the part, and three years for used parts. See our warranty for details.