I know ideally it would be best to start with clean pipes, but is it ok if there is some surface rust on the pipes when you send it to get ceramic coated? or is there really no point, meaning it would not hold up nearly as well and I may as well go with BBQ paint. Thanks for the help!
(I did do some digging before asking this question but could find a concrete answer)
Hey Singedebile:
Actually, it’s more common for people with rusted or damaged pipes to get them Ceramic Coated than those with new pipes. Probably 75% of the exhaust components we coat are used / rusty. It falls under the “Why fix it, if it ain’t broke” category. That being said, rust is not a problem and a very common condition. Also, in most cases it won’t have any affect on whether your new Ceramic Coating will hold up. Depending on what coating or plating is on your pipes currently and the extent of the corrosion will determine which coating to go with. You mentioned BBQ paint, if you’re just looking to do something cheap and fast, that is certainly an option. If you want to coat your pipes with something that is going to last for a very long time as well as benefiting from the thermal advantages, Ceramic Coating is probably your best option.
To clarify the process and save you time, money and future grief, DO NOT blast your pipes beforehand as some have suggested. Doing so will cost you additional money and likely damage the pipes. A reputable Ceramic Coater will ALWAYS blast / profile your parts prior to coating them and normal blasting is included in the coating cost. If he tells you to get it done before hand or that it’s not needed, RUN as fast as you can. Not blasting parts for Ceramic Coating will result in 100% failure. The only time you’ll incur additional stripping / blasting costs is when your parts are REALLY corroded or there is chrome / nickel plating that has to be removed.
The reason blasting your parts prior to getting them coated isn’t wise is because the parts need to be thermally degreased BEFORE blasting. We put the pipes into a special oven that bakes them for several hours at 600-1000F. This breaks down all the oils, paints, organics, etc. They are then profiled with a special CLEAN media to allow the Ceramic Coating to stick to the surface. If you take your dirty pipes to “Joe Blow Sandblaster” he’s going to blast all the debri that is ON your pipes, INTO YOUR pipes. Also, all the greasy, grimy parts he blasted before you got there is going to be blasted into the pores of your pipes. The next concern is that most industrial blasters use a media that inappropriate, i.e. too coarse like sand, too fine / smooth like glass bead or plastic. These are all BAD….. Lastly, most blasters and customers assume that your old chrome has to be blasted off which is usually not the case. High quality chrome (copper / nickel / chrome) rarely blasts off cleanly. In some places the copper will come right off the metal, in others only the chrome or the nickel will release. Bottom line, consult with your coating professional before making any stripping decisions.
As for color options, if your pipes are in good condition you can go with any color you’d like. If your pipes are deeply corroded, have poor welds, scratch / grind marks, etc, I’d probably stay away from Bright Ceramic Coating. Much like chrome, the Bright Ceramic Coating is VERY revealing. Any of these conditions will show through. Below are samples of some pipes that were either chrome plated or painted before Ceramic Coating. Some also had significant corrosion on them prior to Ceramic Coating.
Hope this helps,
CCPcoatings
Rusty Before
After Prep & Coating
Rusty Chrome Pipes-Bright Ceramic (note slight pitting on R side of mid pipe)
Rusty Chrome Vance & Hines 4 to 1-Black Ceramic
Before
Degreased & Blasted
Ceramic Coated
