Paint exhaust manifold?
 

Can one paint cast iron exhaust manifolds? I've got a '79 F250 with a 400 engine I've rebuilt and cleaned up.

Any of the high temp exhaust paints at your auto parts store will work fine. Prep is the key.

Thanks, kens64. I almost didn't ask cause I thought the paint would burn off. What's best for preparing for painting? I've been using purple power degreaser followed by rinse followed by acid based rim cleaner.

Don't have a sand blaster but am contemplating buying a closed cabinet system.

Sand blasting is the best method, but not absolutely necessary. A GOOD clean using your method and mabye a wire brush and curing the paint like the directions say should be fine.

Dont expect it to last for years regardless of how you apply it though. IT will fade and burn off sooner or later.

Sure would look nice for awhile though eh!

Prep it really good before painting. The best paint I have found isn't the High-Temp VHT automotive paint. The best paint is Barbeque paint. I have it on my 400 headers in my '53. I have had those headers glowing red hot a few times and that paint hasn't even peeled off, it's still on there. I have seen new headers with the high temp VHT paint on them and the paint peeled right off the first time the header got hot.

Keep in mind that not all "high temp" paints are the same. You should be able to find some mention of the maximum safe temp on the can. Just buy the higest rated one.

In my post I was referring to VHT High Temp Exhaust paint.......applications specific.......it's not that great, IMO. However, like I said, base metal preperation is key. It might work better on manifolds because manifolds are so rough whereas headers are just smooth pipes.

Get a drill adapted wire brush, i mean the ones that have the wire brush with a bar on it to stick in a drill, thats what we did to a 77' Chevy a while back, we used silver header paint, to my knowledge the stuff is still on there and it looks very good.

Shoot, this is great. I'll get it prepared right. I've taken alot of time with everything so far, this will be no exception. I'll wire brush it between coats of degreaser and acid to make sure there isn't any residue or rust.

I'll be hunting paint on Friday! Read my other post please regards the rest of the exhaust, I need help there also! Thanks!