Powder Coating

[Pengue]

I’m thinking of having both the intake and exhaust manifolds powder coated on my 1971 Pagoda. Any thoughts or experiences?  This is all cosmetic driven and not sure if there would be an impact on value given “not original”.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[Kevkeller]

Can powder coat stand up the heat on the exhaust manifold?

[johnk]

Powder coating is plastic and melts at 400 degrees. 

[doitwright]

Perhaps you are thinking of ceramic coating. This coating is commonly used on headers and exhaust pipes and can help reduce temperatures in the engine bay.

I have not heard of ceramic or powder coating being used on a Pagoda intake manifold.

[wwheeler]

I powder coated my intake on the '60 220SE W128 and will do so on 280SE. I used Tiger Drylac Bengal silver and think it does a good job a duplicating the natural, clean color of cast aluminum. You can compare to the clean head casting just below it. A bit glossy though. It provides an excellent surface to keep clean and never changes. Maintenance free! BTW, I also did the valve cover.

The exhaust was ceramic coated (cannot use powder coat) by white lightining.https://swaintech.com/race-coatings/race-coating-descriptions/white-lightning-exhaust-coatings/  Again, a lifetime coating and the appearance never changes. There is some debate about the actual color that the manifolds were from the factory. I won't get into that, but a white silver is color is one in the running.

See attached. Certainly not for every one and maybe get points deducted at some high end shows. But I don't go to those anyway. The look is always a crowd pleaser and they are amazed at how good it looks. Not for the purest but I like the maintenance free aspect of it. 

[mdsalemi]

I believe you can get a clear powder coat; so if you clean the manifold and make it look like a fresh casting (use the proper aluminum cleaners/brighteners) you can then lock in that look with a clear powder coat.
Wallace's silver looks nice though. My fan was powder coated in a similar color.

[wwheeler]

The only issue I have had with powder coat clear on top of aluminum is the aluminum turning under the clear. Maybe bad preparation but it happened twice to me. Since, I have just used the Bengal silver and made everything match. Bare aluminum finishes are hard to get right and there is an art to just that. I never quite figured it out and just took the easier path.

[Pawel66]

Sorry: what does it mean "aluminum turning under" ?

[Bonnyboy]

The colour of the aluminum changes under the clear coating.  So what started out as a brilliant shiny part "turns" into a shade that isn't what you want. 

[wwheeler]

It gets kind of cloudy and spotty. Not consistent. Aluminum is a very difficult material to plate or coat because it oxidizes the very moment it sees oxygen. Like in seconds. So the time between when you clean the aluminum and when it is coated, it starts to oxidize. You can trap areas when coating that have already started to oxidize and it grows under the coating.     

[Pawel66]

I see, thank you!

[MikeSimon]

It gets kind of cloudy and spotty. Not consistent. Aluminum is a very difficult material to plate or coat because it oxidizes the very moment it sees oxygen. Like in seconds. So the time between when you clean the aluminum and when it is coated, it starts to oxidize. You can trap areas when coating that have already started to oxidize and it grows under the coating.   

Not so sure about that. Magnesium, yes, Aluminum not so much. At least not easily visible. I have several aluminum parts on vehicles polished. There were done decades ago and still look nice. For the intake manifold, I recommend vapor blasting and then paint with a marine engine paint, which is heat resistant and perfectly duplicates aluminum finish. Both Evinrude and OM have "engine silver" paints.

[wwheeler]

I guess I was speaking more about plating (zinc) and coating like powder coating. Painting is bit different in that the paint itself has primers built in for adhesion. Yes, I have painted aluminum without issues. The oxidation is microscopic but does cause problems with adhesion. Zinc plating aluminum is a pain because of its tendency to quickly oxidize. That I know for a fact and do plate aluminum. It requires multiple extra steps that steel does not.

My experience clear coating with powder and clear paint is that the color of the aluminum underneath is not very uniform. Again, that is my experience and possibly didn’t prep the surface well enough. That is why I went the easy route with a colored coating to create the uniformity. Not every one’s choice and that is fine.

[MikeSimon]

Intake Manifold blasted and painted.

[TJMart]

If the manifolds are not vapor blasted what does one use to clean and prep the manifold for painting?

[mdsalemi]

Wallace, I have not used "clear" powder coat, just a silver like you. The powder coater I had offered a myriad of colors and blends, and he did a lot of custom car work--but is no longer in business. I did find a power coater here in NC now, with a good reputation.

TJ, an easy way to clean aluminum is use an "aluminum brightener"; these are a variety of chemical compounds that use Ammonium Biflouride or Hydroflouric Acid combined with other acids and detergents.Due to their hazardous properties they are getting harder to find. I do know that Kleen Rite Corporation makes one called Klean Wall, that has the right acids and detergents. There use to be some available as wheel cleaners over the counter in auto parts stores, you may have to look around. They work exceedingly well on aluminum usually with no effort other than spray, wait, and hose off.

If you find one it probably is going to have some combo of acids, so be very careful in use.

[MarkCan]

The exhaust was ceramic coated (cannot use powder coat) by white lightining.https://swaintech.com/race-coatings/race-coating-descriptions/white-ligh

Can you share the cost of the project. I’m looking in to it right now. I have a local guy who does Ceracoat but from what I read your finish is superior in heat retention.

[wwheeler]

I honestly do not remember the cost. You can call the company and they will give you a good idea.