Today we will learn to paint exhaust tips at home without taking the car to the workshop.
The process is very simple and easy to learn if learned properly with step by step guide.
And here I have this guide for you people who are beginners and want to paint their exhaust tips at home.
This guide is tested by my amateurs’ fellows and they found quite decent results after completing I have also analyzed much better results of my fellas with this guide.
This guide is based on my own experience which I have gained over the course of years. So it is considerable for newcomers who were hesitant to do this job by themselves.
How to paint exhaust tips?
Clean exhaust tip
There are two methods you can use to clean your exhaust tips, manual and automatic.
To clean exhaust tips manually, you will need a cleaning product with a tip that could reach through the exhaust tips.
There are automatic exhaust tip cleaners available in many stores. You just need to make sure that it can clean your exhaust tip.
Prior to cleaning, make sure the engine is switched off and the car is parked in a safe place to prevent harm to anyone.
Method to sand exhaust tip
Sanding the tips is a necessary step to smoothen the surface of the exhaust tips to allow the paint to stick and give a better finish.
This is how I sand my exhaust tips before painting. I just take a 4-inch sanding disk and attach it to my electric drill.
I then tape off the areas around the tips to prevent any sanding on the areas which I don’t want to be sanded.
The next step is to use the electric drill to sand the tips and remove any rust and smooth out the edges.
When you feel that you have sanded the tips sufficiently, take off the tape, and then sand and polish the part around the tip. Use a polisher to smooth out and polish the area around the tip.
Prime exhaust tip
You can prime it yourself. There are two options available today. If you want to prime it with spray cans then you should sand the existing paint off the exhaust tips.
Spray cans of primer are usually recommended to do touch-ups or smaller areas.
You must sand the surface even if you are going to use cans. Besides that, you should go with the second option and use rattle cans.
This is a better option because you make sure that no paint is left on the exhaust tips.
If you are working on high fenders then do not forget to wear gloves and eye protection because you will be too close to the exhaust tip and it may get very hot.
Paint exhaust tip
If you are looking for a way to paint the tips, you can use a spray gun. Spray guns come in a variety of sizes, with each size being able to hold a different amount of paint.
You can choose a gun based on the amount of paint you will be using. It is important to know that you are spraying paint, not a base coat.
You need to use a primer before painting with the spray gun.
To apply the paint, we will add a coat to the outside of the pipe. Then, we leave it to dry for an hour (or according to the instructions from the paint instructions).
Once it is dry, we apply another coat. We repeat this step until there are three or four coats on the pipe. This will result in optimal performance.
Step-by-step procedure to paint exhaust tips
For painting exhaust tips, you need to remove the muffler, paint the tip, and apply heat for the paint to cure. Here are the steps:
- Make sure you have the proper paints for your car. Your car’s manufacturer will have a recommended brand of paint.
- Remove the muffler. For safety reasons, you may want to disconnect the catalytic converter.
- Mask the areas surrounding the exhaust tips. You do not want paint getting on other areas of your car or on you.
- Clean the exhaust tip thoroughly. This is important because you don’t want any dirt or debris to mix with the paint.
- Paint the exhaust tips with the paint of your choice.
- Let the paint dry.
- After the paint has dried, apply heat to the tips with a blow dryer. This is what really cures the paint and gives it a nice shine.
Can you spray paint your exhaust tip?
Yes, you can spray paint your exhaust tip. However, it is important to consider a few things before doing so.
First, make sure that the exhaust tip is clean and dry before you start painting. Use a degreaser to remove any dirt or grime, and then let the exhaust tip dry completely.
Next, choose a high-temperature paint that is specifically designed for use on exhausts. This type of paint is able to withstand the high temperatures that your exhaust tip will be subjected to.
To apply the paint, use light, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. It is also a good idea to wear a respirator or mask to protect your lungs from the fumes.
Once you have finished painting, allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours before driving the vehicle. This will give the paint time to fully harden and bond to the surface of the exhaust tip.
Keep in mind that painting your exhaust tip will not change its performance or functionality. It is purely a cosmetic change.
Can you paint stainless steel exhaust tips?
Yes, you can paint stainless steel exhaust tips. However, it is important to keep in mind that stainless steel is a non-porous material.
Which means that the paint may not adhere to it as well as it would to a porous material like metal or plastic.
To prepare the exhaust tip for painting, you will need to thoroughly clean it with a degreaser and then sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to.
After sanding, wipe the exhaust tip down with a clean cloth to remove any dust or debris.
Then, apply a coat of metal primer to the exhaust tip and let it dry completely before applying the final coat of paint.
It is also a good idea to choose a high-temperature paint that is specifically designed for use on exhausts.
As this type of paint is able to withstand the high temperatures that your exhaust tip will be subjected to.
As with any painting project, use light, even coats, and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Once you have finished painting, allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours before driving the vehicle.
Keep in mind that painting your exhaust tip will not change its performance or functionality. It is purely a cosmetic change.
How do I prepare my exhaust for painting?
To prepare your exhaust for painting, you will need to follow these steps:
- Clean the exhaust thoroughly with a degreaser to remove any dirt or grime.
- Sand, the surface of the exhaust with fine-grit sandpaper to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to.
- Wipe the exhaust down with a clean cloth to remove any dust or debris.
- Apply a coat of metal primer to the exhaust and let it dry completely.
- Apply a coat of high-temperature paint specifically designed for use on exhausts. Use light, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
- Allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours before driving the vehicle.
Keep in mind that painting your exhaust will not change its performance or functionality. It is purely a cosmetic change.
Can you paint stainless exhaust tips?
Yes, you can paint stainless steel exhaust tips, but it is important to properly prepare the surface and use the right type of paint to ensure good adhesion and durability.
It is also important to note that painting stainless steel can affect its corrosion resistance properties.
Will high temp paint work on exhaust?
High-temperature paint can be used on exhaust components, but its durability will depend on the specific product and the conditions it will be exposed to.
Some high temperature paints can withstand temperatures up to 1200°F, while others may only be able to handle temperatures up to 800°F.
It’s important to select a high-temperature paint that is specifically designed for the type of metal being painted.
And the conditions it will be exposed to, as well as follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparation and application.
FAQ’s of How to paint exhaust tips
Conclusion of How to paint exhaust tips
So, there you have it! A complete guide to paint exhaust tips at home without taking the car to the workshop.
If you’re still not comfortable with performing this task at home, then it’s recommended you take the car to a workshop.
But if you’re confident enough then go ahead and follow the steps explained in this guide in order to achieve the best results.
Comment down your queries they will be answered in the first place.
Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.
