Can You Powder Coat Motorcycle Exhaust? Yes, But There are Some Alternatives
Your motorcycle’s exhaust pipes don’t come with much protection to protect the metal. Therefore, you can consider coating it for better heat management. One of the most common coating options bikers often consider is powder coating. But can you powder coat motorcycle exhaust?
Yes, you can powder coat your motorcycle exhaust, but it’s not very effective or long-lasting. Regular powder coats can’t withstand high heat and peel off easily. However, you can go for high-temp alternatives such as high-heat powder coatings, chrome coatings, exhaust wraps, and spray paint.
Read on to uncover why you should or shouldn’t powder coat your motorcycle exhaust and what are some better alternatives.
Is It Okay to Powder Coat Motorcycle Exhaust? Advantages of Powder Coating
Yes, it’s safe to powder coat the exhaust elements of your motorcycle. In fact, it has some crucial benefits as well. However, compared to the alternatives, it doesn’t last as long or withstands intense heat.
In this case, it’s best to go for high-temp powder coating instead of regular powder coats. Here are some benefits of high-temp powder coating:
Better Heat Management
As combustion occurs, the heat inside the engine increases, and it’s released through the exhaust pipes. Due to increased vehicle speed, the exhaust components get incredibly hot.
When you apply the high-heat powder coating, it protects the metal parts from extra heat and helps them to cool down faster. This way, your vehicle’s overall lifespan and engine performance increase.
Protection Against Rust, Corrosion, and Chemicals
Over time, dirt, moisture, and different types of chemicals accumulate on the inner and outer surfaces of the exhaust pipes.
Layers of powder coating provide the surface sufficient protection against dust, moisture, and some solvents. As a result, the risk of rust and corrosion is reduced.
Even Application
High-temp powder coating uses an electrostatic charge to ensure even distribution. Thanks to the consistent coverage, there are no thin areas that easily chip off and ruin the look of your vehicle.
It also contributes to the powder coating’s effectiveness in protecting against corrosion and heat.
Smooth Finish and Great Aesthetic Appeal
Compared to most other available options, powder coating provides a smoother and more appealing finish. Besides, it comes in a wider variety of colors and finishes to match the overall aesthetics of your vehicle.
Why You Shouldn’t Powder Coat Motorcycle Exhaust? Limitations of Regular Powder Coating
Although regular powder coating offers some benefits, it’s not the ideal choice in high-heat environments. Here’s why:
Can’t Stand High Heat
While powder coating is generally heat-resistant, extreme temperatures from motorcycle exhausts can cause the coating to degrade or discolor over time.
Regular powder coats can only withstand 400-450°F whereas motorbike exhaust temperature can rise to 1200°F. Therefore, it’s not suitable for the hottest parts of the exhaust such as the header pipe, mid pipe, or catalytic converter.
Flakes or Burns Off Fast
Bikers who powder-coated their exhaust pipes said it only works for a few months. If you speed up the vehicle, drive in high ambient temperatures, or go off-road regularly, the coat will become brittle and flake off over time due to the intense heat.
High Costs
Compared to most other coating methods, powder coating is a bit expensive. The price goes higher if the exhaust needs to be prepped or stripped before coating. Moreover, as it easily peels off, you need to redo the coating every 3 months or so.
Time-Consuming and Not Achievable at Home
Unlike spraying or wrapping, powder coating involves a complex multi-step process that takes hours to complete.
The process includes sandblasting, cleaning, and curing in an oven. So, it’s not at all feasible for DIY enthusiasts to powder coat at home without proper training and equipment.
Alternatives to Powder Coat to Protect Your Motorcycle Exhaust
If you want to increase the lifespan of your motorbike’s exhaust, engine, and related parts, you need to apply a heat-protective coating. Instead of powder coating, choose these more effective methods:
Chrome Coat
One of the most heat-resistant coatings, chrome plating, can handle high temperatures over 1000°F.
It offers a great-looking reflective finish that’s available in multiple colors. Chrome coating protects your motorbike’s exhaust from heat damage, corrosion, and scratches for years.
- Limitations: While chrome plating withstands high heat, it doesn’t offer much protection against chemicals. Besides, chrome plating a bike exhaust is expensive, costing $200 to $500.
Heat Shield Liner Kit
To keep the engine and exhaust cool, you can use a heat shield liner kit. It wraps around the exhaust pipe and blocks heat, mitigating heat faster and more efficiently.
As it supports bolt-on installation, you can mount the heat shield at home and limit the costs to $40 to $180.
- Limitations: Unlike chrome or powder coating, heat shields don’t cover the entire exhaust area. Therefore, it doesn’t offer all-around protection against heat.
Exhaust Wrap
As the name suggests, exhaust wraps cover the entire exhaust of your motorbike including the header and mid-pipes. Made of high-quality fiberglass and silica, exhaust wraps can withstand over 1000°F. What’s more, exhaust wraps are relatively cheap with prices ranging from $15 to $170.
- Limitations: Installing exhaust wraps is a complicated process that can easily go wrong without expert help. If not installed correctly, they will trap moisture and cause rust and corrosion.
High-Temp Spray Paint
Although not as good with extreme heat as the other alternatives, applying high-temperature spray paints is great for increasing the visual appeal of your motorcycle. Some specialized high-heat spray paint withstands up to 1200°F, but most paints withstand 500°F temperature. Bikers choose them for ease of application and to protect the less temperate areas like the muffler. Each 12 oz spray can costs $10 to $50.
- Limitations: Not suitable for the hottest areas of the exhaust. Without previous experience, you might not be able to achieve a smooth and even finish while applying the paint.
FAQs
Have more questions? Let’s address some common queries regarding powder coating motorcycle exhaust.
How much does it cost to powder coat a motorcycle exhaust?
It costs around $100 to $300 for powder coat motorcycle exhaust. The actual price varies depending on how many layers you want, the type of coat, and your expected coverage.
How long should powder coating last on motorcycle exhaust?
Depending on the type of coat, powder coating can last 3 months to 5 years on motorcycle exhaust. Regular powder coatings only hold up for a few months whereas high-temperature powder coats last for years.
Can the chipped powder coat on the motorcycle exhaust be repaired?
Yes, you can restore powder coats without completely peeling off and reapplying them. For minor polishing issues, apply layers of wax. You can also try matching high-temp paint or apply an extra layer of powder coating for larger areas.
Wrapping Up!
As discussed, you can powder coat motorcycle exhaust without damaging any exhaust components. However, any professional will tell you not to apply regular powder coats as they don’t hold up against high heat. My suggestion is to apply a regular powder coat only to the exhaust muffler.
For the hotter parts, such as the header and mid-pipes, I recommend high-heat powder coats or chrome coats. Both are great for improved heat management, enhancing performance, and offering an eye-catching finish.
