HOW TO: VHT Ceramic Spray Painting Exhaust Pipes | Harley Sportster 48

[@PCPAyLOAD]

Always enjoy your 48 vids. I recently watched the one you did on adding aftermarket pegs and having to use an angle grinder on the clevis. Ended up doing the exact same thing. Worked great!

[@ridingdigital]

Awesome, thanks a lot really appreciate it! Glad you enjoy them :) RD

[@JesseCoffin-xw6yu]

😢Þ4⁴ffff

[@FilthyUshanka]

A good technique while working with man-made vitreous fiber is to wet it down with water. This will help to minimize the amount of fibers that are released. Good on you for wearing a respirator as well.

[@ridingdigital]

Hadn't thought of that...good shout! 👍🏻

[@bikerbison]

Coronavirus!!!!!

[@lukemanno]

I found it necessary to bake the pipes in my BBQ grille using the three step process of 250, then 400, then 600 degrees Fahrenheit for the recommended time with the on the can instructions in order to properly seal the paint from head to exhaust exit. I tried using the temp. sensor on the grille and the baking process failed and started flaking off. After sanding and re-painting I baked the pipes using a laser temperature gun making sure the actual part was the correct tempurature for the correct amount of time (per instructions) and it turned out AWESOME. Just starting the bike and running it did not seal the paint properly to make if fully sealed and therefore chemical and wear/scratch resistant as it can be. Hope this info. helps any of you who tried this without getting the results you were looking for.

[@nebulonv6015]

what did you use for paint?

[@ridingdigital]

great info, thanks. it's one of those situations where it's a lot of hassle to follow the steps properly but if you don't then the results don't follow. Appreciate the share 👍🏻

[@1991tommygun]

Most american british guy ever lol

[@ridingdigital]

HELL YEEEHHAAA! 🤘

[@guzzigoose2482]

Budweiser and a harley in the living room... I didn't know I had British family 🤣

[@mobkinq]

Looks good. Been trying to do this on my fat Bob heat shields after I went with black slip ons. Still indecisive

[@ninjahuber04]

Good job man I'm gonna do the same thing to my pipes...thanks for the video

[@marcushallows6157]

How well did your VHT hold up? I'm currently painting mine for the second time using Rustoleum High Heat because VHT failed me within months. Same process, same heat treat.

[@dnegel9546]

Update? Did you use primer?

[@PrincipeCharro]

Dude that is awesome! I wanna paint mine now lol

[@boganmoto3803]

Shocked at how well those pipes actually turned out with the rattle can. Your videos are great and bike looks awesome. Hope to see many more vids from you.

[@ridingdigital]

+Bogan Moto Thank you, honestly I'm surprised at the finish too! Hopefully they'll hold up with the heat. RD

[@bangximdead]

Riding Digital i know it hasn't been very long but how did the paint hold up? Would you recommend it?

[@ridingdigital]

+floramakes Hey, so far I've ridden around 1000 miles in some quite wet roads and unfortunately I have had paint coming off the top of the headers before I wrapped over them. The exposed ends are ok but there is some pitting. If I did it again I'd look to use the Rustoleum high temp paint which I hear is better (unfortunately couldn't get it in the UK). Will show the pipes in a future video! RD

[@bangximdead]

Riding Digital Try eBay! I live in sweden and can’t get most of the stuff here but eBay is always a safe bet. I’m looking forward to seeing it.

[@mikef3300]

Looks great. I’m going to do this to my heat shields on my Vance & Hines short shots 👍

[@donaldwycoff4154]

Gorgeous results!

[@fourKeeps2020]

The matt look looks 👌 😍

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Great video, Great bike! I'm about to sand back and re-paint the headers on my Bonneville T120 Black, got the same Matt paint as you used here, but hadn't really considered Primer? My feeling was I'm only really saning off to key the surface, as such I can spray direct to the keyed surface?

[@ridingdigital]

Thanks! My learning was to really remove any rust before spraying. Unsure if the primer makes a huge difference, I imagine it may help a bit. Good luck 👍

[@MrCcarter7]

Great job! Pipes look brand new!

[@1980fields]

Exactly what I was looking for 👍 wish my exhaust was that easy to pull off

[@ridingdigital]

there was a lot of straining off camera!

[@krismerchant4982]

Did you just sand them with regular sand paper? If so, what grit?

[@LetGaiaLive]

Great video man - no thumbs down for you my friend 👍

[@gwyzagain]

You did this job in 2017. Many people, including myself, are asking you how this paint "held up" because many of us have tried this same VHT Ceramic based Paint, only to find that after a few months it CHIPS LIKE CRAZY. Can you PLEASE reply to confirm your Post-Usage experience with the longevity of this ceramic paint. (I must tell you, I was just as happy with it after I initially used it. Then a squirrel dropped and acorn from the tree above (about a 20 foot drop), and that thing took a wicked chip out of the paint). Then the "windy riding chipping" started. Then the "bare touch with a tool takes out a chip," etc, etc, etc.... I've concluded CERAMIC paint is the problem. It is "CERAMIC" which is naturally BRITTLE. However, inside the hood of a car s a pretty safe place for ANY "heat Paint" which is to say that I am stating is the reason why VHT High Heat Ceramic paint will _always_ fail. After VHT Ceramic is (truly) fully cured, it becomes FRAGILE CERAMIC. Anyway, PLEASE reply with your "post-painting" experience. MANY people are asking you about it and the lack of an answer is kind-of speaking for itself. (Thanks --Gregg)

[@ridingdigital]

Hi Gregg, thanks for flagging, I've replied to a very large number of comments querying this over the years, but not every one particuarly recently as I've got a lot on. The short answer is not too well, rust came through at the header but I wrapped them anyway and the tips where heat was less extreme it was fine. No chipping issues. I'll post a general comment with an update, bit if you look through many of the comments querying it have an answer. Cheers

[@dviljoen]

The beer ... didn't see it. Was it behind that Budweiser box?

[@ridingdigital]

😂

[@mojobrown33]

One question though. Why put the heat shields back on if your wrapping??

[@MrEye4get]

Always wear gloves and a respirator when messing with exhaust wrap tape! It isn't asbestos but a form of fiberglass. How does the paint wear? Did it crack or change color?

[@Vallcon]

Yes id like to know the answer to this. I painted mine without using the primer and within 10k miles it looked cloudy and heat worn again. Wonder if this ended up the same.

[@stufoo]

budweiser? you really went all in with the americana

[@crazyindianboy24]

Hello had a quick question do you remember what grit sandpaper you used or was it a scotch brite pad. ?

[@bostonwalbeck5104]

Great vid, but I'm reading a ton of people saying not to use vht primer, go straight to the black header paint. Apparently primer causes flaking... Very counter intuitive I know

[@chrisbrowne8997]

Hi I'm planning to repaint my buell blast exhaust with the vht gloss black two questions. . First the bike is being winterized and the exhaust won't be put back on till sprig.... Will it need the clear coat being a gloss. . Second I know it needs to be heat cycled to cure and I was planning to wrap the header section will I have to do that after it's heat cycled or can it be done now then heat cycled all at once

[@ANK51]

Mate that is one sweet ride!!

[@ridingdigital]

cheers mate 👍🏻

[@bosand2347]

The paint job looks great, thanks for sharing! Can you please tell us exactly what primer and paint you used? Did you put clear lacquer over (before curing)?

[@bendare8210]

Nice job! Looks good.

[@ketobeast8489]

Gonna try cerakote on my thunder headers. Yours came out nice just wondering for how long. I’m choosing cerakote hopefully for some longevity. Cheers

[@elcongreen]

I heard the new name for the HD is CD Charlie Davidson, but we all know HD hasn't been built by or with American parts since the 2000s ,all the clothes are made in Taiwan.

[@99milesaway41]

Looks amazing! Thank for posting this, wasn't sure what paint to use on the pipes I'm making for my virago ✌

[@ridingdigital]

good luck buddy

[@99milesaway41]

@@ridingdigital ended up using the VHT, turned out beautifully

[@barrykelly2722]

Nice bike. Nice exhaust job.

[@glasgowharleyrider]

Reminds me , my matte ss heat shields need a re spray , great result fella

[@ridingdigital]

Thanks bud. unfortunately it didnt hold up too well on the headers (although wrapped now) I gather the rustoleum high temp sprays are the db's so will give them a go next time.

[@209golightly]

I’m going to attempt this on my trask turbo system on my 07 Harley vrod I had a small crack on the mounting tab but think I can try coating. I’m wrinkle blacking the motor over since it’s been 7 years since I did it and still looks great but new pipe paint might as accent the motor as well

[@ridingdigital]

hope it goes to plan! Look forward to an update on how it went

[@denverplayspc]

Really like the finished product. Can you give me a rough layout of the sprays and tools used in the video? Thanks man.

[@Bernievids]

I’m looking to buy a 48. Or roadster. I’m in AUS and strangely, most I see that are of this vintage or certainly 2016- to 18 have got lots of solid looking surface rust. Pegs area and side strands almost with no paint on them (the arm no the area in contact with the ground obviously). I’m just concerned at how quickly the metals deteriorate on fairly new bikes. Is this your experience and is this a Harley thing. I’ve owned nice BMW sport bikes and have always garaged but have ridden in rain etc and never the amounts of rust, kind of is the only thing turning me off them.

[@Oldvelocette]

Really good to see how simple that was... nice :)

[@davidmacgregor5193]

Your exhaust pipes have turned out very good, they look a lot better without that ugly exhaust wrap, I never did understand why so many Harley-Davidson owners wrap their exhausts with that stuff.

[@DrAlmurshidy]

How did the paint hold? I have been trying to decide what paint I should use. Every one I asked stated it peeled off really quickly.

[@InformationJunkyNJ]

defiantly tackling this during the this winter, cheers!

[@albertofe5829]

Really good job! I have any questions that are not in the comments: I have 2 chrome mufflers, no rusty, in very good conditions, is necessary the coat of prime? Is necessary to pass sandpaper in my situation if I use the coat of prime? Have you wait any minutes between one paint can and another? And between one coat of paint and another? Very thanks!!!

[@dusterstilldustin]

Well made video brother

[@edwardofrias8220]

This was awesome and super helpful mate. Thank you!

[@jables2845]

I've got the same Arlen Ness pipes but I've been on the looks out for those exhaust tips. Got any links?

[@jerrycagle7565]

Great job did you find a satin in the flame proof.

[@monsta216ify]

What playlist of music is this its great

[@nebby12345]

Hey mate, 3 questions 1 - What grade sand paper did you use? 2 - What liquid did you rub the shields / exhausts with prior to applying primer 3 - Which specific VHT products did you use and in what order? My bikes arrived and I'm looking to do this exact project over a weekend asap

[@ridingdigital]

hey; 1) 120grit then 180grit 2) Alcohol decreaser (ie no water content) 3) grey primer, paint, satin coat all VHT High temperature spray paint (can't remember exact name but you can see the can when I hold it in front in the camera). Good luck, get as much rust off as you can, it's all in the prep. RD

[@fyedkanunez3396]

excuse me, how long does it take to dry the paint before you subject it to healing time?

[@Bcharns]

Excellent job!

[@mdannuarmdabdkadir9652]

hi, how about the undercoat does it requires a high tempt too? thanks

[@MediaWhored]

Like Comment and even Subbed . Might try it . Maybe on the old Jeepster pipes first. How did they hold up... Paint still intact ??

[@ridingdigital]

Cheers 👊 Pipes held up pretty well over the years after, except around the header where it peeled pretty soon after, although I think more sanding prep was needed there.

[@carystarke8000]

Looking good Mate. Did it hold up over time ? I’m waiting on some Helix Racing Ceramic Paint for my Vance & Hines 2 into 1 pipes. Chalky looking up by the Heads. Hopefully it holds up .

[@dannyvictory7789]

I did that with heat shield on my pipes and it peeled and did it like u did so how long dtd it last for u

[@chefmike8888]

Very nice 48. Good job 👍🏻

[@chefmike8888]

The beer has to help at least a little right?

[@ridingdigital]

After many years of tinkering I can say that without the beer, it would be impossible. Thanks buddy 👍🏻

[@SlasherWTF]

Great stuff! How does the paint holding on? Any cracks or chips?

[@TacticalDannyBoy]

Thanks for the vid. It was a lot of help. How is the paint holding up? Does it scuff/scratch easily?

[@filoIII]

I always thought wraps looked hideous. I like the black.

[@lillsportyshorty7165]

Wow.. that air filter makes your bike stand out. Love it

[@ridingdigital]

Thanks mate 👊🏻👍🏻

[@kevinkhaos2202]

How’s it holding up? And what kit did you buy?

[@USMC8825]

Rubbish! You never used the most important tool. . . The Budweiser. Gorgeous bike tho, thumbs up!

[@ridingdigital]

Thanks! Don't worry, beer was consumed 🤪🍺

[@motorcyclemichael2938]

Im putting a 3.3 gal tank on my 48! Cant wait! Keep up the good work.

[@ridingdigital]

+MotorcycleMichael Nice one, best thing I've done on mine so far! Difficult bit was choosing paint....RD

[@motorcyclemichael2938]

Riding Digital I'm thinking vivid black, just like the rest of the bike. Actually looking at your bike gave me the idea of getting a 3.3 gal tank. So thank you!

[@ejazhassanali536]

Nice video. How much drying time did you allow before starting the bike. And how did it turn out. Did it last? Just did mine on my gsxr.

[@ridingdigital]

Thanks 👍🏻 I left it overnight before starting it up, it's lasted fine except a little bit of peeling by the header, but I could put that down to not sanding enough rust back. Good luck!

[@cs-90]

Great just the video i needed! Thank you sir

[@rogereastman3187]

Why did you have the new wrap there if you weren't going to use it. Your pipes do look good (for now) Why did you go without wrap... Didn't you like it for some reason?? Thx for the video

[@ridingdigital]

I did rewrap it, in the next video!

[@guidedtolight]

Thank you for the detailed video. Those turned out really good! How has this held up after 2 years? Would you still recommend it?

[@ridingdigital]

thanks bud, turned out well, held up ok, flaking around the headers pretty early but most likely my lack of sanding prep there. I'd try Rustoleum next time I think

[@paulallen-01]

Woulda been better off without the primer. A good sanding and then wipe down with acetone to remove any oils that might be on the metal and you would have a perfect surface for the paint to bond to. Is it flaking close to heads yet?

[@ridingdigital]

Paint on the headers started to peel a few weeks later. Just doesn't make sense to me why they would have a high temp primer in the range when it's better not to use it!

[@paulallen-01]

Riding Digital I could be wrong but I thought metal primers were for rusted and pitted metal

[@collinklein2230]

Dude's a brit who rides a harley and drinks bud😂🤙 good vid man thanks

[@ridingdigital]

I drink tea and ride a penny farthing at weekends though 🧐

[@aloisius4188]

They are not that rare a species, Collin. I know a couple of Yanks that ride Triumph Street Triple 765, and like Guiness.

[@Ricardo-cy7ku]

Hey I’ve had the paint for a while but been skeptic on doing it. Seen some pipes flake after they tried curing it. How’s it been holding up since then?

[@bthrush4]

Mine just did and I don’t understand why

[@VibhorWase]

Some dude in California painted bronze vht and bike caught fire. Luckily no damage was done, he just scraped the paint off later. How's your feedback?

[@ridingdigital]

my bike didn't catch fire, but I did have some peeling on the header

[@marvinr5054]

I have a small scrape on my header on my Bonneville T120 Black and I'd like to try this as a repair. How are they holding up long term ?

[@ridingdigital]

its held up fine on the areas that weren't too rusty, would have thought it would be fine if you prep it well 👍🏻

[@1endell]

Very neat painting job, man. Let me ask: What should i do if the pipes were chromed and i want to paint them to matte black?

[@adrianyero3381]

Sand paper first. Kill the shine.

[@jenniferlana3850]

Hey man, nice video and nice bike! How has the paint held up? I'm restoring a Ducati and the pipes are in rough shape. Thanks for being thorough and informative!

[@ridingdigital]

it didn't hold up too well on the headers but to be fair I could have sanded more corrosion off. I've heard the Rustoleum VHT is better but couldn't get it here. Good luck!

[@glen4605]

Love the video. The exhausts look like brand new. Can't wait to see them with the wrap back on

[@ridingdigital]

+Glen I know, cant believe how good the finish is. It will be interesting to see how well it holds up over the coming months. RD

[@lucasmakowski1939]

Good video just lacked a little info on the materials used. Other than that, well done. On a side note, assuming that is an air cooled sporty you might want to do some research on idling an air cooled Harley. John Maxwell (certified Harley mechanic) talks about it on his channel. Not good for them at all my man. Ride it or leave it plugged up to a tender until you can ride. Engine damage is a real thing for air cooled engines. Hope this helps. Keep the knees in the breeze! 🤙

[@Dadguy86]

Nice job!

[@Itsmeagain24745]

Does the paint hold well? Has it chipped?

[@Balisong-jh7zs]

Hi! When you install the vance and Hines exhaust did you install auto tuner as well? Did you experience any popping sound on your exhaust? Thanks.

[@ridingdigital]

+Balisong 5891 Hi! mine is an Arlen Ness Magnaflow Lowdown exhaust, yes I did need to use a tuner (used a V&H FP3). It was unridable without tuning, backfired all the time. I think with any stage 1 (air intake and exhaust change) you'll need some form of tuning 👍 Good luck! RD

[@joshlucero1760]

What grit sandpaper did you use?

[@tonyprice4146]

Hi l have no garage. Is there away to paint the exhaust shields on my 48

[@ridingdigital]

sure, I painted mine outside on a washing line! I find it easier when they are hanging

[@illetrop79]

Great video. I just ordered the primer and the black. Is the clear coat necessary? I’m not looking for a shine look.

[@ridingdigital]

honestly I'm not sure how essential it is, the finish I used was satin and there are Matt finishes too - the logic was hopefully it would make it more resistant to scratches and stone chips!

[@zoltankiss5112]

HI , do you have install fuelpak ?

[@JB-NZ]

Hey how did the pain fair over the months after this was done. Did the paint stay on? Any paint coming off at the exit point of the engine, on the first bend etc? My experience with VHT has been varied, it totally flaked off one time I did it on a car header, but then stayed on another time I did it on another car - both with what I would class as very good prep before hand. Interested to know how it lasted on your bike as I am about to do a Kawasaki headers, and about to select a paint, and heading towards VHT again, but not 100% sure. Thanks

[@ridingdigital]

+James B Hey, so I wrapped the pipes about 2 weeks after painting them, so I can only see the final few inches of pipe at the tips which is holding up fine. The paint right by the header had already started to flake before I wrapped them (showed it in my wrapping video) - If I could go again I'd try the high temp Rustoleum which seems to have better reviews. couldn't get it in the UK though! Good luck with yours. RD

[@Ozninjaguy]

Forget the wrap - looks great as it is.

[@ridingdigital]

too late! It doesn't look to bad tbh

[@Ozninjaguy]

@@ridingdigital Your scoot mate - each to his own. Ride safe.

[@liljuanito123]

My can says wait 7 days for paint to cure. Did you wait that long till you turned on the bike?

[@ridingdigital]

no I waiting a day then ran 2 heat treatment cycles, I would follow the instructions on your can tho for best results...its not worth short cutting them only to have to do it all again!

[@dimitricota9240]

How is it holding up currently?

[@luburlubur5021]

Great video, what do u think about using paint stripper to prep them?

[@ridingdigital]

thanks, I dont know but would be interested to know the results, sanding it was a total pain

[@anthonybenavides720]

How has the paint held up? Any flaking so far? I’ve been seeing a lot negative reviews and just wanted your opinion.

[@ridingdigital]

Panicked on day 2 as a bit of flaking on the headers, but then I wrapped them which covered all bar the final third and that's held up fine. I think it's all in the prep tbh and I probably should have done a better job of getting all the rust of for a better result

[@davidkrempaszky2325]

Nice job!!!

[@martyscncgarage5275]

2 years later, how did the VHT High Temp paint hold up?

[@ridingdigital]

a few days in paint started peeling from the headers, so either couldn't take the heat or didnt prep enough. wrapped the pipes since so only have the final 6 inches exposed now but they've held up fine

[@martyscncgarage5275]

@@ridingdigital thanks, I just can't see any type of paint actually holding up on exhaust systems

[@Mackenzie.Grant95]

Thank you, very well done👍🏻

[@ridingdigital]

thanks dude, appreciate it 👍

[@joegarcia9221]

What size shocks do you have in the rear? Real cool bike!😎

[@ridingdigital]

Thanks, the bikes got a new owner now but i think they were 10.5"

[@rickycalderon5163]

Can you put a link on what you use

[@andrewonmyway8184]

Nice vid! How did you find the endurance of the VHT paint in the end?

[@ridingdigital]

cheers! Paint started peeling at the header quite soon after, I'd sand more here next time. I wrapped the pipes soon after but the paint on the exposed tips held up for years

[@tonyloh6140]

Hi there, nice video! may i know how many cans of black paint u used to do up all 4 pieces? Thanks! I need to do up my Duke390 exhaust system too ;-)

[@ridingdigital]

thanks! I only used 1 can, although the last piece only got a thin layer!

[@jonnynye]

Was it the wrap that damaged your pipes? Thinking about wrapping my new big radius on my 48 but I’ve heard wrap can really damage them. What are your thoughts on this?

[@ridingdigital]

+Jon Nye There's no doubt that the wrap speeds up corrosion, particularly if they get wet often. But pipes will deteriorate anyway and when the wrap is on it hides any corrosion from view. Those pipes were wrapped for around 5000 miles over 2 years so not bad, and only a few hours work to return them to former glory. Depends how much you like the wrapped look! RD

[@jonnynye]

Riding Digital thanks for your advice. I absolutely LOVE the wrapped look! I’ve heard all sorts of horror stories about cracked pipes etc from wrapping them. I think perhaps it’s worth the risk! I guess I don’t mind doing a little work every 2 years or so to get them back looking great. Thanks for responding, keep up the good work!

[@longranger308]

Can someone say overspray?!? You’d be amazed how far the wind carries that stuff.

[@nomore4403]

Hey man did you have to change your front wheel to be able using that big tyre?! Thanks

[@ridingdigital]

Na it's a stock wheel and tyre on the Sportster 48

[@nomore4403]

@@ridingdigital thanks for replying , i was soo frustrated i cant find any bigger tyre for my " 2008 nightster 1200 xln " , it turn out my front wheel is 19" i believe , so i guess to be able to put bigger tyre is by putting 16 or 17" wheel i guess ???

[@lauclarkiee9092]

What’s the first spray that u use which is white ? How long would the color last? Is it still black as it looks at beginning? Thank u for replying!

[@ridingdigital]

First spray is the high temp VHT primer, I'm over a year and 3000 miles in and the colour has faded a little, but still looks good. Sadly it will never look as it did when fresh, even on a brand new pipe. Good luck!

[@adrianr4971]

cool vid dude , might i ask how it lasted for you ??

[@ridingdigital]

Paint held up well overall, rust came through the headers after a few weeks but that was probably my fault for lack of prep

[@mikesherwood5497]

@@ridingdigital What would you do with the benefit of hindsight, to avoid that happening... perhaps professional sand blast?

[@jaykumar-pm9hq]

paint flaking issues up till now ? also when you cure it did it flake?

[@ridingdigital]

na it's held up really well, bit of flaking by the header after the first cure but I probably should have done a better job removing corrosion