VHT Flameproof paint
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 41
From: Highland IN
VHT Flameproof paint
Anybody ever use this? I am thinking of using the flat black, but would love to have the satin look. It only comes in flat, but they have a satin clear. Any thoughts?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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Army
You have to be careful with the various blacks on a classic Corvette....lots of quality paints have the wrong sheen. For instance the black under the hood has an 'eggshell' finish and only certain paints will yield that affect.
To wit, what are you painting ?
To wit, what are you painting ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,436
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From: Sarver Pa
2021 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I use it on my formula car exhaust, best high temp spray paint I have ever used. I also put it on my 70 Vette race car side mount headers. The formula car headers are subjected to VERY high temps. If the tail pipe isn't white /gray I know there is something wrong. Proper preparation is the key. I like the silver best.
Last edited by Pop Chevy; Feb 15, 2017 at 10:28 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: Fresno California
I've used satin black stove paint on exhaust manifolds with excellent results. Cheap, too. The manifolds on my '67 GTO have 6 years on them, look like new. The manifold on my T, 11 years and counting, but I used steam radiator paint on that.
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 117
Likes: 13
As other's have indicated preparation is key.
This stuff works though, I've used VHT for quite a few years specifically on stainless tubular turbo manifolds. Given the fact these manifolds can become red hot in high performance settings I was always impressed by the durability.
I would thoroughly clean and degrease the part and then finish sand for uniformity, followed up by another round of cleaning and degreasing. After painting the part with light coats I would place it in the oven at 200 degrees or so and then remove to cool as a heat cycle, I would eventually step up the heat cycle to 550. When all was said in done and the part was cool I then went over the part with a propane torch directly to the paint but heating evenly to ensure no warpage or uneven heat. The flame to the paint when done right seemed to work well.
All this may be over the top and as they say no guarantees here, but my turbos ran a lot of boost and very often. The paint held up for a year or more. Getting your hand oils on the paint or engine oil contaminants is what causes eventual failures or discoloration
This stuff works though, I've used VHT for quite a few years specifically on stainless tubular turbo manifolds. Given the fact these manifolds can become red hot in high performance settings I was always impressed by the durability.
I would thoroughly clean and degrease the part and then finish sand for uniformity, followed up by another round of cleaning and degreasing. After painting the part with light coats I would place it in the oven at 200 degrees or so and then remove to cool as a heat cycle, I would eventually step up the heat cycle to 550. When all was said in done and the part was cool I then went over the part with a propane torch directly to the paint but heating evenly to ensure no warpage or uneven heat. The flame to the paint when done right seemed to work well.
All this may be over the top and as they say no guarantees here, but my turbos ran a lot of boost and very often. The paint held up for a year or more. Getting your hand oils on the paint or engine oil contaminants is what causes eventual failures or discoloration
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Team Owner
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Army
Just don't use their gray exhaust paint on manifolds unless you like the blingy gold look....that VHT started out a nice gray and cured to a nice gold color ... I wouldn't use the mess to paint a birdhouse after that experience. The photo hasn't been massaged - that's the real color the VHT turned in to.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: Fresno California
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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Army
What really PO'ed me was the VHT vendor response....they offered to send me another can of the goo... No, explanation as to why the bling happened... I cured it EXACTLY per the instructions...
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: northern california
C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
Before any high temp paints were available, we used to spray the manifolds with copper paint with high copper content. When heated to manifold temperature, the copper turns gray, not unlike raw cast iron.
It is durable, too. One of the manifolds on my '60 was treated this way about 35 years ago and the coating is still there.
Last edited by jim lockwood; Feb 17, 2017 at 12:05 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
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From: Greenville, Indiana
They went in the oven looking like copper and came out looking like copper. No change. Looked almost like FTF's manifolds. I was told the heat would changed the copper to a cast iron gray. Didn't happen. So just to make sure I had enough heat on them, I put a torch to them and got them very hot. Still no change or discoloration.
Where did I go wrong?
So then, I'm advised to go to any FLAPS and get VHT brand Cast Blast paint. I go to Auto Zone and look at everything branded VHT on the shelt. Says it's rated for 550*. Well, that won't work but that paint sure makes the hood hinges look nice on a steel car I'm redoing.
Now, I see there is VHT Flameproof paint rated for 2000* or so.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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Army
Well here is the stuff - I don't recall the heat rating but its the newer stuff and WAY up there. Looking back its kind of funny but I used the paint with the exhaust manifolds off the car and having to go back and redo them with POR-15 on the car in time for judging was a PITA...the company's response to my complaint jaded me on all their products...very poor outreach.
Maybe I can't turn lead into gold, but apparently I can turn cast iron into gold
Didn't want to hijack the thread but wanted the OP to realize that what he sees might NOT be what he gets.
Maybe I can't turn lead into gold, but apparently I can turn cast iron into gold
Didn't want to hijack the thread but wanted the OP to realize that what he sees might NOT be what he gets.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Feb 17, 2017 at 07:23 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
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These three paints have worked for me best ,I feel it doesn't get any better than this
after trying many trail and error sprays and brush types.
The VHT only used on older exhaust pipes under car.
Since then installed new exhaust pipes.
after trying many trail and error sprays and brush types.
The VHT only used on older exhaust pipes under car.
Since then installed new exhaust pipes.
Last edited by rtruman; Feb 17, 2017 at 07:53 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
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