Engine enamle or BBQ grill paint?

I've seen a couple of posts that indicate there are folks using BBQ grill paint on their bikes. My question is, just how critical is the heat disapation factor of the engine enamles? I would assume that it is fairly important, but can you "get away with" using a cheaper type? I would much rather use a paint that comes out of a can that can be brushed on to better control where it goes.
Thanks for the help
Ken

 

The BBQ paint is for header pipes where the heat is so high. Regular paint could actually flame up from the heat with the engine running. I used Dupli-color High Heat Ceramic 1200 deg. paint for the header pipes. Regular Hi Temp engine enamel is fine for the engine cases which don't get as hot.

 

You can get grill paint in the spray can and the brush on type as well. I've seen it at several local hardware stores. It's harder to get a clean uniform look with brush on though. Masking tape and newspaper takes a bit of time, but the results are always better.

 

THe bbq paint seems to get a chalky whitish look after a year or so I am sure you could just keep hitting it but I would try to find some matte finish engine enamel and be done with it.

 

I use rustoleums new semi gloss BBQ paint. A good trick to keep it from turning ugly on you is to spray a rag with WD-40 and wipe down the pipes after you have ran them once. Repeat one more time and they seem to stay nice for a while. It supposed to work bets if you do it once a month.

 

Typical exhaust gas temps (EGT's) run anywhere from 1100 to 1500 degrees F. the first 3 inches of the exhaust header. BBQ paint is generally rated at around 600 degrees F. and will burn off in this critical area. I use and recommend the ultra-high temp ceramic paint (2000 degrees F.) and after applying two medium coats and allowing to dry, I cure them before handling or installing them using a propane torch. After cooling, the paint is tough as nails and doesn't scratch off while installing, as does uncured paint. Good luck!!

 

I believe that the average BBQ is capable of sustaining temp extremely higher than 600 degrees. If you read the companies posted temp limits, you will find most hi-heat paint like BBQ or header paint is rated to 1500 degrees. The difference is that hi-heat header paint is usually rated up to 2000 degrees.... with header wrap. That's what I've noticed anyways.

 

ceramic powder coating is the only thing i have been able to keep on the pipes. it costs more but if you dont want the hassle of repeatedly painting them, its the only way to go from my experience.

 

Well I guess what I was asking was, is there a brush on enamle that can be used to paint the engine. I've only seen spray on engine paints, and both spray & brush on BBQ paints. I figure that a brush would better control just where the paint goes. Also, just how critical is the heat disapation properties of the engine type paint?

 

Vet, you ask a good question. Spray paint tends to provide better, more even coverage with a thinner coat than brush on. And you don't want a thick coat on an air-cooled engine. Flat finishes give better heat disipation characteristics but hold on to dirt a lot easier. You can paint an engine with spray paint, just takes a little practice to get it where you want it. Plan out the approach and you should pull off a nice job rather easily.

 

Thanks Robert for the reply. I was looking for an easy solution, but I guess if a job is worth doing, then its worth doing well. I'm going to have to roll up my sleeves and take my time, mask it all off, then paint. I'll be using the spray on engine enamel. Winter is coming and I got nothing but time.