1500°F Header Paint That's Guaranteed Not to Burn Off
Street Trucks magazine put XTC Zinc Rich Primer and XTC Xtreme Temperature Coating to the test on exhaust headers exposed to extreme heat, humidity, and salt air. The two-step system bonds to bare metal, resists peeling, flaking, and burn-off, and holds up to 1500°F with proper prep and cure.
Read the full write-up in Street Trucks Magazine.
Shop XTC Xtreme Temperature CoatingLong-Lasting High-Temperature Protection
XTC Xtreme Temperature Coating and XTC Zinc Rich Primer work together for a durable, corrosion-resistant finish that won't peel or flake in extreme heat conditions.
XTC Xtreme Temperature Coating
A silicone-based, heat-resistant paint that protects metal surfaces operating at continuous temperatures from 500°F to 1500°F and is guaranteed not to burn off. Applies by brush, roll, spray, or aerosol.
Pair it with zinc-rich XTC Primer for corrosion protection on bare metal exposed to heat, humidity, condensation, and salt air.
- Temperature Rating: 500–1500°F continuous (1200°F aerosol)
- Heat Cure: 350°F for 20–30 minutes
- Colors: 12 colors plus Clear
- Coverage: 360–400 sq ft per gallon at 1 mil
- Application: Brush, roll, spray, or aerosol
- Starting Price: $27 (12oz aerosol)
How to Get a Header Finish That Lasts
Exhaust paint typically fails from poor surface prep, the wrong paint for high temperatures, or improper application. Follow this sequence for long-lasting results.
Prep the Surface
Remove loose, flaking rust and paint with a wire wheel, wire brush, or 60–80 grit abrasive. Sandblasting works too, but isn't required.
Degrease
Scrub away grease, grime, and contaminants with a KBS Klean and hot water solution so the coating can penetrate for a stronger seal.
Apply XTC Primer, Then XTC
Brush, roll, or spray one full coat of XTC Zinc Rich Primer. After a one-hour dry time, topcoat with one full coat of XTC Xtreme Temperature Coating.
Heat Cure
After 8 hours of flash-off, heat to roughly 350°F for 20–30 minutes, four heat-and-cool cycles, until smoke stops.
Where XTC Goes to Work
Any metal surface running hot enough to burn off ordinary paint is a candidate for the XTC system.
Headers & Manifolds
The classic use case. Rust protection from XTC Primer, heat and UV resistance from XTC on top.
Exhaust & Mufflers
Full exhaust systems hold color and resist thermal shock through repeated heat cycles.
Wood Stoves & Stove Pipe
Rated for the same 500–1500°F range that stove surfaces and pipe sections see.
BBQ Grills & Smokers
UV-stable exterior finish for grill bodies and smoker exteriors (not for direct food-contact surfaces).
Finish the Rest of the Build
Headers are one piece of the truck. These pair well with a full rust-prevention and coating project.
RustSeal
A single-component rust encapsulating coating for frames, floors, and anything under 500°F. No hardener, no full rust removal required.
Shop RustSeal
XTC Zinc Rich Primer
Zinc-rich base coat rated to 1200°F for rust and corrosion protection under any XTC color, or as a standalone matte grey finish.
Shop XTC Primer
KBS Klean
The degreaser step in the XTC prep process. Cleaner surface, stronger adhesion, longer-lasting protection.
Shop KBS KleanFAQ
New to XTC? Here are the questions we get most.
