FAQ

    1. Why do I need Ceramic Thermal Barrier Coatings on my exhaust system?
      Our coatings keep your manifolds, headers, exhaust pipes and mufflers from corroding or rusting. Coatings also retain heat within the exhaust system which give you a much cooler underhood temperature. A cooler intake charge means more horsepower. By retaining heat within the system, you create a scavenging effect which gives you more power. Our coatings can often also greatly extend the life of your parts.

    2. What finishes are available?
  • Cermachrome: a high-polished aluminum finish
  • Black Satin: a flat black, good to over 2,000 degrees
  • Cast Iron: a new cast iron look intended for restoration projects
  • Satin Silver: a glass-beaded, aluminum finish
  • Titanium: a Finishline exclusive, has a beautiful, dark gray pearl finish.
  • CermaWhite: This coating has proven to be a good thermal barrier and has a soft satin finish.
  • Cerma Blue and Soft Burgendy: Soft luster- ideal for racing or street use.

Be sure to ask about new finishes, as our research and development department is constantly working on new finishes and colors.

  1. Are Ceramic Thermal Barriers Coatings the same as powder coatings?
    The only similarity is that they are both baked-on finishes. Powder coatings are baked at 425 degrees to melt the powder to a smooth finish. You must never get it that hot again, or it will burn off. Powder coating is basically very tough paint that is available in almost any color. Ceramic thermal barrier coatings were developed by NASA and the aerospace industry thirty years ago, for thermal insulation on rocket and jet engines. Finishline Coatings consist basically of high-temperature resins with ceramic and metallic particles in suspension. The coatings are applied in liquid form, cured, then baked at a high temperature. Certain finishes, such as Cermachrome, are polished as a final step. Ceramic thermal barrier coatings are formulated to retain heat and withstand high temperatures.
  2. Can Finishline coat used parts?
    A great percentage of our business is used parts. You do not need to clean or blast your parts first, as long as your parts are not greasy. We take care of the prep work.
  3. Do I need to grind or sand my manifolds before I send them to Finishline?
    Grinding or sanding is not necessary unless you are after a very smooth surface on your manifolds. Finishline ceramic finishes are meant to be thin and will not hide deep scratches or dents. We coat exhaust and intake manifolds everyday and our customers love the finish.
  4. Will my exhaust be coated on the inside also, or will I have to pay extra for this service?
    Every part, with the exception of mufflers and intake manifolds, are coated inside and out. This service is included in our standard pricing.
  5. Will Finishline polished finish turn color like chrome or stainless?
    Finishline guarantees your parts will not turn blue, black or gold like chrome and stainless will.
  6. What parts can be coated with Finishline process?
    Virtually any metal part can be coated with the exception of “pot metal” which cannot withstand the temperature necessary in the baking process. More and more, Finishline is coating brackets, suspension and driveline parts with our polished aluminum finish to take the place of more traditional finishes such as chrome and anodizing. Parts to be coated must be disassembled – by the customer – to remove rubber, plastic parts and bushings. Some parts that require disassembly are: alternator and starter cases, master cylinders, A-arms, trailing arms, and rod ends.
  7. How can Finishline Coatings help my braking system?
    Finishline has worked with race cars, motorhomes, tow vehicles and big trucks to eliminate brake fade by slowing the transfer of heat from the friction surfaces to the brake fluid. By applying a combination of thermal barriers and thermal dispersants to your brakes, Finishline can virtually stop brake fade and extend the life of your brake parts.
  8. Does Finishline have engine coatings?
    Yes. We have coatings for just about every part of your engine. Finishline has been coating racing engines for years but a substantial part of the business is motorhome, tow vehicles, rod and custom and recreational vehicle engines. In the Engine Section of the website you will find details of all the engine coatings.