A Guide to Chroming Your Motorcycle Exhausts

One of the best ways to make your motorcycle exhausts look good and professional is to cover them with a layer of chrome paint. Chrome exhausts have a distinctive and clean look to them, but it's important that you go about the process of chroming your exhaust pipes in the right way so that they look as good as possible and are set up to last as long as possible. Read on for a brief guide on how to set up your chrome exhaust pipes in this fashion.

Step 1 - Clean Up the Exhaust Pipes

Before you can paint the exhaust pipes, you'll need to thoroughly clean them so that the paint sets evenly and properly. Begin by rubbing them down with the rag or the wire brush to remove any excess dirt or debris that may have built up. With your latex gloves on, sand down the interior and exterior of the pipes gently so as to remove any uneven spots in the metal itself. Next, use the scrap paper or newspaper to clean up any oil or grease that may have built up inside and outside of the pipes as well.

Step 2 - Paint the Exhaust Pipes

In order to achieve a clean looking chrome paint job, you'll need to use your masking tape to coat the inside of the pipes at the edges so that the paint doesn't accidentally get to the interior. You should also line the base of the pipes with masking tape as well. For the paint itself, be sure to use a type of paint that is approved for very high temperatures; the exhaust pipes on a motorcycle reach high temperatures quickly and often, due to their proximity to the motor. Paint on the first coat of paint to the exterior of the pipes, then allow it to sit for several hours to dry. Repeat this process at least two more times. Three coats is usually adequate.

Step 3 - Optional: Heat Wrap the Base of the Pipes

If you wish to give your motorcycle exhaust pipes a distinctive appearance, purchase some heat wrapping material from a local auto body repair and specialty shop. Use this to wrap the first 4 to 6 inches at the base of each of the exhaust pipes. This will not only help to protect the chrome paint from heat damage in the hottest area, but it will also give your pipes a clean and professional appearance.

For additional assistance or information in the process of chrome painting the exhaust pipes on your motorcycle, ask for advice from a professional mechanic or auto body repair specialist who works in your area.