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      09-03-2015, 11:12 AM   #1
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Painting Exhaust Tips DIY

Ok... I didn't really intend on making a DIY, so my pics are severely lacking, but I did learn quite a few things during the process. To fully understand, the end product on my exhaust tips is NOT the DIY version, rather what was done as a byproduct of the exhaust mod install.

First, I taped the inside of the tips with blue (although it looks black in the pic) painter's tape as I didn't want the matte finish to be altered.

Then, I used a fine 320 grit sandpaper to rough up the chrome finish. Turns out, this was not the best option (more to come later in the post).

After sanding, I sprayed a coat of VHT High Temp gloss black engine enamel. I waited about two hours between coats and ultimately gave 3. The following day, I followed up with 3 coats of VHT High Temp clear gloss spray following the same 2 hour window in between coats.

Upon bringing the exhaust to the shop for install, I wanted a couple things changed (don't ask why... I'm just weird). I wanted the tips recessed a bit, therefore there was a bit of welding needed. The high heat VHT spray was a great option for temps up to 500 degrees, which our tips will never see. However, it was not great for the temps created by tig welding... and my newly sprayed paint was blown to shreds. The shop said that he's seen VHT hold up really well and I did a great job with the paint, but it was unfortunately no match for the welding. So, he went and gave it an etching primer (instead of sanding... that was my only mistake) and applied the same three coats of paint and an additional of gloss.

Sorry this was a lame DIY, but I did the best I could with the limited pics that I took... hopefully it was informative to somebody...
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      09-04-2015, 10:03 PM   #2
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Thank you for your contribution I wonder if we can spray paint them tips without removing them.. I think I saw a thread where they had done it without removing the exhaust tips.
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      09-04-2015, 10:04 PM   #3
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If I'm not mistaken, Alan kept his on.
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      09-04-2015, 10:05 PM   #4
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And It really wouldn't be that difficult... painter's tape would definitely be your friend and you'd have to make sure you don't drive while the paint is drying.
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      09-05-2015, 12:25 AM   #5
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Do you have any photos of the exhaust tips from far away?
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      09-05-2015, 04:57 AM   #6
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I'm wondering if there may be any bumper discoloration issues with more recessed exhaust tips, especially on light colored cars.
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      09-06-2015, 09:55 AM   #7
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@kanvas... Here are a couple pics.
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      09-06-2015, 09:58 AM   #8
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And here's stock.
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      09-06-2015, 01:52 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackhawks
And here's stock.
What a cool license plate, awesome. Nice car too. I recently painted mine also

Used this thread to find the product: http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1106099
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      09-06-2015, 03:13 PM   #10
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someone should try this on the round pipes of non msport lines.
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      09-06-2015, 03:16 PM   #11
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I might have the balls to try over next few weeks
Definitely would use painters tape
My worry is what was expressed above regarding lighter colors ie: MW and any residue from heat
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      09-06-2015, 05:31 PM   #12
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Replacing stock BMW roundel with a black one (blue parts in black) would go well with your rear mods
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      09-06-2015, 07:00 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1230vani View Post
What a cool license plate, awesome. Nice car too. I recently painted mine also

Used this thread to find the product: http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1106099
Haha there you go! Wrap it with newspaper Thanks for pointing out that thread. I was looking for that
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      01-17-2016, 11:01 AM   #14
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Any tips on how to apply the paint (with the bumper on) so it turns out smooth? I want to DIY, but am nervous it won't look perfect.
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      01-18-2016, 08:10 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rbilramz View Post
Any tips on how to apply the paint (with the bumper on) so it turns out smooth? I want to DIY, but am nervous it won't look perfect.
Removing the tips is the only way to make it as close to perfect as it seems you want. Personally, I think removing the tips and doing it in a controlled environment is the only way to do this, even if most of it won't be seen. It's not a Toyota...
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