is it possible you got the black "Rust prevention" coating vs. ceramic or other coating? I ask because most of the MFR's will coat their bare headers with crap paint to keep them from rusting. As soon as they see heat the coating is gone. I've often wondered why they don't use a hi temp paint. I would gladly pay 20 or 30.00 more so I didn't have to strip the crap off.
Your comment and pictures make me strongly suspect you got the ""Rust prevention" coating. If not, I'd be calling TTI