Header paint or coatings that last.

I have a '40 Plymouth that I am making into a street rod. Open engine compartment and using lake style headers (from a kit). What do you guys use to keep the headers looking new? I can sand-blast and just use header paint, but I want it to last.

Ceramic coating is out of the question due to cost. Any luck with the POR 15 coating?

ceramic coating seems the best bet.

Ihave had good luck with POR15 black velvet and manifold grey. I will say that they perform much better if the engine is already run and tuned vs. first start up. Plus, if there is any old loose paint, you must get it off, or it will just lift the new stuff---like any painting product, preping is the key. No reason to sand blast which is nice, but it sure does help, and you can recoat it at anytime which is nice if you need to touch it up.

I had a set powder coated with a high temp silver. It has been on for 3 or 4 years now and it still looks like it was just done. Randy

Jet-Hot Sterling ceramic. Costs $$$ I paid about $300 to coat a pair of $150 hedmans--but they still look great.