High Performance Ceramic Header Coatings

The NitroPlate process is as follows.

We hope you find this informative. However; please feel free to contact us for additional information or to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your specific application.

(Please note our oven temperatures are high. It is important to call us regarding your requirements if you suspect there may be an issue with temperature. For example; if you are going to ask us to coat a heat treated part, we’ll need to know some specifics to be sure we don’t affect its metallurgical properties.)

Step 1: Receiving

First we unpack and inspect for damage. If we feel there may been any damage done in transit to us we’ll give you a call. An internal “batch number” is assigned to your order which enables us to track through our system. Two digits of our batch number will be engraved into a non-conspicuous surface of each of the components in your order. This enables us to ensure your order is shipped back to you complete.

Step 2: Thermal Degrease

Our company does not use acids and/or harsh degreasers. Instead, we burn off oil and grease by thermalling for 3 hours at 750 degrees F. This avoids the inherent environmental issues involved with chemicals. But, more importantly; it also avoids the potential of causing damage to your parts.

Step 3: Removal of Old Coating

This step applies only to parts that have been previously ceramic coated. Parts are placed in a heated bath of sodium hydroxide. This partially dissolves and weakens the old coating allowing us to then proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Surface Preparation

A combination of shot peening and grit blasting is done to thoroughly clean the substrate. This step is done immediately prior to the application of the new coating thereby ensuring an extremely clean and rust free surface for optimal coating adhesion.

Step 5: Coating

NitroPlate Coatings are spray applied by highly skilled craftsmen. Our coatings are nothing like typical spray paints and therefore, have very unique requirements when it comes to proper application. All surfaces are coated inside and out unless the customer specifies otherwise.

Step 6: Curing

After coating, parts are hung on a monorail and run into our curing oven. The metallic/ceramic coatings are baked for 3 hours at 750 degrees F to ensure full cure. Unlike some of our competitors, we do not rely on engine temperature to complete the curing of our coatings. This is what allows us to avoid asking you to follow a break-in procedure or start a new engine with uncoated headers.