Question on curing headers in an oven

[SVT3391]

I bought some VHT primer and header paint. The can says it's for 1500 - 2000 F, but proper curing is needed. On the can it says 250F for 30 min, cool 30 min, then 400F 30 min, cool 30 min, 600F 30 min.

My question is, before curing, how many layer of coat do you spray on? And, if there is some running paint mark, should we use sand paper to remove the excess part, before next layer of spray? Can we put some more layer AFTER the curing process is done?

BTW, I found on the JEGS site, the curing process is different from wording on VHT can:


Curing: VHT FlameProof coatings will air dry in 15 to 30 minutes and, if handled with reasonable care, may be put to immediate use. Heat curing method for maximum resistance to solvents, salt spray, humidity, thermal shock and heat: 15 minutes at 250°F
30 minutes at 600°F
1 hour at 800°F
30 minutes at 1,000°F
On non-traffic surfaces and where solvent resistance is not required, VHT FlameProof coatings may be used as air-dried. Curing may be accomplished by the inherent heat of operation such as encountered in engine manifolds and exhausts, boilers, heaters, etc. or by following the curing instructions below. ALL CURING SHOULD BE DONE SLOWLY.

 

[rollinstylee]

I used Duplicolor 1200 degree ceramic paint on my headers and baked them. I primered them and then did about three coats of paint. I baked them once according to the instructions (something like 300 for 3 hours, 400 for 1), left them alone for about a week because I wasn't around, and then primed and painted them again and baked again in the same fashion. Unfortunately, I haven't been under my car since I installed them over winter break to see how they're doing so I can't tell you how successful my coating job was...

 

[SVT3391]

Hey Ben did you bake it in your kitchen oven?
Will that smell so bad? (I need to evaluate if my wife will kick me afterwards :laugh: )

Thanks,
Rick

 

[rollinstylee]

Yes I did and yes it did, so I was told. :laugh:

My judgment was a bit altered from being used to the closed garage full of paint/PB Blaster/oil fumes, so I didn't think so! :shrug:

 

[rollinstylee]

By the way I won't be able to be there on Sunday. I really wish I could come to help and meet some more people, but it's gonna be another Baja fabrication-filled weekend at the shop. Take lots of pics!