Ceramic Coated Manifolds & Plasma Base Coat: Recent Projects

Manifolds take more heat than almost any other part of an engine, and cast iron and mild steel manifolds are quick to rust and pit. At Performance Coatings, part of Maldon Shotblasting & Powder Coating Ltd in Heybridge, Essex, we protect them with high-temperature ceramic coatings and, for the longest life, our two-stage plasma base and Cerakote system.

Below is a selection of recent manifold projects from our workshop. For full details of the service, see our Ceramic Coated Manifolds page.

How our plasma base and ceramic system works

Blast cleaning: the manifold is blast cleaned back to clean, bare metal.
Plasma base coat: our plasma coat system lays down a pure metal base over the blasted surface. On its own it has a matte appearance with a slight texture.
Ceramic top coat: a high-temperature Cerakote ceramic coating is then applied over the plasma base, in the colour and finish of your choice.

Recent projects

A corroded manifold brought back with plasma and satin black

This manifold arrived heavily corroded. After blast cleaning, it was given our plasma base coat for extra long-term protection and finished in Cerakote satin black. The plasma base also helps fill corrosion pitting, so the finished part looks and lasts far better.

Cast iron manifold in ceramic after plasma treatment

A cast iron manifold finished in ceramic after plasma treatment, giving a tough, long-lasting finish on a material that would otherwise rust quickly.

Plasma coated in aluminium and finished in Cerakote titanium

These manifolds were plasma coated in aluminium and finished in Cerakote titanium, for a hard, protective finish.

Plasma pre-treated manifolds with a ceramic top coat

A batch of manifolds pre-treated with our plasma coat system and finished with a further ceramic coat in silver, gold and grey. Plasma coated and topped with ceramic, they come with our full two-year guarantee.

Inlet manifolds in high-gloss ceramic

Ceramic coatings are not just for exhaust manifolds. These inlet manifolds were finished in a high-gloss ceramic coating for a striking finish that stands up to engine bay heat.

Heavily corroded exhaust manifold before blast cleaning and plasma coating

Exhaust manifold after plasma base coat and Cerakote satin black finish

Cast iron manifold finished in ceramic coating after plasma treatment

Manifold plasma coated in aluminium and finished in Cerakote titanium

Exhaust manifold in Cerakote titanium over an aluminium plasma base

Ceramic coated exhaust manifold in graphite grey

Tubular exhaust manifold ceramic coated in silver

Silver ceramic coated exhaust manifold and downpipe

Four-into-one exhaust manifold ceramic coated in silver

Plasma coated cast iron manifold with grey ceramic top coat

Manifold plasma coated and topped with a ceramic coat

Renault Sport inlet manifold in high-gloss blue ceramic coating

Pair of Renault Sport inlet manifolds finished in high-gloss ceramic

Exhaust manifolds after metallisation and plasma spraying

Why use a plasma base coat on a manifold?

Longer life: preserves and protects cast iron and mild steel manifolds and extends their serviceable life. It can also be applied to stainless steel.
Corrosion protection: prevents corrosion and helps fill existing corrosion pitting.
A stable base: will not crack or flake, and can be top coated in any suitable high-heat coating.
Less radiated heat: with a ceramic top coat, the system acts as a thermal barrier, helping keep the engine bay cooler.

Metallisation and plasma services

As well as plasma coating steel and cast iron manifolds and stainless steel exhaust systems, we can apply metallisation coatings in other materials, including zinc, copper, tin, nickel/chrome/boron and stainless steel. Contact us to discuss your parts.

Our guarantee

Our Cerakote ceramic coatings come with a 12 month guarantee, or two years with our two-stage plasma base and Cerakote system, including a free rework and carriage if an item fails (subject to the condition of the part). See our Ceramic Coating Guarantee for full details.

Manifold coating FAQs

What is a plasma base coat?
A pure metal base sprayed onto the blast cleaned manifold before the ceramic top coat. It protects the metal underneath and gives the ceramic a stable base, for much longer life.

Can you coat cast iron and stainless steel manifolds?
Yes. Our plasma and ceramic system is ideal for cast iron and mild steel manifolds, and it can also be applied to stainless steel.

Can a badly corroded manifold be saved?
In many cases, yes. After blast cleaning, the plasma base coat helps fill corrosion pitting before the ceramic is applied. We will advise you once we have seen the condition of the part.

What temperature can a coated manifold take?
Our plasma base with silver ceramic system is rated at over 1,000°C. See our Glacier Ceramic Coating Range for the ratings of each finish.

How long is the guarantee on a coated manifold?
Two years with our two-stage plasma base and Cerakote system, or 12 months on Cerakote ceramic coatings alone.

To discuss your manifold, contact us or call 01621 841100. You can also drop parts off at our Heybridge workshop or see our Collections & Deliveries page.