Suitable Paint for 304 SS

There is a high temperature paint that is used on exhaust pipes in cars. That might work. 304 isn't normally painted. How about powder coating?

Even powder coating on SS may not hold up to a marine environment. I'd talk directly to some powder coaters.

You might consider anodizing, instead. That's over my head, just a thought.

Where's Milo when you need him?

It's hard to muster much sympathy for you.

Hi Lyn and Ronsetto, as this is a marine exhaust, fumes have already been water cooled at the engine´s manifold. Therefore temp is no issue at all. On the other hand (I should have told it), the boat is used in fresh waters (River Plate delta), so aggression seen in maritime environments is no problem either. Yes, Powder coating and anodizing can be good options as well!

THANK YOU!!!!!

All you need to do is have an clean surface and rough it up. Roughing it up is crucial and you don't have to buy all that other stuff.

How do I know? Because we manufacture machinery used in packinghouses. We have a section where the stainless steel has to be painted flat black. We acid wash the surface using a 50/50 ratio water to muriatic acid then sratch up with sandpaper and away we go, it works just fine. Sherwin-Williams expert wants you to buy their products.

My 1987 copy of the Electricity Commission of New South Wales Paint Spec specifies 3 systems for "general/decorative purposes" (no mention of immersion) abbreviated as follows:

1. Solvent degrease and wash dry.

2. Lightly abrasive blast at 300 kPa (3 bar or ~45psi). Or wire brush (SS) where abrasive blast not practicable.

3. Apply Epoxy primer non-reactive (no pigment): 1 coat 35 - 50 um (micrometers/microns) Dry Film Thickness (DFT).

4. Then 3 options for topcoat:

4a. Apply 1 coat Epoxy Enamel 50 - 60 um DFT. Total 85 - 110 um DFT.

4b. Apply 1 coat Catalysed Polyurethane 2 pack 40 - 50 um DFT. Total 75 - 100 um DFT.

4c. Apply 1 coat Epoxy Micaceous Iron Oxide (MIO) 80 - 100 um DFT. Apply 1 coat Catalysed Polyurethane 2 pack 40 - 50 um DFT. Total 155 - 200 um DFT. This one for very sever coastal environments.

I think that Bigg is on the money.

As always for painting, preparation is critical. So yes, epoxy and PU can be applied, just make sure you choose a paint which is suitable for immersion etc.

I have never seen stainless steel painted...not intentionally.

Google says it can be done.

I have powder coated 304 and 316 ss. This was for additional protection in chemical plants. The visual of this is beautiful as well, as the choice of epoxy powders are wide. Check with the powder coaters in your area and I am sure that they can come up with something. As normal the cleanliness of the metal to ad-hear the powder is essential, which is standard for powder coating. I hope this helps you and good luck.

I know this may sound weird, but...

Doesn't sound weird at all. Boats can be love objects. Things that would not bother you in a purely functional object can bug the heck out of you when there's emotion involved. The designer would likely be flattered that you care so much.

you are right dude! BTW: I like your car!

I agree re blasting. In my experience it just works better that sanding or wire brushing. Some form of very thorough roughening is essential, and blasting makes this pretty quick and reliable.

We happen to have blasting equipment at our company, so I´ll do that job myself and look for someone who can do the powder coating in epoxy!

I guess the great thing about grit blasting SS (vs carbon steel) is that you don't have to worry about flash rusting between it and coating.

Good luck

Right! In a couple of days parts will be back from powder painting. I´ll let you know the results.

Very Nice Information about ss 304..Thanks for sharings..good job..

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