Hey just wondering if it's a PITA keeping the WhiteLightning looking nice and white? If it's more headache than it's worth I may just end up painting over it, black or something, IDK yet. Thanks.

 

Yup, just wondering if it's possible to keep WL clean.

 

^Talking to yourself eh?

Unfortunately I cant answer your question other than stating that I believe the real benefit of Swain coating is to keep the heat in the the parts such as your exhaust manifold o2 housing hotside etc. and away from the engine bay.

As far as keeping it looking nice and clean I cannot comment on that however I just wanted to add that it serves a purpose other than simply looking pretty.

 

I do not have it but I have read it is much thicker than most other coatings and reduces ambient temperatures significantly.

Here is the link to Swain Tech's web site for more info.

White Lightning by Swain Tech

 

Good question.
I was going to use simple green on my Swain coated manifold.
Still need to try it.

 

Pretty easy. Soak it with hi-temp white or silver engine paint. When all the solvent cooks off (it will smoke for a day) it seals up a lot of the porosity of the coating. I have cleaned the hot side and 02 housing and re-sprayed several times over about 5 years of all season north east daily driving and still nice and clean.

Stainless head studs+ 12 point nuts will also help : )

If you grab it with dirty hands unpainted however, it will be tough to get clean.

 

I just sent an email to Swain Tech to see what they recommend for cleaning the White Lightning. I will post up when I get a reply from them.

 

Well I actually already have my o2 housing and dump tube coated. My exhaust manifold arrives today. Before I put the parts on it's recommended that I paint over the WL coating? Will regular VHT paint work? I really want to keep all my hot parts white but I'm afraid it's going to be a battle. I have the SS studs/12-pt nuts too btw. Really great addition IMO.

 

Well I'm trying the VHT Flame Proof white header paint rated at 1300-2000F. So far it's turning out nice.

 

I came up with spray paint idea on my own beware... But it seems to work. The biggest problem was rust stains from the OEM studs but after SS studs the mani has stayed nice and white for years now.

 

The VHT paint is working out fine so far. I should have gotten it professionally painted though. Swain Tech said you can't powder coat it.

 

I just use an old toothbrush and industrial grade degreaser.

Gotta wear gloves though!