Alright, enlighten me on better ways to do exhaust manifolds.

[Monty]

I'm looking to create the look of an engine with some miles on it. I don't think the rest will be a problem, but I've never figured out the secret of making a convincing exhaust manifold with surface rust.

Pics, specific paints and procedures would be appreciated.

[iBorg]

I'd use a scratch filling primer sprayed at a distance so it is almost dry when it hits the surface.

Mike

[CAL]

I use a mix of MM metalizers (burnt iron, and couple others I use) and black ink washes.

Edited February 23, 2010 by CAL

[MikeMc]

Rusted manifold using Dr Crankys ideas...start with red oxide primer, spray and let dry. mist another light coat on and immediately sprinkle some kosher salt on, and let dry. Now spray a light coat of black, exhaust, burnt metal or iron and let dry. Now rub off the salt and see your pock marked manifolds appear. Practice until you get your needed look and then show us!

Edited February 23, 2010 by MikeMc

[Eric Stone]

I've used Testors steel as a base coat with flat black, and rust dry brushed over it to achieve what I think looks like a used exhaust manifold. It may take several layers with the black and rust to make it look right.

[Jon Cole]

Texture is the key, along with color. For texture, paint the manifold in a base color; while the paint is still wet, stuff it in a container of baking powder (or sprinkle it on). Tap off the excess.

Others here have good ways to pigment. I usually just go with Testors Leather. Maybe use some Testors oily black for added flavor.

Also recommend shaving up a stick of pastels, adding some to the surface for a nice dry rust effect.

Edited February 23, 2010 by Spyder

[torinobradley]

I seem to remember the stock exhaust manifolds being a light tan color with little spots of rust. Anyone else??? After looking online, I see they are combinations of gray, tan, rust, black and other, unidentified colors...

I would suggest, after giving it some texture if it has none, using a rust color, then a light drybrushing of tan and then using a blackish brown wash to give it depth. Then flatcoat it. And then, for the final touches, spritz (like with a toothbrush) the rusty color back over it in a random pattern to give it a speckled look. Then, if staining is desired, maybe some thinned india ink where oil would have stained it. That's how I'd do it, anyway...

Edited February 23, 2010 by torinobradley

[Ben]

On the Cummins i'm currently building, I sprayed the manifold rust brown and now i'm going to sprinlke salt all over it. After that i'm going to spray very light mists of tan, grey and a very light pink. After all the paint is dry, i'll brush off the salt to reveal the rust colored specks.

[Foxer]

I know exactly the look you're after..like just about every stock manifold I've ever seen.

Sorry no photos here, but I'd start with the excellent texture ideas posted by the guys above and look into using Sophisticated Finishes Rust Antiquing Set. This is available at Michale's and other craft stores. It uses a paint that has metal in it and produces a very convincing surface rust.