I would like to refinish my stock exhaust manifolds so they look somewhat like the original, as-cast appearance but don’t get all rusty over time. Engine is out and now is the time. I appreciate any recommendations based on actual experience. Thanks.
Powder coating will simply burn off. Been there, tried that.
The Eastwood coating that you paint on is about as good as it gets. It is basically aluminum mixed in and when it heats up the aluminum stays on the cast iron and creates a nice finish. It doesn't last forever and has to be repainted every year or so.
People fear change because it threatens what they know, or what they claim to know.