Whilst seeking an alternative look for under the bonnet and not wanting to have too many colours (I already have a blue theme going) I decided to go stealth like on the inlet manifold.

Set aside a good days work for removing, preparing and painting the manifold.

The tools and consumables used:

1. 1x can of VHT High Temp Black wrinkle coat
2. 1x Stanley knife and/ or hobby knife
3. 1x 3m mask up tape (PAPER! not plastic)
4. 1x bottle of Prepsol Wax n Grease remover
5. Sanding Block w/ 800 Wet & Dry sand paper

You should start with a stripped manifold, having removed all the hose connections, throttle body, etc. Give the manifold a bath of prepsol (or any non-residual solvent), using a paintbrush to ensure the entire surface is clean and grease free.Allow it to dry.

Grab your tape and mask up all areas which you do not want to be covered with wrinkle coat. Pretty much ANY areas which have a gasket directly applied to them, hose fittings and bolt holes. We need to keep all contaminants out of the inlet.

Use a stanley knife to trim off the excess tape.

The instructions on the VHT can advise you to apply when ambient temperature is between 21 and 35c. I am pretty sure i did this on a typical 35 - 38c day, outside on the driveway where it is 'well ventilated' and was breeze free. The instructions also suggest to metal primer for optimal product adhesion.

Applying the wrinkle coat is not like normal paint, it's viscosity is relatively low compared to enamel or acrylic spray paint. Do a test patch first on another piece of sheet metal if possible.

With the can about 30cm away from the manifold, generously apply the first coat using vertical sweeps. As mentioned above it will not entirely cover the surface, you will see the alloy underneath. It's almost like a spray on tint!

I used spare bolts (M10 i think they were) and screwed them into the holes on the manifold runners so I could hold onto something and spray the underside.

Let about 3-5 minutes pass to leave the coat somewhat cure. Apply a 2nd coat to the manifold using a horizontal sweeping action.The 2nd coat basically needs to take place when the first coat has become tacky, you do not want to start spraying coat 2 if its already starting to wrinkle. You need to strip and start again if that is the case though. Sorry, too slow!

This was my second time at wrinkle coating a manifold and having done my experiments the first time I can tell you that you can control the size of the wrinkles by how much you apply and how quick it cures. I was seeking a fine wrinkled finish, so I left if with 2 heavy coats and put it in the midday sun to dry.

And here is what mean by tighter wrinkles:

Whilst I have never tried it you could get the same results with an oven an 100c for an hour.

Remove the tape and inspect your results!

Remember the coating is still soft!

As a final cleanup, grab your wet n dry sand paper and block. Rub down the flat machined areas of the manifold, giving you sharp lines and ensuring that you won't have any gasket leaks etc.