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      02-28-2025, 07:53 AM   #12
spielnicht
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Drives: 24 IS500 F/24 X3 M40i/08 Z4 si
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Virginia

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Just reporting back in case anyone is looking for PVD coating.

I've been working with STS Firearms/STS Coatings for past couple of weeks. Short of it, they're awesome to work with. Unfortunately though, they couldn't PVD coat my exhaust tips and I ended up settling for Cerakote to match my matte [light] black wheels.

Basically after receiving the tips, they needed to confirm what material is going inside the PVD chamber or otherwise they could damage the machine. Fortunately, my exhaust tips are made in Japan of high quality stainless steel. Easy. Unfortunately, they have a baffle design. STS reached out to the manufacturer to understand what material (if any) lies below the slotted stainless steel plates but never heard back. I even reached out to the manufacture in Japan, and didn't hear back either.

STS suggested Cerakote, admitting that it's no where as durable as PVD nor as nice of a finish. But, it can withstand up to 1,300F degrees and is much durable than any paint or powder coating. Plus, it's a much smoother finish than regular ceramic coating. Since my wheels are a smooth matte black finish, at least they would blend in very well. Plus, it saved me some $$$.

In the end I am happy but a part of me def. still hoped for that PVD finish. Still highly recommend STS Firearms/STS Coatings and will absolutely be using them for future coating needs. Heck, if I ever find another set of suitable non-baffled tips for my mufflers, I'll definitely get them PVD coated through these guys.

https://coatings.superiortoolservice.com

Any if anyone is wondering why I didn't just go back to calchrome.com and get them dark chrome platted, 1) it would have been more expensive and 2) they couldn't guarantee durability of the chrome plating on high-temp parts.
__________________
2024 Lexus IS500 F Sport
2024 X3 M40i
2008 Z4 3.0si 6MT
2014 550i (sold)
2011 Z4 35si (sold)

Last edited by spielnicht; 02-28-2025 at 08:00 AM..
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