VHT

VHT — High-Temperature Engine Enamels, Brake Caliper Paint & Specialty Automotive Coatings

VHT has been manufacturing specialty high-temperature automotive paints and coatings since 1956, building a reputation on engine enamels, brake caliper paints, and specialty coatings that withstand the extreme heat, chemical exposure, and mechanical stress of underhood and undercarriage environments where conventional paints fail. From detailing a show engine bay to protecting a race car's roll cage, VHT produces the correct coating for every high-temperature and high-visibility application on a performance vehicle.

High-Temperature Engine Enamels

VHT engine enamels are the most widely used high-temperature engine coating in the performance aftermarket, providing a durable, professional finish on engine blocks, cylinder heads, intake manifolds, valve covers, and other engine components that are exposed to sustained high temperatures in normal operation. VHT engine enamels are rated for continuous temperatures up to 550°F and intermittent temperatures up to 650°F — sufficient for the surface temperatures of most naturally aspirated and moderately boosted gasoline engines.

Engine enamels are available in a comprehensive color range including factory-correct colors for the most popular domestic V8 engines — GM Corporate Blue, Ford Blue, Chrysler Orange, and other OEM engine colors for restoration applications — as well as custom colors for show and performance builds where a non-stock appearance is the goal. Gloss, satin, and flat finish options are available depending on the desired appearance level for each application.

Flameproof & Extreme Temperature Coatings

VHT Flameproof coating is rated for continuous temperatures up to 2,000°F, making it the correct choice for exhaust manifolds, headers, exhaust pipes, and other components that reach temperatures beyond the capability of standard engine enamel. Flameproof is available in flat black and other colors for exhaust system coating applications where appearance and heat resistance are both priorities. The coating cures through a heat cycle process — the coated component must be heated to cure the coating to its full temperature rating after application.

Brake Caliper Paint

VHT brake caliper paint provides a durable, high-temperature finish on brake calipers that withstands the heat generated by repeated braking without peeling, cracking, or fading. Available in a wide range of colors — including red, yellow, blue, silver, and black — VHT caliper paint is one of the most popular brake system appearance upgrades for performance and show vehicles where the calipers are visible through the wheel spokes. The coating is resistant to brake fluid, road salt, and the mechanical abrasion of brake dust accumulation.

Roll Bar & Chassis Coatings

VHT roll bar and chassis coatings provide a durable finish on roll cages, chassis tubes, and undercarriage components that withstands the mechanical abrasion, chemical exposure, and temperature cycling of race car and performance vehicle use. Roll bar coatings are available in gloss and satin black for the most common roll cage appearance requirements, with correct adhesion to bare steel and previously painted surfaces after correct surface preparation.

Wrinkle Plus & Specialty Finishes

VHT Wrinkle Plus coating produces a textured wrinkle finish that replicates the factory wrinkle paint used on vintage valve covers, air cleaners, and engine accessories. The wrinkle texture develops during the curing process, with the degree of wrinkling affected by the application thickness and curing temperature. Wrinkle Plus is available in black and other colors for restoration and custom applications where the wrinkle finish is part of the period-correct or custom appearance of the build.

Surface Preparation & Application Notes

Correct surface preparation is the most critical factor in VHT coating adhesion and durability. All surfaces must be clean, dry, and free of oil, grease, rust, and loose paint before application. Bare metal surfaces should be lightly scuffed with fine sandpaper for mechanical adhesion. VHT coatings are aerosol-applied in multiple thin coats with correct flash time between coats — applying too heavily or without adequate flash time causes runs, sags, and poor adhesion. Engine enamel and Flameproof coatings require a heat cure cycle after application to achieve their full temperature rating and hardness — follow the VHT curing instructions for each product to ensure correct cure.

Common Applications

VHT coatings are used across show cars, race cars, hot rods, restomod builds, and performance street vehicles where underhood and undercarriage appearance is a priority. Engine enamel is the standard coating for show engine bay builds. Flameproof is the standard coating for exhaust system components. ...