I used a high heat primer and paint on mine, but when discussing this issue with others, I was told that regular paint will hold up fairly well. If you are looking for colors, you might check the engine paints at auto parts stores. There are more colors available and they are rated for higher heat than normal paints.
Hey JM, thanks for chimin in. By the way, nice job on yours. I kind of followed you along the way. Just want to know how long did you have to cure that high heat primer and how. Thanks Jeff
I put on a coat of primer and let it dry for an hour. I put on another coat of primer and let it dry for about three hours. After that, I put on a coat of high heat black. I let that dry for about 45 minutes and then put on another coat. I let that cure for 24 hours before I put any heat to it... All of this per instructions on Rustoleum cans. I used the Rustoleum 2000-degree primer and the Rustoleum Specialty High Heat (1200 degree) black paint... not the Ultra.
Thanks JM, the only thing different I'm doing is I want to paint the barrel a different color other than black. Gopher colors, maroon and gold, I've had a hard time finding high heat paint in those colors.
After everything was said and done, I used a little less than two cans of each because I double coated the primer and paint. It's probably not necessary to use that much paint.