Coating Services Built for Real-World Performance
What We Actually Do
Let's cut through the noise. LO-KO Performance Coatings is a full-service coating application facility specializing in three core areas: ceramic thermal barrier coatings for exhaust systems, industrial-grade powder coating for components of all shapes and sizes, and XR2 piston coatings for high-performance engine builds. We don't dabble in products that don't work, and we don't offer services we're not proud of. Everything that leaves our shop has gone through a strict quality control process, because we know that when you hand us your parts, you're trusting us with something you care about.
Our facility runs on a schedule that keeps things moving without cutting corners. We understand that most of our customers are builders, mechanics, and racers who are on tight timelines. That's why we've optimized our workflow to deliver consistent results without the typical two-week turnaround you'd get from shops that are backed up. Most standard jobs are completed within 5 to 7 business days, and we'll always give you a firm deadline upfront — not a guess, an actual date.
Ceramic Exhaust Coating Service
Our ceramic coating service starts with a thorough inspection of your headers, downpipes, or exhaust manifolds. Every part gets media blasted to remove old coatings, rust, and surface contaminants. After blasting, we run a degreasing cycle and apply our thermal barrier coating using a controlled electrostatic spray process that ensures even coverage across every surface — including the tricky spots inside flanges and collector areas that most shops rush through.
We use a multi-layer ceramic formulation rated for continuous exposure up to 2,000°F. The first layer acts as the primary thermal barrier, while the top coat provides additional heat reflectivity and chemical resistance. After application, parts are cured in a controlled environment at temperatures that ensure maximum bond strength. The result is a coating that actually does what it's supposed to do — keeps heat inside the exhaust system where it belongs and reduces under-hood temperatures by a measurable margin.
This service covers exhaust headers, turbo manifolds, downpipes, mid-pipes, muffler shells, and custom exhaust components. We handle everything from street car headers to full race headers for drag, road, and off-road applications. If it's an exhaust part, we can coat it.
Powder Coating Service
Powder coating is the backbone of what we do, and it's where our volume really shows. We coat suspension components, brake calipers, wheels, brackets, chassis parts, intake manifolds, valve covers, and just about anything else that can withstand the curing process. Our booth is equipped with a high-capacity electrostatic spray gun system that handles everything from small brackets to full subframes.
The process begins with surface prep — and we mean real prep, not a quick wipe-down. Parts are chemically cleaned, media blasted, and then pre-heated before the powder goes on. This ensures the coating bonds at a molecular level rather than just sitting on top of the surface. We use industrial-grade polyester, epoxy, and hybrid powders that are UV-resistant, chemical-resistant, and built to take abuse. Curing happens in our temperature-controlled oven, which maintains precise heat levels to prevent over-curing or under-curing.
We carry over 200 standard colors in stock, including gloss, matte, satin, textured, metallic, and wrinkle finishes. Custom color matching is available for fleet orders and specific build requirements. The typical powder coating job takes 5 to 7 business days, and rush service is available when timelines get tight.
XR2 Piston Coating Service
This is a specialized service that requires precision and experience, and it's one of the things that sets us apart from general coating shops. XR2 piston coating is a thin-film thermal barrier applied to the crown of pistons, and it requires a level of surface preparation and application accuracy that you won't find in most places.
When you send us pistons for XR2 coating, we start by inspecting each piston for existing wear, ring land condition, and crown geometry. The pistons are then cleaned in a specialized solvent bath to remove all oil and carbon residue. After drying, we mask off the ring grooves, pin bores, and skirt areas that shouldn't receive coating — this masking step is critical because any coating in the wrong place will cause clearance issues when the engine is assembled.
The XR2 material is applied using a precision spray system that lays down a coating thickness between 0.008 and 0.015 inches, depending on your engine specifications. After application, the pistons go through a curing cycle and then a final thickness inspection to make sure every piston meets your exact requirements. We return the coated pistons with a detailed report showing thickness measurements and application notes for your engine builder's reference.
How to Work With Us
Getting started is simple. Send us photos of your parts, tell us what coating you need, and let us know your timeline. We'll review everything and send you a detailed quote with pricing, turnaround time, and any prep work we recommend. Once you approve the quote, you ship your parts to our facility (or drop them off in person), and we get to work. We'll send you progress updates throughout the process, and when your parts are ready, we'll package them securely and ship them back or have them ready for pickup.
We offer free quotes on all services, and we don't charge inspection fees or hidden costs. What we quote is what you pay, period. If your parts need additional work beyond the scope of the original quote, we'll let you know and get your approval before proceeding. That's how we've operated for 15 years, and it's not something we're going to change.
