i did my whole system in vht flat black, as long as your pipe is clean, then sand it with like 220 grit, put on 3 coats, then warm up the car, in stages, it will stay, mine has lasted 4 years with little or no fade, and has not rusted, and the can of spray is cheap. looks good on your car, flux core isnt that bad to weld with, just requires a diff. technique, better for thicker steel tho