the only plating process that I know of that doesn't flake or dis-color is JET HOT, or other similar companies. They do used parts, and the finished pipe would look like polished aluminum. A friend of mine had it done to his steet bike,and I had it done to my car headers... it's tougher than nails.It will only fade if you run lean and heat up the exhaust too much, but it will never burn off.