Im not saying anyones idea is better but from building exhaust systems for cars for the last 15yrs, i recomend you just paint them, both will keep the rust off but i have seen many of car headers rotted out from the heat rap cloth,, think they hold the moisture in if they get wet, from time to time yes they will dry out but painted steel will let the water run wright off, now i dont no about wheeler exhaust but thats just my two cents and i can say i used a wire wheel on mine to get all the rust off and painted mine with header paint so we'll see..