Do I need to prepare the exhaust pipe before wrapping?

Clean off any loose rust, scale, or oil with a wire brush or cloth. Dry surface helps the wrap adhere and stay secure. You don't need to strip it to bare metal.

How tight should I cinch the zip ties?

Snug enough that the wrap won't slip, but not so tight you're crushing the material. Hand-tight is your target — you should still be able to slide a finger under each tie.

Can I wrap this around curved bends and transitions?

Yes. The 2-inch width gives you flexibility to navigate elbows and diameter changes. Overlap slightly on tight curves and secure with extra zip ties at transition points for stability.