For the people that have painted the forks on their bike i was wondering what they used and what they wouldn't. I was either going to do them in black or white. i want something that it going to last, i don't realy want to powdercoat them because i would have to take the seals out that don't leak, so looking for the next best thing. Thanks

i used spray paint. proper surface prep and a good clear are key to durability.

The best black paint IMO is appliance epoxy. No need for primer, tough finish, goes on smooth, etc. It's not resistant to gas though.

The white appliance epoxy isn't suitable for cycle parts though - not UV resistant.

I would suggest some fuel proof wheel or engine paint.
Check out Duplicolor.com,  colorrite.com  and eastwood.com

Powder coating is not that much more expensive than paint, but it is more durable. I guess it depends on how long you plan to keep the bike.

Yeah Im gonba go with powder coating here it's better

Quote from: slipperymongoose on April 09, 2012, 03:41:21 AM
Yeah Im gonba go with powder coating here it's better

only downside to that is you have to strip to bare metal, bring it in, wait for them to finish it, buy new seals, etc, then put it all back together. With paint, sand, mask, spray, ride.

Quote from: dropitlow88 on April 09, 2012, 05:20:23 AM

Quote from: slipperymongoose on April 09, 2012, 03:41:21 AM
Yeah Im gonba go with powder coating here it's better

only downside to that is you have to strip to bare metal, bring it in, wait for them to finish it, buy new seals, etc, then put it all back together. With paint, sand, mask, spray, ride.

Think of it as an opportunity to sort out the forks on the bike. God knows they need sorting... 

true, I can see your point, but lets say you just went through them then decided to paint. Or your just not concerned with corner carving, you just wanna ride. If it was a full tear down then powder coating would surely be the best option, it is extremely durable. But if your not interested in your bike being down for any length of time spray paInt would be the way to go.

It is Definetly a challange to do automotive painting, the prep work is so important to get a decent finish. I've painted my previous car and my GS, and I'm not happy with my tank, I'm thinking of painting my plastics and tank again and this time I'll get someone else to do it.

I just bought a set of forks that are coming because my seals are gone plus it the newer style. The seals in the ones coming are new so i dont want to take it apart, I'll just sand and paint them. might do powder coat on the old ones and then sell them. thanks guys