Topic: best way to paint upper triple tree/bridge

[XxDarkEuphoriaxX]

So, I used a spray on paint remover and the paint for the most part is removed leaving the bare aluminum...

what is the best way, and products, to use to re paint this bridge to look as good as it can get?

thx adam






ps. does aluminum rust???

[hapakev]

Aluminum will oxidize, forming a crusty white layer that is hard to remove.  They use aluminum oxide as a sanding compound.

I vote to powdercoat it, unless $ is a concern, but it probably looks and holds up the best.

[XxDarkEuphoriaxX]

is this something I have to have done somewhere. ... . ?


could I use some sort of primer and paint?

[Alan F.]

Since it's bare metal I'd clean it with a prep solvent or even brake cleaner...to remove any finger prints or grease of any type, then self etching primer then your choice of color.

[Accolay]

There are many options to coat your triple.

If you really have to spray due to $ concerns, a readily available/accessible product is rustoleum professional enamel. There are a couple threads on here about it, and there have been good results. Rustoleum also makes self-etching primer in a spray, but you might have to look around to find it in stock somewhere.

Others have tried duplicolor with good results, available at your nearest auto store.

You can also try Westmarine or another boat store that stocks Brightside polyurethane paint. You can buy a small can for about 14$. I just used this on my frame. It dries shiny.

[Zaipai]

For powder coating, you would likely have to take it some place to have it done. There are some do it yourself instruction if you search the web, but your best bet is have some one with the right tools and procedure do it. It is the most durable. However its pretty costly and that is why I did not do it to my frame, but hope to soon.

Here is the Wiki on it..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powder_coating

[Alan F.]

Personally I painted the top triple on one of my bikes in gloss black, never again, it's just too shiny while riding.

[BobbyR]

You can use a semi gloss Rustoleum Enamel if it is too shiny. Cheapest and closest to original is Rustoleum Gloss Enamel.
Slow drying and very durable.