Anyone got any advice on painting shocks?

[Deviant1]

My cb900 shocks should be arriving tomorrow or the next day... But from the pics posted on ebay they're gonna need some freshening up. I was thinking of disassembling them and painting the springs. But my question is: What's the best paint for this application? I don't want the paint to flake off during compression of the springs, cuz that would suck. And I don't even know if powder coating would work here, but it's out of the question for me because of my extremely tight budget. Thanks in advance guys,
Alex
Here's a pic of what I'll be working with:

 

[colpumpkinnuts]

I had similiar concerns. I ended up using rustoleum cold galvanizing compound on my springs. It seems to be holding up allright so far. Others have used regular rattle can paint on their shocks and I haven't heard any complaints about it. Powder coating works. JRK5892 powdercoats a lot of stuff, you can hit him up for more info.

 

[Deviant1]

Thanks, dude.
The at-home-powder-coating project is scheduled to begin sometime before my next project (gl1000 in cafe/touring trim). That's assuming I ever finish my current project of course...

 

[HerrDeacon]

I just used regular Tremclad with no problems. Paint on the springs look just as good as when I painted them. Just be sure to scuff them up before painting. Also, I split a McDonalds straw lengthwise and slipped it in over the shaft of the shock to prevent paint from getting on it (I didn't want to bother taking them apart).

 

[jason teamshralp]

I was wondering what kind of look that tool handle grip stuff would work. You know the stuff you dip a wrench handle in to give it a rubber grip...?

I don't know if it would come out looking too thick? It probably wouldn't crack though. Anyone who has used this stuff before think it would work?

I was also thinking about using it for tappet covers, oil filter stud, foot pegs on my rear sets if I want them black, and fork leg covers... I don't know it would be durable for the parts that take a lot of abuse, but you want colored.

my 2 cents

 

[Deviant1]

Jason,
Dude, I kind of like that idea. I'll have to let it marinate to be sure, but right now it sounds like it could be pretty cool... but tool handles and such are stationary items, by that I mean that the material itself doesn't move. I wonder if it would crack during compression... This could require a test with an old shock spring. Maybe just paint it though... ARGH I'm conflicted! ???

 

[Deviant1]

My shocks are in!!! I'm stoked! If only my bike were back so I could throw them on to see how cool they look... Since the bike's not back yet, I'm gonna use some serious kung fu grip and disassemble them. I'm still not sure what route I'm going to go with the paint on the springs. I definately want to go black, but I really dig the idea of getting a different texture on them, like the tool handle goo. But the rhino liner knee dents post in the tank section got me to wondering about having a shop throw some of that thick soft stuff on them. hmmmm... ideas? votes? suggestions?

 

[kodiak]

If its anything like the stuff the dip our re sharpened drills and end mills in at work(and I'm pretty sure it is) it should hold up to movement no problem... very rubbery... only problem is the stuff doesn't like heat very much at all....

 

[Deviant1]

Awesome, Thanks man. The heat shouldn't be a problem on the shocks... and if it is then I probably have a much bigger problem to worry about.