painting forks?

MJPriceisright

MJPriceisright

Coast to Coast
hey guys, quick question here in the painting deparment.. i picked up some forks from a gsxr a few weeks ago for a project but i really want them black. so my question is, what would be the best paint to do it? this is low budget cause i have some other projects going on that my money is directed at or i would most likely break em down and pc them.. so what would be best for the aluminum? attached a pic of the forks im working on.. also, if i paint them, wont it be hard to put the triples back on cause of the increased thickness with paint? thanks!
 

Attachments

  • IMAG0003.jpg
    IMAG0003.jpg
    271 KB · Views: 241
The triples will clamp on the them but just bear in mind it will be a one time deal as the clamps on the triples may mess up the paint finish. If I were you, I would give them a nice sanding, wipe them down with some lacquer thinner or something that will evaporate off and not leave a residue and paint them with an epoxy paint. You can get it at a hardware store or Lowes or Home Depot. Its called Appliance Expoxy. Comes in black, cream, and white. Its made for painting dryers and what not so its a nice shinny hard spray paint. I use it in boats to paint all kinds of engine parts or pumps or tubing, heat exhangers, etc. Nice good stuff. Looks like PC but its not as tough, but it shouldn't be a problem on that bike as it doesn't look like its going offroad with it. Do about 1-2 light coats and a 3 thats a bit wetter, just not enough to make it run and you'll have a mirror like finish. You could spray them with a primer lightly if you want before hand(after the laquer wipedown) Cans cost about 6-8 bucks?
 
that sounds awesome, light sand, little prime and color.. only thing is i really dont wanna get shiny, pretty much everything im going for is a low gloss, or even satin finish. thoughts on the vht epoxy?
 
Oh just make sure you read the directinons and let it cure.. If its cold, give it extra time or bring it inside and put it a warm area to dry/cure. If you put it on thicker it will take longer as the surface wil be dry to the touch but it will still be soft underneath. So do lgith coats and one slightly wetter.
 
sounds good man, most appreciated! yeah i was really just concerned that the forks were gonna get all scratched up cause of the paint being thicker, but you are right there, will be a one time thing.
 
They also have epoxy paint at most auto parts stores. I used VHT epoxy or chassis paint. It says on there that it is epoxy paint. I wanted satin black and they didn't have that at the home stores.

41lHy-COgpL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
or
7141585_dpl_sp652_pri_larg.jpg



END OF LINE
 
painting forks?

Yes, it is epoxy paint, same as Ronnie described.


END OF LINE
 
MJ - I put a set of GSXR 1000 forks on my Tirumph. I was at first stoked on the gold but the more I stare at it, the more I wish they were black myself. I thought the real only way to do that would be a complete tear-down, and then to have them anodized black and rebuilt. Guessing that was more than I could stomach.

Here's a link to my current set up; http://thebullitt.blogspot.com/p/og-bullitt.html

I'd love to see and hear how yours turn out. In regards to that Epoxy spray paint, I have used it on rear shocks and was pleased with the finish. Triple clamps will create a bit of a hurdle. Keep us posted!
 
TheBullitt said:
MJ - I put a set of GSXR 1000 forks on my Tirumph. I was at first stoked on the gold but the more I stare at it, the more I wish they were black myself. I thought the real only way to do that would be a complete tear-down, and then to have them anodized black and rebuilt. Guessing that was more than I could stomach.

Here's a link to my current set up; http://thebullitt.blogspot.com/p/og-bullitt.html

I'd love to see and hear how yours turn out. In regards to that Epoxy spray paint, I have used it on rear shocks and was pleased with the finish. Triple clamps will create a bit of a hurdle. Keep us posted!
Click to expand...

i dig that bike sir. yes will probably pick up some paint this weekend and see how it turns out.. fin if i give it a good sanding, what do you recommend for grit?
 
100-200

I had to get rid of a large amount rust on mine, then cleaned it with rags and acetone and I didnt use primer
 
painting forks?

I know it's been said, but with epoxy paint you HAVE to let it cure.
Literally paint it, and do not for any reason touch it again for a least a week. The longer you wait the tougher it will be. I know it's hard, but it has to be done. Fight the urge to mount up those pretty forks inside a week ( I couldn't fight it and scratched it all up and had to do it again, once it's cured it's rock hard)
 
right on thanks fellas. yeah i have no intentions of riding, seeing its 5 degrees out today! FML! so ill paint em and put them in a dry warm spot for a week or so..
 
Re: painting forks?

SONICJK said:
I know it's been said, but with epoxy paint you HAVE to let it cure.
Literally paint it, and do not for any reason touch it again for a least a week. The longer you wait the tougher it will be. I know it's hard, but it has to be done. Fight the urge to mount up those pretty forks inside a week ( I couldn't fight it and scratched it all up and had to do it again, once it's cured it's rock hard)
Click to expand...

Sonicjk is totally right, the longer you can leave them the tougher the paint can be. On a separate and probably frowned upon note: I've seen someone wrap black athletic tape (very very tightly, to avoid too much thickening of the diameter) around the forks and it looks pretty good! Maybe something to think about?
 
na i got the time, just sand it and paint it.. id feel better about it being doing the right way.. or as much as painting is the "right way" lol. but yeah i could see how some black taped pulled tight would slip by the triples. FINNY so pumped for the warp supermoto wheel to come in thursday for my 450 build ive checked tracking updates twice today knowing its going to say the same damn thing.. its like opening the fridge everytime you walk into the kitchen, you know there aint shit in there.. haha
 
Re: painting forks?

If it's 5 degrees, you won't be able to paint it. It won't lay out and shine up. Needs to be above 55 degrees F I believe. So if your talking centigrade that's still too cold. The warmer the better so not will help layout and the thinners to evaporate sonit smoothes out and shines like it's supposed to.

And second on the let it cure. Just cause its dry doesn't mean it's done. Epoxy cures, doesn't dry. Good luck!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
 
Lol definitely don't plan on painting it outside. But I have an insulated shop where I'll paint it and then bring it inside in the basement or something to let it dry.
 
MJ - any progress? Are you taking the forks out of the triples or leaving them in and just masking them when you paint?
Are you doing multiple coats? Sanding between coats?

Can't wait to see how they turn out!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

DTT Light or Dark

  • DTT Light
    • www.jadusmotorcycleparts.com
    www.lostapostle.ca/
    www.sparckmoto.com

    Spread the Love

    Back
    Top Bottom