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View Full Version : Has anyone ever painted a rear shock spring?

ChrisRobin
07-11-2005, 02:32 PM
I know conventional spray paint won't work because it's not flexible enough. I don't want to podercoat since that'll cost a lot.

Has anyone ever had a spring painted or know what kind of paint to use.
RD3
07-11-2005, 03:45 PM
Rust-oleum spray paint works good. I have painted a couple springs with it. As long as you don't have any cables rubbing the painted spring, the paint should stay on fine. Make sure you clean the spring good before painting.
ChrisRobin
07-11-2005, 04:56 PM
Rust-oleum spray paint works good. I have painted a couple springs with it. As long as you don't have any cables rubbing the painted spring, the paint should stay on fine. Make sure you clean the spring good before painting.

Is that just some regular outdoor spraypaint for metal??? Did it stick ok or would it chip as soon as you would maybe knock it around (like when you uninstall your shock).
RD3
07-11-2005, 05:38 PM
Its a ton more durable than krylon type spray paints. Its made to keep metal from rusting. You can usually buy it at wal-mart or hardware stores. It does not chip off. It might help if you scuff the spring with a sand paper or a scotch brite pad so the surface isn't as smooth so the paint will stick better.
ChrisRobin
07-11-2005, 08:36 PM
When you painted your springs, how did it look? Was is dull looking or half-decent?...Not that it's super important but just the same.
RD3
07-11-2005, 08:46 PM
You really can't even tell that they were spray painted, they look factory. If you are painting them black, get Rust-oleum gloss black. I didn't use any primer, Rust-oleum sticks really good, put several coats on, follow the directions on the can.
ChrisRobin
07-12-2005, 09:14 AM
Ok, cool...thanks for the info...I'll give it a try
ChrisRobin
07-14-2005, 09:46 AM
If anyone else has any other methods or advise, post it. Thanks.
zane
07-14-2005, 10:38 AM
If flexability is an issue then try spray paint for RC car bodies- it's meant to flex so it doesn't chip off the body when it flexes.
caputo1989
07-14-2005, 08:42 PM
Duplicolor engine block paint and an expensive primer.
ChrisRobin
07-15-2005, 12:39 AM
If flexability is an issue then try spray paint for RC car bodies- it's meant to flex so it doesn't chip off the body when it flexes.

Will it stick to the paint that's already on the coil? Plus, that RC car paint, is it also for metal?
zane
07-15-2005, 04:28 PM
Will it stick to the paint that's already on the coil? Plus, that RC car paint, is it also for metal?

It's meant for lexan bodies, but it might work on metal. I've never done it though.
BMXman
07-15-2005, 09:44 PM
so why paint a rear spring?...I'm curoius...D
ChrisRobin
07-16-2005, 12:19 AM
so why paint a rear spring?...I'm curoius...D

Because I refuse to have a red spring on a bike that's all silver and black.
ChrisRobin
07-16-2005, 12:20 AM
It's meant for lexan bodies, but it might work on metal. I've never done it though.

Probably won't stick properly.
Biscuit
07-20-2005, 04:10 PM
Somewhere on www.eastwood.com they sell paint specifically for car springs.
It's oil based and you're supposed to dip the spring in the paint.

If the object is too big for the can, you put a layer of paint over water in a container that is big enough (oil based paint floats over water), dip and hang to dry.

Auto manufacturers actually use huge tubs of water, with a few inches of oil based paint on top to coat big parts. Otherwise they would waste an obscene amount of paint. Not to mention the hazards of leaving giant containers of flamable liquid open.
BigHitComp04
07-21-2005, 07:16 AM
Well i know you said you didnt want to, but powdercoating would be by far the best option. Ive seen a few springs that were powdercoated and they look sweet as hell when they are done. Not to mention powdercoating is crazily strong. Personally I think that would be the best way to go, but i dunno how much it would be. I dont see how it could be THAT much....
Pat...
05-10-2007, 05:41 AM
Chris, how did you end up doing it, and how is it holding up?

My bike is black and silver, and I have a red spring too...it just kills the whole color theme.
SnowboardinWA
05-13-2007, 12:10 PM
LOL.....I want to paint my BLACK spring RED.
Pat...
05-14-2007, 12:45 AM
:D I like it red, but then I'd have to get a bunch of red parts for it. It will be much cheaper and easier to keep it black and silver/polished. Also, with the black main frame and polished swingarm, red would probably be too many colors and I have a silver super-t and EA70 for it (which should balance out the swingarm). I think my spring should be silver or light gray maybe.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a132/mtnbrider/07%202%20Alley%20dirt%20jumps/es_MG_8354.jpg
jonKranked
05-15-2007, 03:56 PM
Well i know you said you didnt want to, but powdercoating would be by far the best option. Ive seen a few springs that were powdercoated and they look sweet as hell when they are done. Not to mention powdercoating is crazily strong. Personally I think that would be the best way to go, but i dunno how much it would be. I dont see how it could be THAT much....


I second this route. I just had my rear coil done by Steve at S&D powdercoating (http://www.sdpowdercoating.com/). Came out beautifully. I also had my front triangle, swingarm, and upper link plates pc'd. All high gloss white. The whole job ran me $140.
Pat...
05-16-2007, 04:11 AM
With my fork lowers, silver (black stanchions) and polished swingarm, with the black main triangle what color should the spring be? Silver, Black?
ultraNoob
05-16-2007, 09:50 AM
Ever try Heat Shrink Tubing? Just slip it over the coil and heat it with a hair dryer.