I decided to paint the fork lowers using Halfords rattle can paint (Ford Graphite Grey), stripped all the old paint off, rubbed it all down with wet and dry, two coats of primer, 3 colour, 2 of clear lacquer and it actually didn't look too bad.

Took the bike out yesterday and when I got back I noticed some fairly large stone chip damage, taking the paint right back to the bare metal and it now looks sheite.

I realise I probably should have got them powder coated, that'll teach me to try doing things on the cheap!

Any recommendations on how to protect the paintwork, I really don't want to have top strip the forks and be off the road yet again.

you can get a clear vinyl film
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Paint-Pro ... 27c2afa373

the films a good idea, or just polish them up bare metal....or wire wool them for a brushed effect. iv got big ass stickers down the sides to take the brunt of the flying stones.

I recommend powder coating I know its expensive but its worth it

^^^^^^^^^ Powder coating

tbh getting both lowers PWDcoat would prob only cost 20-30 quid...... its cheap

lizard821000 wrote:tbh getting both lowers PWDcoat would prob only cost 20-30 quid...... its cheap

I know, but I've only just done the fork oil, seals etc and don't really want to go through the whole process of taking them apart yet again.

shame, this is were......doing it once and doing right.....comes to mind.

lizard821000 wrote:shame, this is were......doing it once and doing right.....comes to mind.

Yes but I thought with the right prep, number of coats, lacquer etc it would be OK, clearly not .

Still it'll have to do for now, as I prefer riding it to fannying around with it.

fair one mate, you now know though. i wasnt trying to teach you to suck eggs either.