Wheels and Fork Sliders, Part II

[Mark M]

All right, I am wanting to do a cheap/fast/easy experimental paintjob on my wheels and fork sliders to confirm my color choice. I am thinking rattle can acryllic enamel is the stuff I want. If it works for me, I will get it powdercoated professionally next winter.

1) Canadian Tire carries Dupli-Color wheel enamel and that would be my choice unless someone suggests a good reason not to. Can I buy a semi-gloss or matte finish clear enamel in rattle cans if I want a different finish?

2) What do I need to do for a quick and easy prep? I want to paint the wheels with tires on (I am only painting the center "star" section, not the rim near the tires) and the fork sliders with the fork tubes assembled. Can I just spray them down with CLR (or other nasty cleaner) and then wash with a brush and dish soap? I could mask them and have them bead blasted, but the point is CHEAP and FAST.

3) With a good, clean surface, how long should I expect the paint to last before it looks rough? The bike is ridden very occasionally at the moment, but I would like to use it daily again when it looks OK. Road use, no gravel, short trips and commuting only.

Thanks,
Mark

[seuadr]

i would think a few years if its a good acrylic.

[po-boy]

Use Dupli-colors self etching primer after a thorough cleaning, just did mine on the chop project and it looks pretty good. Good luck... Forgot to mention it but sand w/220 grit wet/dry paper to give the surface some bite.