A quick preview of what's to come....1991 GT Zaskar project.

[Black_puma]

Sorry about the mess in the background, but the forks have finally been painted again and I am happy with the result.
Third time lucky. It is really not easy spray painting when temperatures are below what is ideal for this job, but I think my patience and perseverance have paid off. Also thanks for the advice to warm up the forks and paint beforehand!
Going to leave the forks for at least another day or so before fitting to allow the paint to cure. I Should give it 24 hours at least, according the instructions.
Quite impressed with the high gloss finish. And no orange peel effect either!

 

[PhillB]

Looking good! Well done for persevering!!

Depending on the paint, I would treat their stated drying time as an absolute minimum, Paint that is dry to the touch continues to harden for some time afterwards - and remains easy to scratch for a few days.... I'm thinking of when you add the bottom part of the headset for example... you could check it here with you fingernail - to see how soft it is - any mark wont show when it is fitted.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

You have got me thinking, I have a small compressor for my airbrush, I wonder if it would be powerful enough to make a small media blaster

Usually need 10-15CFM air delivered not displaced

 

[Black_puma]

Looking good! Well done for persevering!!

Depending on the paint, I would treat their stated drying time as an absolute minimum, Paint that is dry to the touch continues to harden for some time afterwards - and remains easy to scratch for a few days.... I'm thinking of when you add the bottom part of the headset for example... you could check it here with you fingernail - to see how soft it is - any mark wont show when it is fitted.

Good point made there @PhillB. I am quite happy to wait until the weekend before fitting the forks. Just want to be sure it won't get damaged too much too soon.
I need to source some chrome crank bolt covers next....
But I know a place where I may get them from, if I am lucky.
Just had a Shimano XT Shark fin delivered for the chain stay, for a finishing touch.
I am really looking forward to start building this and share further photos.

 

[baron von greenback]

I been watching some spraying and a funky paint jobs (cars)on you tube an american firm dp someting i have a look and let you know name paint there useing is something else a big diffrence is over spraying each coat and keeping it really wet so the whole thing drys as one

 

[baron von greenback]

Dip your car its called has anyone seen that mosor black it s the blackest black in the world its crazy seriouly thinking off doing my totaly black build in it

 

[PhillB]

I been watching some spraying and a funky paint jobs (cars)on you tube an american firm dp someting i have a look and let you know name paint there useing is something else a big diffrence is over spraying each coat and keeping it really wet so the whole thing drys as one

Yeah, top end paint technology is insane these days
That Vanta black stuff is pretty expensive - but I had thought of doing a bike in it

 

[Black_puma]

Considering the temperature was at least 10 C below recommended temps according to instructions I ended up spraying really close to get this result, including holding the spray can horizontal to get a good flow, there a risk of over spraying.
Which is why I was advised to warm up the paint and forks, though the forks cool down faster once outdoors.
This was the paint used https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/simoniz-tough-black-gloss-spray-paint-500ml-549772291 for this job, with a primer of the same brand.