Repainting magnesium lowers.

[gdb2b]

A couple of questions for membrs that have repainted suspension forks, specifically those that had magnesium lowers.

Mine is a Rockshox Judy XC. It is completely disassembled, is now chemically stripped, and fully cleaned. Bare magnesium is modestly reactive and oxidizes easlly. I have rubbed it out with 4-0 steel wool (equivalent of wet sanding with 800 emory).

It is ready for paint, but I'm wondering if it will need special primer first. What, if anything, did you use for primer on your lowers?

Tips and advice are appreciated! Thanks.

 

[tonedeaf101]

I've recently done this on my Pace forks as they were a bit tatty. I airbrushed them with several coats of Humbrol enamels. Yes, the paint you use on model planes, trains and automobiles! Is surprisingly tough stuff!
I lightly buffed up existing coating then sprayed ontop. But if you are bare metal I'd just go for some car primer(non etch type) first. Will be fine for your needs.
You only really need to protect it properly if it is subject to harsh environments constantly i.e. heat, salt or cold. To protect it properly requires dipping in chromic acid, neutralising the acid, priming then paint which is all an expensive process.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Never done it but have been looking how they do it, more out of curiosity than anything.
Basically they say use a Chromate dip and seal the surface to remove and reactions happening and give a goo anodised surface.
Then use normal methods to paint, but prefer chromic based paints.


http://www.magnesium-elektron.com/data/ ... 256su0.pdf pg15

and I think chromic acid magnesium brought up solution of chromic to use and how to use it and why.
all aerospace stuff.

of course plenty of people have just use Hammerite etc paints and sprayed them from a polish.

 

[gdb2b]

Being that I live in Michigan and do a modest amount of winter riding (winter snow, slop and snow/deicing salt on the roadways), I'wonder if ZnCRomate is the better way to go...