What's the best way to refinish this clamp?

[nzspokes]

I have this upper fork clamp on my bike, very nice ally Lucas item. Only problem is its to shiny. When the sun gets in the right place it blinds me.

So is it best to get it painted or anodized?

[caspernz]

Have you considered a matt painted alu plate cover?

Or personally I'd go to my friendly sign writer and get some matt vinyl sticky that I'd apply, using the wifes' hairdryer when she ain't lookin...

Someone will come along and suggest some mild hydrofluoric acid will take that shine off in a jiffy...

[nzspokes]

Have you considered a matt painted alu plate cover?

Or personally I'd go to my friendly sign writer and get some matt vinyl sticky that I'd apply, using the wifes' hairdryer when she ain't lookin...

Someone will come along and suggest some mild hydrofluoric acid will take that shine off in a jiffy...

I have some vinyl but didnt think it could conform to that shape with all the cut outs.

[Tazz]

Would taking the polish off with emery paper work? Swirl pattern, cutouts first.

[AllanB]

Is it coated? If just polished alloy without a clear coat you could give it a brushed finish that will be less reflective with a stelo pad or similar. I spied some slightly abrasive cloth somewhere recently that would work well.

Or of you want the alloy look without the shine and it has a coating spray it with a clear matt coat of paint.

[tigertim20]

anodizing.

vinyl would look tacky as fuck on that
powdercoat would be a thick layer and would look crap on a small detailed part like that

[nzspokes]

anodizing.

vinyl would look tacky as fuck on that
powdercoat would be a thick layer and would look crap on a small detailed part like that

Im inclined to agree. My concern with anodizing is it fading, will have a ring around and see what the costs are.

[Gremlin]

Spray some Plastidip on it.

[Grumph]

Bead blast - Coarse bead and a blaster who knows what they're doing can make it look like a sandcast piece.

[caspernz]

Spray some Plastidip on it.

Fair call, at least this is a non permanent attempt, easy enough to peel and try next option if not to OPs liking.

[2smokes]

anodizing.

vinyl would look tacky as fuck on that
powdercoat would be a thick layer and would look crap on a small detailed part like that

Anodizing is the biz. Any colour you like for around $50. You will spend $20 for a can of paint that will look shit. Don't do that to your pride and joy.

[bogan]

+1 to bead blasting it, a better option for a more natural finish, but if you want a color then obviously anodising is the way to go.

[nzspokes]

Spray some Plastidip on it.

I do kinda like that idea but this piece is a bit nice for that. I am going to get some to try something on the fairings though.

[nzspokes]

Anodizing is the biz. Any colour you like for around $50. You will spend $20 for a can of paint that will look shit. Don't do that to your pride and joy.

Thats what Im going to do I think. I will get the fork caps done at the same time.

Then its what colour I want it to be and if they can make it satin. May go with gold and blue fork caps.

[nzspokes]

Ended up rattle canning it with some VHT, it came up really well. That will do for the summer as next winter the front end will come off for a cosmetic rebuild.

Then I will get it anodized.