Bicycle Mechanics - Can a quill stem be powdercoated and still fit?

Can a quill stem be powdercoated and still fit?

If not, is there some other durable way of taking a stem (only available in aluminum) and making it black? (I'm thinking paint wouldn't last).

It depends on how tight the fit is unpainted. If it can distinctly wobble loose in the steerer than its a pretty good bet.
I personally have never had a problem with using enamels. Get the good stuff(pay more than wal mart price) and coat it good. As soon as it can be moved, put it in the oven(or comparable 200-350 deg heat source) for a few hours. That's how the factories do it.

Probably be much cheaper just to buy a new stem unless it's something rare or really expensive.

Probably be much cheaper just to buy a new stem unless it's something rare or really expensive.
Unfortunately in this case, its a quill stem riser that I can't find in my desired color...

I'm wouldn't usually be that particular, but I'm already knee deep in an involved build and don't want this one part to stick out like it will...

Plus I'm already doing some powdercoating on this bike.

If you know exactly how deep the quill is going to be then you can powdercoat everything above it and not worry about having it fit into the steerer.

If you know exactly how deep the quill is going to be then you can powdercoat everything above it and not worry about having it fit into the steerer.That makes most sense. While powder coating is more durable than conventional paint, it still scratches and marks more easily than, say, hard anodizing. If you ever have to raise the stem after some time, there will be a mark. But if you know where it will always stay, just mask off the lower part.

ive spray painted stems before and the hold up pretty well. and if it ever gets a scratch, there is always more paint. just put some primer on it before.