illusiumd

So after trying out various stems at the bike fitter - I've decided to get a Ritchey Pro 30 degree stem. I can't for the love of God understand why half the bracket is silver. Any paint I could use that will look ok to paint it black?

2 Piece

Is it bare aluminum, is it painted silver or is it anodized? If painted silver then most any good paint should work fine. If it is bare aluminum or anodized then you will need a really good self etching primer that is made for aluminum. Once that is on a good top coat paint should work.

blakcloud

Spray it with flat black Tremclad, no primer needed and I agree with you, what where they thinking?

2 Piece

If it's aluminum, plain paint will peel off....

Leebo

If one must, try a sharpie permanent marker.

GZ99

I have long since given up on painting Aluminum... I now delegate that task to my local Powder-coater.

TransitBiker

I wouldn't touch a safety critical part like those bracket halves DIY on my own. Perhaps consult manufacturer before doing anything?

- Andy

TenSpeedV2

It is the face plate to a stem, it can be painted. The paint is not going to turn that plate into cotton candy. Sand it and prime it and then hit it with some flat black spray paint when it is off the bike.

TransitBiker

I'm just thinking they may be unpainted for a reason. Most metal parts these days are powder coated, not "painted". If they leave it "blank" it may be so you can see any cracks forming more easily. As we've seen in a few other threads, all it takes is some minor thing to start a crack propagating especially when a tight fit (tensile force) is involved. @illusiumd can do whatever they want, i'm simply voicing my concerns.

The other issue, is what if the inside radius is supposed to be bare? Surely you don't want paint in the bolt holes either? That's why i suggested consult manufacturer.

- Andy

fietsbob

Its a tool ... what color a bike or a component part is does not make it work any worse or Better..

TenSpeedV2

It is a stem face plate. This is being over thought wayyyyy too much. If it cracks, you will still be able to see it. Torque it to manufacturer specs, tape off the holes, spray it and be done with it.

TransitBiker

Agree, i'd leave it as-is. Why waste the money?

It's not being over-thought my good sir. It was the actual very first thought i had when i looked at it. If you look closely at it, you'll notice there is an interlocking "hook" on one end. You really think that was machined with a layer of paint in mind? If it's supposed to hold a handlebar, then the inner surface needs to remain bare. Why risk paying money for paint and etc you don't need just to potentially ruin your part?

https://ritcheylogic.com/manuals/bars..._10_29_web.pdf

Section B says to make sure your diameters are the same. What happens when you add paint? Maybe uh the diameters change enough to where it won't grip properly? Come on, this is basic stuff here. Everyone should know that paint adds to the dimensions of the thing being painted.

As to not start some huge drama, i'm simply going to say DON'T DO IT. Do you have to listen to me? absolutely not.

- Andy

TenSpeedV2

You are over complicating this to no extent. Lay the face plate down on a flat surface, face up. Light coat of primer, light coats of matte black on the face of the face plate, not the back. No diameter compromise, and the OP is happy. This is not rocket science. It is extremely simple.

scoatw

^^what he said. It's not going to hurt anything. I'd let it dry completely. Over time some of the paint may wear off. Just touch it up. If you do compromise the diameter then take some Emory cloth and sand it off. I painted my aluminum framed bike back in 09 and its still holding up pretty good. It has a few worn spots but thats no big deal to me. Gives it that lived-in look. Painting a part such as you've got. I wouldn't hesitate at all to painting it.