Thanks for the thread Mattp - I think I'll try out the sand/paint thing. As it's a trials wheel, the rim will end up failing long before the spokes, so I'm not too worried about durability being reduced from sanding. I also like the masking idea, leaving a section of shiny stainless at either end of the spoke. Hmm...decisions...
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Proud owner of a bicycle with an 8mph top speed.