I'm having my door window frames repainted and they currently look glossy black but I'm not sure if this is due to years of polishing?

Satin.

Check out my restoration blog here https://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/106541-giugiaro-esprit-s1-full-restoration

I had mine stripped down and powder coated for consistency and longevity. However, I would not advise anyone to follow suit. Carefully mask and lightly sand using a very fine wet 'n' dry paper and soapy water. Then re-mask and paint.

Many thanks gentlemen

@Fridge - why don't you recommend powder coating? 

Gloss

Satin black every time

2 hours ago, TAR said:

@Fridge - why don't you recommend powder coating? 

Powder coating has a great finish and is hard wearing, but the journey getting there isn't worth it in both trouble and originality.

If the glass is fitted OK and the Sorbitol sealant is in good condition my advice is to leave it and paint the window frames.

That's my advice having gone down the power coating route.

As for powder coating chassis and running gear,..... well, that's a whole other story. And another I wouldn't recommend, speaking from doing so on other classic cars over the years. If you read my build thread you'll see I painted mine in black satin Raptor.

@esprit22 the window frames are definitely not gloss.

Aftermarket springs fitted to my classic Elan were powder coated and the stuff flaked away in patches in short order. I cleaned them up and painted with garden grade spray which then lasted for years and many miles beyond my time of ownership.

Not a fan, think it's got a rep more by way of repetition than value. Inferred cred, as in "high-tech".

Satin black makes most sense to me as it will match the plastic trim behind the B pillar better - still, my current door window frame is glossy both inside and out, which may be due to polishing, but the interior side is glossy too which I can't imagine has received all that much polishing.. I would just like to paint it as it would be from factory...

2K spray can from Spraymax/Standox is a perfect finish, you can choose satin grade, painted mine 40% satin and looks as original. 

Hopefully not hijacking topic but should the door handle black frame be powder coated or painted?

mine is really scratched and powder coating sounds good

best

martin

1 hour ago, MartinC said:

Hopefully not hijacking topic but should the door handle black frame be powder coated or painted?

mine is really scratched and powder coating sounds good

best

martin

That depends upon the model. 

S1s, apart from James Bond's, were chrome. However where they are black I imagine that they're painted since the chrome version has a grey/black recess that is painted. I'd be very surprised if they were coated in another way. Though if they can be powder coated it would be harder wearing. As long as it was well masked for reassembly.

Check out the ones listed on eBay or SJ Sportscars.

Personally I'd have them sprayed. Using a good etch primer base and prep.