I have a NOS Reynolds 525 frame and fork that has just a small place that needs to be touched up on the steel split shot that is on the bottom of the right chainstay for the rear derailleur cable to go through..
I tried just painting it...paint won't stay on the shiny metal. I tried sanding the paint in the area and then touching it up...paint won't stay on the shiny metal. I have tried sanding and then priming it with a couple of layers of different primers including etching primer...neither primer nor paint will stay on the shiny metal.
Any ideas how to make the shiny metal hold this primer and paint?
Sounds like you got some grease/oil on it. Sand, wipe with paint thinner to degrease, then prime and paint. Oil paint takes time to cure. Automotive paints cure faster as they have hardeners, but beware that they're very unhealthy, make sure you have good ventilation or a respirator.
I use 525 a lot building frames and have never had an issue with paint sticking. The metal has to be clean. Use a good primer. Automotive primers and paints are the best, rattle can paint is going to give you a second-rate paint job.
if you are using dodgy paint, then a good second choice is to have the frame sandblasted. Tombstone shops often will do this for $10-15.
