Even Brand New, they may have a film coating of lubricant, etc, from production processes. It is still a good idea to clean, degrease and prep before you paint.

There is a product in most Autoparts Stores called "Prep Sol" that works to clean prior to painting. If any grease or silicone is on those spring hinges, the paint will Fisheye.


Once everything is clean and dry, primer and allow it to fully dry, then paint as you wish. You might want to hang it from a coat hanger as you will want to spray it from all angles and let it dry unmolested.

Springs are difficult to paint well and achieve full and even coats of paint. Sometimes, I remove the spring, then suspend it using a suitable weight to cause the coils to expand, primer, paint and allow to dry in the expanded condition, otherwise there will be no paint or thin spots where the coils touch.

Best to start with light fogging coats of primer, then same with the paint to avoid runs and drips.