It's a real good idea to key the parts by shot blasting them with aluminium oxide before you coat aluminium. I also wipe off any trace of oil with panel wipe or thinners before dusting the parts. Have you got the cheap kit to apply the powder? If not it's worth getting one, you will be amazed how much you use it once you have it. I'd use a oven as it gets a better finish on all sided work, the heat lamp is fine for doing one side of a piece of metal plate for instance. Once the metal is up to 190 deg C, time about 12-14 mins and you are done. Time is not too critical but try not to under bake it as I hear it does not stick as well although I have not had this problem. It's really quick, tougher than most spray paint and can be fitted as soon as cool.

Theres a pic on this thread on some Ultra Bandit struts I did. [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9366863/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm]Here[/link]

Jason