You've got it. Been a guitar player for many years. Time is just the issue as I get older... Used to gig a lot and was lead guitarist in a pink floyd tribute band.
I used the VHT paint. If you type in VHT paint in ebay it comes up. If you want colour specifics I can get you them.
http://www.vhtpaint.com/
I baked the heads, covers and barrels in the oven at work but as you say little bits have chipped off where I've knocked them with a spanner or something. As careful as I have been it's inevitable.
This bike will be so looked after bit will be ridden also (in the dry). Hard to keep things perfect with UK roads... I have a Yamaha XT660X which I do my miles on and to play about.