Just make sure surface is clean, so no oil etc on it. Sand it down a little bit with something like 600 grit sand paper, prime it and sand it down again with 1200-1500 grit, then prime it again, sand it down and spray. Why prime it few times? I find it helps to get rid of tiny scratches...as primer basically fills them in,...sometimes they really hard to see...but ones painted and lacquered - they will be more visible! Also try to use sanding block or something flat to wrap sanding paper around - to give you flat sanding serface.
I think white primer works the best - as it will bring colour up, make it a bit brighter. Would also recommend to lacquer bits as well to give them that shiny glossy look. PlastiKote 2k clear lacquer is pretty good.
Spray (primer/paint/lacquer) is few thin coats instead of 1 thick - makes it easier to dry etc. I would leave 30mins-1hr between coats and leave overnight to dry
All common sense really
If you dont have any local paint stores that can mix you some paint, www.paints4u.com can do it for you if you provide paint code
Nothing to worry about when taking strut bar off.... its as straight forward as it looks, takes few mins
Good luck