Dawes CX

I'm glad you're going for proper handlebars.

On thing I was wondering tho, was whether to spray the top tube? It has a dent that was filled so it's just an undercoat at the moment. The colours a nice metallic green, so I was wondering about trying a rattle can (but good) blue fade from the top 1/4 of the rear stays along the top tube, but stopping before the headset (so I can just mask). It also means less paint to buy.

That sounds quite bad to me. Literally half-a-job.

Any other suggestions for more intereting DIY paint jobs.

It's a bit ratty. Work with it or go for an enamel or a good powdercoat.