AZBillyBoy 2 Posted November 29, 2012 Ha ha ha! You've never seen me paint! Plus they are aluminum alloy wheels. Way outside my knowledge base about restoring! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 3,828 Posted November 29, 2012 Ha ha ha! You've never seen me paint! Plus they are aluminum alloy wheels. Way outside my knowledge base about restoring! that's why they make spray paint! they even make it for wheels in particular: http://www.duplicolor.com/products/wheelCoating/ however, the prep work will kill ya. basically the better you sand them before painting, the longer the paint job will last. if they have an existing paint or clear-coat, it may be easier to strip them with a chemical first, then sand. if you don't prep them really well then they'll chip. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 3,828 Posted November 29, 2012 also don't forget Brain of Brian's Tire Pro's in Mesa is a member here and will give you a good deal. at least worth a call to them before you order from an online place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZBillyBoy 2 Posted November 29, 2012 that's why they make spray paint! they even make it for wheels in particular: http://www.duplicolor.com/products/wheelCoating/ however, the prep work will kill ya. basically the better you sand them before painting, the longer the paint job will last. if they have an existing paint or clear-coat, it may be easier to strip them with a chemical first, then sand. if you don't prep them really well then they'll chip. Yeah well my old wheels have some nasty dings in them. 14 years of dirt roads has taken their toll on them. As for spray paint, I have a real problem getting it even and without runs. And that's on FLAT surfaces. These wheels would be like spray painting an english muffin! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SSRx7 0 Posted November 29, 2012 Trick with spray cans: First, trigger method. Hold the can off to the side of your project, start your sidways sweep and trigger (start spraying before you get to edge of the project, keep spraying until you get off the other side), then return sweep 1/2 a layer down. 2nd trick: Spray lightly the first coat, let it dry for a couple of minutes then the next coat. Do not stop in the middle of your sweep. Do not stop in the middle of a coat (complete the entire coat). 4 or 5 light coats will be alot better than one or two heavy ones. Here is an example of my spray can paint job: Back on topic: You can do your rims the same way. But as was already mentioned, prep is the hardest part of the job. You have to thoroughly sand the entire surface to be painted (240 grit sandpaper works well for this - use aluminum oxide sand paper on aluminum rims). If you can, sand the paint so that it is thoroughly scuffed without going down to aluminum, or bare metal. Then wipe clean with solvent (mineral spirits, naptha, paint thinner(lightly), etc) and let solvent evaporate. If you are working on bare aluminum, you need to prime with self etching primer. Follow the directions. Let it dry completely, then lightly sand with 400grit sand paper, and clean with solvent - lightly. All you want to do is to make sure there is no sanding dust. Now you are ready for your top coat, by spraying the way I mentioned above. If you don't want to go through all that trouble, you could take them down and have them powder coated. more expensive, but lasts alot longers. Sorry for on and off topic.. Just trying to encourage you. Just takes practice. Worse case scenario, you have to spray them again if they get scratched. My wheels get so much dirt and mud on them just from everyday driving, I don't see if they have scratches.. Good luck on your tire decision, and find an old wheel to practice on. practice makes perfect, Then you can have your wheels look how you want them too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
