Painting rims

[SYO237]

Ive got a set of C5 wagon wheels coming my way that I want to go black. While I would rather powdercoat them, my budget is telling me im gonna have to paint them instead.

Since Im going to paint them myself, is there any tips/tricks that I shoud do?

- What kind of prep work do I need to do? The rims are the standard silver, not chrome.
- Recommendations on paint type (clear included)? Ive got an automotive paint store down the road from me.
- How many coats of clear should I do?


It will be done with no tires on the rims.

 

[JSM]

Re: Painting rims

Jeremy had his painted base/clear as the center caps were plastic anyways and couldn't be powdercoated. They turned out good for his drag radial rims.

So far they are holding up well, but he doesn't run them except when he is planning to do some racing.

 

[SYO237]

Re: Painting rims

Yeah, that was the one issue is how long would paint really last. When my truck is actually drivable, the only time it really comes out is to go streetracing, to a local cruise, or one of the FAST meets.

Id love to get them powdercoated, but unless someone is gonna do it for stupid cheap or free, painted they go.

 

[sytyguy]

Re: Painting rims

I painted some Firebird wheels black over 5 years ago and ran them for over 10k miles. Half-assed prep job, cheap paint, and painted them in the yard with a gentle breeze. They still look good today. I'll do a better job on my next set, but I'm pretty shocked at how well those wheels held up. Considering I live on a dirt road and frequent subpar conditions with my truck.

Hood

 

[mattw]

Re: Painting rims

- What kind of prep work do I need to do? The rims are the standard silver, not chrome.

I'd start with wax and grease remover.. Then rough them up with 320 grit paper. Put down some self etching primer followed by 2-3 coats of base then top it with 2-3 coats of clear.

- Recommendations on paint type (clear included)? Ive got an automotive paint store down the road from me.

I'd go with a standard basecoat-clearcoat. I'm not sure that a really expensive nice flowing paint is necessary as its such a small area you are actually painting.


-Matt

 

[TYTILIDIE]

Re: Painting rims

Damn Im glad someone asked this question today, Ive been contemplating the exact same thing. I have my Z06 wheels that I was going to have powder coated black but there a lot of blems on them and it would cost me $600 to have the blems worked out and powdeer coated, I saw a set of black Z06's new on Ebay for like $700. Know what i mean? Im painting mine. FWIW, when I built my laptop stand I used this appliance paint and unlike regular spray paint, you can run your finger nail across it and it doesnot peel, something to think about, I may try this. Infact, I think I will. Want me to let you know how it goes or are you just going to go for it?