Painting Wheels?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 49
From: Franklin IN
Painting Wheels?
I have a set of wagon wheels I want to paint. There in for plastic media blasting. When I get them back I want to paint them. My questions are:
1) do I need to prime the wheel first?
2) if so what primer should I use?
3) what type of paint should I use? base-clear, ureathane, epoxy or something else?
If the centers were metal I would have it all powder coated. But the plastic centers won't handle the heat needed in powder coating.
My goals are to dress up the wagon wheels with a paint coating that will make them different than the factory paint but one that will be as durable as I can get.
1) do I need to prime the wheel first?
2) if so what primer should I use?
3) what type of paint should I use? base-clear, ureathane, epoxy or something else?
If the centers were metal I would have it all powder coated. But the plastic centers won't handle the heat needed in powder coating.
My goals are to dress up the wagon wheels with a paint coating that will make them different than the factory paint but one that will be as durable as I can get.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 58,551
Likes: 95
From: The warm part of Anger Island
St. Jude Donor '09
My little brother did this with his Saturn Ion and I have plans in two weeks to do this to my vette when I get back down to FL.
He used factory paint on his wheels (which were originally painted, also) that was a base/clear mix. He said that he did go heavy on the hardener though. It's been two months and the little ricer still doesn't have any scratches or blemishes on his wheels other than the places where he did a rush job with the masking tape.
I will be sanding my rims down enough to take paint (two tone) without primer and then covering with a healthy portion of clear. Not sure how it will work out but if you PM me your email addy, I will let you know how it turns out.
He used factory paint on his wheels (which were originally painted, also) that was a base/clear mix. He said that he did go heavy on the hardener though. It's been two months and the little ricer still doesn't have any scratches or blemishes on his wheels other than the places where he did a rush job with the masking tape.
I will be sanding my rims down enough to take paint (two tone) without primer and then covering with a healthy portion of clear. Not sure how it will work out but if you PM me your email addy, I will let you know how it turns out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 775
Likes: 1
From: Oviedo FL
I'm don't know your budget but powdercoating is much more durable than painting. Mine are still flawless after more than 3 years. For the centercaps just get some good spray paint that matches the powdercoat color. Don't forget a couple of coats of primer first.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 49
From: Franklin IN
I agree but........
Originally Posted by jrose7004
I think powdercoating would be the way to go.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Atascadero California
Originally Posted by 87bob
The problem in powder coating is trying to get a paint color to match. It would be great if a paint company made both powder and paint in the same color.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 49
From: Franklin IN
This is what I've done
Originally Posted by Atascadero_Kid
Thats what the paint matching service at most auto body paint stores is for. Send a piece of scrap metal along with your wheels and have it coated. Then take it to your body shop supply house and have them color match it. Many shops can also put the paint up in spray cans for you too.
Thanks all for your input!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 2
From: Peoples Republik of Kalifornia Ka
Originally Posted by c54dan
I'm don't know your budget but powdercoating is much more durable than painting. Mine are still flawless after more than 3 years. For the centercaps just get some good spray paint that matches the powdercoat color. Don't forget a couple of coats of primer first.
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