I really like the look of painted wheels better than my '04 polished thin spokes. I been considering aftermarket wheels, but I havent found any that I like that much better than the stock wheels to justify the price, so I've been thinking about just getting my wheels painted.

Assuming that the wheels are clear-coated, can they simply be painted over without stripping the clear coat? What about powder coating?

Also, I've seen guns and other metal objects with what looks to be a satin finish(but not brushed/machined) bare metal (as opposed to satin paint). I think this would look awesome. Does anyone know how such a finish is done?

Thanks

 

considering getting a set powdercoated...center caps are a concern since they are plastic

 

Good point.

 

My center caps have an aluminum cover over the plastic core. Looks like it could be removed from the plastic by prying up the small tabs on the metal cover.

 

been thinking about doing this also. dont want to spend the money for powder coat because eventually i will buy new wheels.

 

At a minimum I would think that you would need to scuff up the clear before trying to apply any paint. I'd probably go the powdercoating route - I think it would last longer.

 

Exactly.

Scuff up clear with a scotchbrite pad before spraying. That's exactly what we did to a set of ZR-1's for my buddy's 30th Anniversary Z28..

I believe we used red scotchbrite pads.. then primed, painted, and cleared. Came out great for the $30-40 we had invested in it.

Debating doing it to my wagon wheels to see if I'd like gunmetal or black better before I spend money on a set of nice aftermarket wheels in a color I don't like

Definitely not as strong as a powdercoating though... that'd be the best route. There's a guy around here that would do a whole set for ~$250.

 

IF you get them powdercoated, make sure they use the low temperature powder coating. A guy here had all the spokes breakout after powdercoating a set for track use. It does not take much temperature to anneal (soften) aluminum.

 

Here is a part of the GM TSB addressing refinishing of aluminum wheels.
Aluminum Wheel Refinishing Recommendations

• Chrome-plated aluminum wheels Re-plating these wheels is not recommended.
• Polished aluminum wheels These wheels have a polyester or acrylic clearcoat on them. If the clearcoat is damaged, refinishing is possible. However, the required refinishing process cannot be performed in the dealer environment. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility -- Outside Company later in this bulletin.
• Painted aluminum wheels These wheels are painted using a primer, color coat, and clearcoat procedure. If the paint is damaged, refinishing is possible. As with polished wheels, all original coatings must be removed first. Media blasting is recommended. Refer to GM Aluminum Refinishing Bulletin #53-17-03A for the re-painting of this type of wheel.
• Bright, machined aluminum wheels These wheels have a polyester or acrylic clearcoat on them. In some cases, the recessed "pocket" areas of the wheel may be painted. Surface refinishing is possible. The wheel must be totally stripped by media blasting or other suitable means. The wheel should be resurfaced by using a sanding process rather than a machining process. This allows the least amount of material to be removed.

Important: Do not use any re-machining process that removes aluminum. This could affect the dimensions and function of the wheel.

Painting is an option to re-clearcoating polished and bright machined aluminum wheels. Paint will better mask any surface imperfections and is somewhat more durable than clearcoat alone. GM recommends using Corsican SILVER WAEQ9283 for a fine "aluminum-like" look or Sparkle SILVER WA9967 for a very bright look. As an option, the body color may also be used. When using any of the painting options, it is recommended that all four wheels be refinished in order to maintain color uniformity. Refer to GM Aluminum Refinishing Bulletin #53-17-03A for specific procedures and product recommendations.

Bill

 

'IF you get them powdercoated, make sure they use the low temperature powder coating. A guy here had all the spokes breakout after powdercoating a set for track use. It does not take much temperature to anneal (soften) aluminum.'

Really surprised this could happen with forged wheels, but if I go that route, I'll be sure to ask!

I suppose I'll put an ad on Craigslist to see if anyone locally would just like to trade their painted wheels for my polished wheels. Otherwise, I'll probably go the paint route. I assume the stock paint is the "Corsican Silver" I'd like to go a little brighter, so I'll look into the "Sparkle Silver". Sounds like this would be like the silver Toyota uses on their wheels, which I like.

Thanks for the info all!