[Z06] removing powder coat?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
From: CT
removing powder coat?
Hey guys, i purchased a set of awesome wheels from a member here some months ago, they are matte black centers with gloss black dish/lips. The issue is the powder coating on the dish/lip is starting to chip a little and i was wondering if it is possible to have it sanded down and buffed back out to polish which was the original finish? Anyone know how expensive it is to have this done? also can it be done with the wheels tires on the car or just the wheels/tires off the car. I was hoping i could do it/ find someone to do it without having to take the wheels off the car let alone the tires off the wheels.
Input is greatly appreciated thanks
Input is greatly appreciated thanks
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Talk to powder coating shops in your area. I know brake fluid will degrade it. But, it's tough. I suspect that either a very caustic chemical paint remover or bead blasting will be required to remove it. If your tires are in good shape, I'd think that removal of the tires would be required at the minimum and no way would I leave the tires/wheels on the car to do it. It's your car...
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro NC
I have used aircraft paint remover before but not on powder coating. I would think that stuff may have a chance removing it. It is thick and clings to one spot, even on vertical surfaces. I used it to take off clear coat on my old wheels to get them to the aluminum and it worked perfectly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,981
Likes: 37
From: Piedmont, SC Currently Own: 99 Nassau blue FRC. Previously Owned: 84,95,98 Indy Pace,01 Z06
Probably will require sandblasting to remove baked on powdercoating. I have heard gasket remover works, but cannot attest to that.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
From: CT
I will probably have to de-mount the tires from the rims as well to be safe. I do have my stockers in the garage with tires ready to be swapped. I will have to talk to some body shops in the area that may be able to help perform the job.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,197
Likes: 190
From: ALL governments are legalized mobsters, so doesn't matter where I live :(
Sandblasting is pretty much the only way to do it properly...tires will have to come off the car and wheel.
You can attempt to try it with a grinder and flexible sanding wheel, but expect long, long hours, and you will most likely shave some of the metal off as well. Depending on your rim, you may not get all of the coating off where the spokes meet the lip...trust me, its not worth it. If you want an alternative, go see a power coating specialist and he can show you some powder coating color options for the lip. They do have a finish that looks like polished metal...check it out.
You can attempt to try it with a grinder and flexible sanding wheel, but expect long, long hours, and you will most likely shave some of the metal off as well. Depending on your rim, you may not get all of the coating off where the spokes meet the lip...trust me, its not worth it. If you want an alternative, go see a power coating specialist and he can show you some powder coating color options for the lip. They do have a finish that looks like polished metal...check it out.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 539
Likes: 415
From: RS KY
They must be sandblasted with the tires off. Careful with the blasting media, for it could possibly pit or texture the surface if too abrasive. Polishing them could possi ly be a huge ordeal. You may want to have them powdered a different color, or have a competent painter do the job (laying the paint on THIN.)
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,197
Likes: 190
From: ALL governments are legalized mobsters, so doesn't matter where I live :(
In that case, use aviation grade stripper...nothing less. Be careful though! Make sure your in a ventilated area and wear goggles, and perhaps one of those cheap fiber mask wouldn't hurt. Also make sure to cover areas of the rim you don't want paint to be removed.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
From: CT
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
From: CT
what happens to the tires if they are hit with the stuff? Is it possible for me to take extra care to tape off and bag my tires so that i do not get the stuff on them while the tires are on the wheels?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
It would depend on the chemical makeup of the particular paint stripper you're using. Read the labels carefully. Follow the safety precautions. Contact the manufacturer if you have any questions.
Automotive paint stripping products are extremely caustic, and from what I've read the aircraft stripping products are more so. I would imagine the chemicals could possibly degrade/soften the rubber tires or valve stems. Covering them may be sufficient, but I wouldn't risk $1,000 or more of new tires to find out.
But they're your tires...
Automotive paint stripping products are extremely caustic, and from what I've read the aircraft stripping products are more so. I would imagine the chemicals could possibly degrade/soften the rubber tires or valve stems. Covering them may be sufficient, but I wouldn't risk $1,000 or more of new tires to find out.
But they're your tires...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
From: CT
It would depend on the chemical makeup of the particular paint stripper you're using. Read the labels carefully. Follow the safety precautions. Contact the manufacturer if you have any questions.
Automotive paint stripping products are extremely caustic, and from what I've read the aircraft stripping products are more so. I would imagine the chemicals could possibly degrade/soften the rubber tires or valve stems. Covering them may be sufficient, but I wouldn't risk $1,000 or more of new tires to find out.
But they're your tires...
Automotive paint stripping products are extremely caustic, and from what I've read the aircraft stripping products are more so. I would imagine the chemicals could possibly degrade/soften the rubber tires or valve stems. Covering them may be sufficient, but I wouldn't risk $1,000 or more of new tires to find out.
But they're your tires...
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 525
Likes: 21
I have used aircraft paint remover before but not on powder coating. I would think that stuff may have a chance removing it. It is thick and clings to one spot, even on vertical surfaces. I used it to take off clear coat on my old wheels to get them to the aluminum and it worked perfectly.
