Powder coating wheels
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: Dawsonville Georgia
I powder coated OEM C5Z Speedlines and love them!
I think you technically could powder coat over the chrome, as long as there are no defects in the finish. You would still need to media blast them or scuff the surface to give the powder coat something to bite on to. The question then is how long will they last? It's best practice to strip any finish right down to the metal.
I think you technically could powder coat over the chrome, as long as there are no defects in the finish. You would still need to media blast them or scuff the surface to give the powder coat something to bite on to. The question then is how long will they last? It's best practice to strip any finish right down to the metal.
In this case chrome is metal and therefore no need to remove it. The issue that some have with powder coating chrome is that it is so smooth they fear the powder will not adhere to it. But let's talk numbers. I really you want a proper 3mil texture to the surface , so lets call this 100%. It the chrome is frosted it may bring it up 80% and untouched chrome to 75%. Now what is actually need to hold the powder on the part.? It may only be a 60% texture. So while blasted is ideal, a lesser finish is "less" durable, but could still be more durable than what is needed. You need to consider the environment the part will be utilized. On a wheel I would want more durability due to the nature of being slung rocks and what have you at them while driving. lots of variables on how long each individuals finish would last. In my experience in over 9 years doing powder coating. I have never had a single part returned to me due to the powder not adhering to the wheel or any other part. More is usually better , but less does not make it bad.
And whomever said blasting chrome emits dangerous gasses I think is BS and an excuse the coater used to get out of taking the job.
Last edited by Powdergod; Nov 17, 2017 at 03:26 PM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: Dawsonville Georgia
Racer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 353
Likes: 40
From: Owasso Oklahoma
For about $20 and a couple hours of work you can test the look of black wheels out before you make the plunge.
Buy a couple cans of black dip-it. Remove your wheels and clean them thoroughly. Take off the tire so only the wheel is exposed. Follow the directions on the can. I'd suggest using multiple coats to achieve a very heavy coat, about 3/4 of a can. This stuff will peel right off, and if you make an ultra-thick coat it is easier to pull off. You can do all 4 wheels with 3 cans of Dip It, you might buy a 4th just to be sure. It is not gloss black, but you can add a 'Glossifier' coat to the top of the Dip-It. You cannot use a normal clear coat though, or you will not be able to pull the black coating off. The gloss coat by Dip It can be found on Amazon, but honestly, the matte black finish of the Dip It by itself is nice. Every 3-4 months I have to touch up some spots, but you can do this with it on the car if you tape off the calipers, tires and drape the fender with a tarp.
Buy a couple cans of black dip-it. Remove your wheels and clean them thoroughly. Take off the tire so only the wheel is exposed. Follow the directions on the can. I'd suggest using multiple coats to achieve a very heavy coat, about 3/4 of a can. This stuff will peel right off, and if you make an ultra-thick coat it is easier to pull off. You can do all 4 wheels with 3 cans of Dip It, you might buy a 4th just to be sure. It is not gloss black, but you can add a 'Glossifier' coat to the top of the Dip-It. You cannot use a normal clear coat though, or you will not be able to pull the black coating off. The gloss coat by Dip It can be found on Amazon, but honestly, the matte black finish of the Dip It by itself is nice. Every 3-4 months I have to touch up some spots, but you can do this with it on the car if you tape off the calipers, tires and drape the fender with a tarp.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: Dawsonville Georgia
I wouldn't get anywhere near a car like a Corvette with PlastDip anymore than I would buy performance parts for it from J.C. Whitney. PlastiDip is good for what you recommend, a test before you make the plunge. Once you decide you like the look, remove it and have them powder coated.
