Painting Rims

[sachmo12345]

i have a set of rims that have ugly gold on them any suggestions on ways to paint them cus i want to use them for my snow tires i was thinking painting them either black or gunmetal

[Grant@tirerack]

You would pretty much prep them just like you would for normal body work on a car. Sand them down to smooth out the surface as much as possible, prime, and paint. There are specific paints out there for use on wheels. The 'rattle can' variety can be found at most auto parts shops. Just follow the instructions. If you go that route, it helps to put the can in a pan of very warm water to warm it up a few minutes before spraying. It will give you a much smoother finish (a little trick I picked up working on models).

[Dano]

if u hvae access to a heat gun, back on each layer of paint/clear, itll make the paint a lot more resistant to chipping.

-Dan

[phenryiv1]

Strip the rims with aircraft stripper before you paint them. Make sure that the surface is free and clear of dirt before painting. Use several light coats, and clearcoat.

Also, if possible paint rims without tires.

If you have access to ao shop heater you can make an "oven" for them, or you can bake them one at a time in your household oven. Heat gun will work as well.

Take your time and they should remain chip-free.

[phenryiv1]

Write-Up I found on page 2 of http://maxima.cardomain.com/memberpage/148352/2

-Once the wheels are off the car you will need to wash and dry them thoroughly. -Next use Aircraft Stripper ($4 from AutoZone) and spray it on. Let it sit for 20-30 min till the clearcoat/paint is all wrinkled and soft. -Scrape, scrub, whatever method you choose to take get the original clearcoat off. Wash/dry wheels again and put another coat of the aircraft stripper on and again scrape off the remainding clearcoat (if you want to leave an unpainted lip/rim you will have to use a metal chisel or scraper to strip the paint off the area completely).-Wash/dry again-Sand using 400 grit sandpaper.-Wash/dry again-If you want to leave a lip mask off the area with masking tape. If not just place index cards in between the gap between the tire and rim to prevent paint from getting on the tire.-Spray on LIGHT coats of paint (Duplicolor wheel paint is good...don't forget clearcoat of the same name) and let it dry completely between coats.-I used 5 coats of paint and 3 coats of clearcoat. Others (honda-tech) have used 4 and 2 with no trouble. Choice is up to you.-Now gaze at your beautiful new looking wheels!

[silkk]

nice write up

[reccakun08]

good write up when i have time ill try the stock wheels