Powder Coating wheels aftermarket wheels: safe or not??

[Ohio_S13]

I have read some posts and see that some think powder coating can isn't safe for wheels others think it is ok.

I was thinking of getting a set of 17x9 5Zigen FNs for my S13 but I wanted to powder coat them to a custom color (don't know yet).

Is powder coating aftermarket wheels like 5Zigens safe or not?Can anyone provide real evidence for or against?

Does anyone have powder coated aftermarket wheels and how are they performing/holding up?

[dickie]

i have never ever heard of it being "unsafe" to powdercoat wheels. what would happen that you're worried about?

[whiterps13]

Do you think that its going to structurally affect the wheels or what? Ive never heard of any problems resulting from powder coating.

[digzsublime]

If you take it to a reputable shop, there should be no issues. I've have 2 sets of wheels powder coated and will do another set soon. I have had no issues

[Ohio_S13]

I have done a few searches and found that there are some people who think that adding more heat to the wheel during the baking part of powder coating can weaken the structural integrity of the wheel.

I don't want to risk damaging my wheels and having them possibly fail.If I go ahead with it I was going to take them to this shop http://www.semperquality.com/main.html

They do industrial parts also and are ISO-Q9001-2000 Certified.

[SOHCSE]

Have you tried the Wheel and Tire forum, there may be someone there that can give you a definate.

[Ohio_S13]

Thats a good idea I will try it out. My thinking was just post to general so my question would be more visible.

[nismofly]

regular powdercoating is bad for parts like wheels and calipers, but ive heard you can get a special process that uses a low temp baking for the powder, and that thats cool enough that its safe for parts where structural integrity is needed

regular powedcoating is for stuff like valve covers

[LayNLow240]

i dont see powder coating affecting the wheel in any way. im not sure how much heat there is in the process, but look at this. there is heat everywhere around your rims/tires. the tires are always in contact with the asphalt. asphalt is black, and absorbs heat like no other. then youve got your brakes. another HUGE source of big heat, since they are what stops a 2600# car from 40-80+ mph.if your THAT worried about it, get some super high temperature quality paint and paint them the color of your choosing.

[Ohio_S13]

Hey digzsublime when you got your wheels powder coated did you also get a clear coat on top? Is it necessary do you recommend it?

[xyoufailmex]

If I were you, and wanted a REALLY professional finish, I would just get them painted professionally and cleared over to protect the finish. Thats all most wheels are that have 'gunmetal' finishes.

[BadMojo]

i dont see powder coating affecting the wheel in any way. im not sure how much heat there is in the process,

Close to 400ºF, which coincidentally is the temperature that Aluminum can start to become brittle. There are powders that cure at lower temps, so I'm sure any reputable powder coating place can tell you what to do for your application and still keep the wheels sound.

Then again, it does seem like having them professionally painted would be a lot cheaper and easier.