Evening. Alright, recently I clipped a parking a pole, and tore up one of my wheel covers. Rather than replace them. I've decided to take on painting the factory wheels. I need some help though. I dove into it the other day, and discovered that the wheels are powder coated. Does anyone have any experience painting over powder coated wheels?

I'm not trying to do anything fancy. I just want em' black. Any tips would be appreaciated. Thanks.

 

Wet-sand with 220. Mask & apply primer sealer, then apply at least three medium wet coats about 15 minutes apart. Let dry thoroughly.

Instead of black, which is what every other Tom and Dick uses, consider using Rustoleum Graphite Hammerite paint. It's a dark charcoal grey.

 

If the tires are off the wheels I'd use aircraft stripper which can be obtained at some parts stores. Keep in mind that paint isn't going to be anywhere near as durable as powder coating them which is what I'd do, and you can use any color imaginable with powder these days.

 

The aircraft stripper will work but really messy. I know some guys had success painting over the powdercoat.

 

I used SEM brand paint on some old factory wheels I have. I washed them really well twice, then scuffed them up with a coarse scotch brite pad. You have to scuff every, I mean EVERY, bit of surface. The paint has held on fine for over 5 years and I touched up a scratch easily.

Home | SEM Products

 

I just did 5 factory wagon wheels. Used angle grinder with a wire brush. Took all of them down to bare metal. About 90 of grinder/wire whee time per wheel. Proper safety gear - breather, eyes, gloves and ears.



Rustoleum Self-Etching Primer and some version of dark silver for the very good reason above - to be different.

Chased the threads for the centers with 1/4-20 tap.

Good to go. Tires need a scrubbing - but that will wait until it warms up.

 

They came out real nice, I like that color choice and I've had good luck with that self-etching primer. Just dress up the tires and it will all look like new.

 

black is easy....clean and prep...then paint with them being hit by direct sunlight.

other colors...heat gun, small blast heater fan, or other method to cure the paint.

with out the curing for a few hours, paint will just chip off and you will be doing it again.

 

I heard the baking process affects the final outcome of powder coated wheels. A friend of mine who had his wheels painted said the shops needed to bake it somewhere between 400 to 420 degrees, otherwise it won't look good or might easily weather.

 

Now that is really nice. It's great to get the advice but to see the finished product is even better. Very, very nice.

 

Thanks Tommy! I hope the rattle can paint will hold up long enough for me to get through other phases of my project.

 

The wheels I painted with the rattle cans from SEM still look fine. They're aluminum wheels so there isn't any rusting going on. The paint hasn't faded or flaked off in about 5 years. I could put up a pic of them week if anybody wants to see them.

 

These are the wheels on my 49. They were on it when I bought it, I can't take any credit for the build. The wheels are "93", I believe, F150 wagon wheels. The PO painted them body color and added the trim rings with pin striping. I think they look fine and I know it was done at least 8 years ago.

 

Just wanted you guys to see the tires cleaned up and the wheel color looks pretty good in the sun. (IMHO)

 

I had the same idea. Cleaned and a better photo