I was thinking of painting some steel wheels flat black on my new truck. I was wondering what preperation steps I would need to take or is this not a good idea?

I considered taping the inside of the wheels to keep paint off the discs and I could paint them still on the truck. I would tape off the tire too.

Will the paint stick? Should I use a high temp? What about maintanence?

 

i have the same ? but i wanna paint some aluminum rims black

 

It should be pretty easy. First, take them off the truck, it will make everything easier. Just mask off your tire, then sand the original paint to rough up the surface for better adhesion. Then just spray away with your best rattle-can technique.

 

There are adhesion issues with painting bare aluminum. I would recommend using a 'self-etching' primer on your rims. Your local body shop supply house should stock some self-etching primer in rattle can form.

 

should i sandblast them too give the paint something to adhere too

 

How coarse or fine of a sand paper should I use? Will this paint have to be reapplied? Will it look ok?

 

This is not necessary, however I would 'scuff' them up with either some Scotchbrite (3M product available at body shop supply houses) or steel wool prior to the application of the self-etching primer.


You may go as coarse as you want for paint removal, prep work, etc. You must finish-off however with no coarser than 400 grit sandpaper prior to your last coat of primer, or sand scratches will show-through to the topcoat. Loaded question.....This depends on the quality of your work and the products that you use, not to mention the environment you drive in.
Loaded question again....it's totally up to you. If you do it right, follow directions, and use top quality products...yes.

 

rocket from what you know does it apply to aluminum rims i've been told i have to buy paint thats only for alluminum

 

do i need to strip the argent paint or sand it down, then primer, then paint?

 

Actually, to get the best job would be to remove the tires and valve stems and have the wheels sand blasted. Then use a good quality primer and then top coat with the color of your choice.

 

Whoever told you this has been sniffing too many paint fumes.

Any decent paint will work. My suggestion would be to use an automotive line of paint, such as a catalyzed acrylic enamel. It's fairly easy to apply, it's durable and resistant to chemicals.


If the argent paint appears 'sound' (not peeling, etc.) it is not necessary to strip IMO. After thoroughly 'scuffing' and cleaning the old paint however, I would recommend the use of an Adhesion Promoter (a type of primer, again found at auto body supply houses) as your first step in this process. Adhesion promoters 'tie' new coatings to old, then you can prep, primer, and paint.