Wheel paint

[JohnR2]

I'm trying to decide whether to have my wheels blasted and powder coated or blasted and paint. What is the recommendation for a tough paint and how much would I need for four wheels?

[simon1959]

I did my five wheels some time back. I used Paragon zinc phosphate grey primer (0.5L) and paragon enamel top coat (1.0L) which was enough for the job with plenty of top coat left over. I think I got them from the paintman.

Am I recommending it? enamel seems to be prone to chipping. It has broken up to the primer around the wheel nuts and where the weights go on the rim. Is there anything that would avoid this? I have touched up and its fine in light use.

I personally wouldn't go with powder coat on wheels - Once compromised, is rusts from behind and flakes off.

[Wittsend]

Get them blasted by all means. Then get some etch primer on as soon as you get home - from a rattle can.
One can should do all five wheels.



I wouldn't bother with powder coating, save your money for another day!

I use the playing card trick to mask up the tyres, if you're doing it with the tyres on!

Then a rattle can for the top coats. Lots of thin coats are better than trying to cover it on one go.

[diffwhine]

I'm doing a set at the moment. Rattle can paint from Paragon paints (enamel) and a decent etch prime to key into the e-coat primer already there (new wheels).

Going well so far, provided I don't rush it and get a nice run like I've got on the first rim... 

[Adam1958]

Powder coat is much like paint, in that there are good and less good methods/prep people etc. I had mine powder coated by a mate who spent ages blasting every nook and cranny, then did 3 layers of powder. They are really good. But... I only parted with a few pints of beer, so it's no biggy. I'd imagine you could spend a lot very quickly. 

[andyjb]

I used a wire brush attachment to a drill. Then primer and then brush painted them. Still look ok three years on.