Wheel painting confusion

[albert88]

I have been reading wheel painting threads, forums, and web sites. I can't find the specific answer to my question:

I have stock alloy wheels on my 97 GST Spyder. I have washed them really well today, no dirt left on the places I plan to spray. Now...I don't have paint stripper. So I got a few Scotch Brite pads and some 320 and 600 grit sand paper. Will this work, or do I absolutely need to use paint stripper on the wheels?

 

[DSM4me44]

I don't know if it is recommended or not, but you know what strips paint really fast? Brake parts cleaner

I won't tell you how I know this.....

 

[DWR-DSM]

Do you really wanna keep the stock rims that bad. I just bought me some new rims and it is a big difference on my car. You can get some really good rims at Discount Tire, Custom Wheels, Truck & Car Rims | Discount Tire for a very good price.

 

[DSM_PWR]

Paint stripper isnt necessary, it just makes the job that much easier/faster

Just remember, when painting...

Its all in the prep work. the better prepped a surface is, the better it will show in the paint

 

[kahl23]

+1 on good prep. A few months ago I helped a buddy of mine paint his stock Evo IX wheels. We powerwashed them, scrubbed all the crap that was left off, then really sanded down the stock paint, applied a coat of primer, and then several coats of black. He was pressed for time so it wasn't as good as it could've been but it still turned out pretty good. The paint stayed on, no chipping, peeling, cracking, etc. A few suggestions, use paint designed for wheels, I believe Eastwood makes some. When using spray based paints, less is more. Lots of light coats will look much better than one or two heavy ones, and if you spray to close and too heavy you'll get drips and puddles. Good luck!

PS- Brakecleaner will take off paint like nobody's business, that's a good suggestion if you have the time. Just wear gloves and eye protection when you use it, that stuff hurts like hell when it gets in your eyes, trust me on that one.

 

[DSM_PWR]

Aircraft... thats going to be the best paint stripper out there

 

[albert88]

I have already sprayed brake cleaner on the wheels, but it didn't really take the coating off. These are stock wheels, never painted before. The color did get dull after spraying...I guess some more tomorrow? If some is left on, which I know there will be, will that be okay as long as I sand it down?

Also will the brake cleaner dull out the actual tires?

 

[fastasseclips95]

Just scuff the wheels with a scotch brite you just need to get the surface ready for the new paint to stick to it. You do not need to strip them to bare metal.

 

[albert88]

Okay I gave up after an hour and a half. Removing the old paint off the wheel is way too much work. I'm going to either attempt to redo this with a dremel tool or just shell out $200-300 to get them powder coated. I'd get new wheels but my tires are brand new right now.

 

[kahl23]

Again, you don't need to strip all the old paint off. Just sand it down do get a good surface for the new primer/paint to adhere to. Bare metal would be a better surface yes, but it isn't necessary.

 

[albert88]

Again, you don't need to strip all the old paint off. Just sand it down do get a good surface for the new primer/paint to adhere to. Bare metal would be a better surface yes, but it isn't necessary.

It's killing my fingers trying to get into the little crevices with the scotch brite. Maybe I'll attempt to do this again next weekend.

 

[jbark]

It's killing my fingers trying to get into the little crevices with the scotch brite. Maybe I'll attempt to do this again next weekend.

the more effort you put into it the better they will look. some times the work will take time and effort but it will look good and feel good in the end. thats the way of the dsm my son...


ps i plan to do the same to some 2000 gs wheels.

 

[Redfwdsm]

on my buddys mazda we just cleaned the rims and sprayed them with duplie color wheel paint

 

[banshee04]

Aircraft... thats going to be the best paint stripper out there

+1 on that. But be careful not to get it on you, cause i did and i had little spots all over me burning.

 

[nuclearr]

Edit: Sorry double post

 

[nuclearr]

If you go the route of striper you must remove the tires. It will eat them up!! I recomend powder coat will hold up longer and be more resitant to break fluid. I know shop where I am at that would do it for about $200 (dont quote me on that might have been a special price)

 

[vanilla gorilla]

Sand them with some 400 until they arent shiny anymore. Then clean them really well, and dry them. To avoid getting paint on the tires, I rub a generous amount of baby oil on the tires so the paint doesnt stick. But some people stick index cards around the edge of the wheels.

 

[albert88]

Its the small cervices that make it impossible. Well, almost impossible.

 

[chico904]

As stated, while no paint is optimal, if it is that hard, just scuff them up, and paint over them. Do you have any pics?