How to paint stock wheels. For the Newbiez.

[boondoc]

I know that it is simple but some ppl may need an explanation how to do this. So here is a detailed write up with pics. This is for the ones who may not want or do not have the money for aftermarket wheels or have $400 to fork over on powder coat and jus want a quick fix to hold them over until wheels can be afforded.

Things you will need:

1. Gloves
2. Mask
3. Newspaper/old magazines.
4. Tape or index cards
5. 400 MAX!!! (i used 320) wet/dry sandpaper
6. Primer, paint and clear coat. (2 cans per product, maybe 3 paint if you're doing four coats)
7. 12 hrs of spare time. (6 hrs per pair of wheels), I did two one day and the other two a few weeks after.

Procedure:

***I would highly recommend using jack stands. Do not use the factory jack to hold the car because your car will be suspended for a quite some time.***

First you want to make sure u have everything you need then prep your work area






Jack up your car and remove the wheels, then clean each wheel thoroughly with soapy water. No need to clean the inside of the wheel u jus want the outer surface. Sand the wheel lightly, just enough to take the factory shine off and give the primer something to adhere to. Wash the wheel again and make sure it is dry before you start. If you are doin the rear wheels this will be a perfect time to debadge your trunk while your cars ass is in the air. Or maybe brakes and suspension upgrade/maintenance. If your doin the front wheels maybe its time for an oil change while the wheels are drying and again brakes and suspension. You can paint your calipers as well.

Use tape to protect the tire from over spray or you can be like me and use index cards . And don't forget to mask the valve stem with tape.



Apply 2 light coats of primer, make sure u get in between each spoke, the 1 final medium coat. Allowing about 10 -15 mins of dry time between coats. Should look like so




Once primer is dry then do the same for the paint but you may use 4 coats instead of 3, spray well, my first wheel came out bad but fixable with extremely light sanding and an extra coat of paint. Again make sure you get in between the spokes this is very important and easy to overlook.

The clear coat is pretty much like applying the primer, 2 light coats and 1 medium. The clear coat looks like someone poured milk on your wheels at first but once it dries it will look like this




After the wheel is completely dry mount it back onto your car and get started on the next until the job is done. If the wheel isn't 100% dry it is possible to wrinkle the paint and also leave imprints so becareful, i never learned and all my wheels have little imperfections but only if u get up really close. I hope this is helpful to the ones who are interested in doing this. I know my car is dirty, i usually wash it every Friday morning when i get off work but i was way too tired and yes i needs to be dropped ASAP. Once the charger for my DSLR come in and my car is washed and i install my lights i will take better pics and post in the Show & Shine. Without further adieu (?) Here is the finish product:

[travail]

looks nice and clean

[boondoc]

^Thanx

[brads09lancerGT]

Originally Posted by boondoc

No need to clean the inside of the wheel u jus want the outer surface.

Nice write up Quick question, did u only paint the outside of the wheel and leave the inside of the wheel? If so how does it look, cause I finished painting mine gunmetal yesterday and did both inside and outside cause I was worried it would look off.

[boondoc]

Originally Posted by brads09lancerGT

Nice write up Quick question, did u only paint the outside of the wheel and leave the inside of the wheel? If so how does it look, cause I finished painting mine gunmetal yesterday and did both inside and outside cause I was worried it would look off.

Thanx.

Yes i only painted the outside. I originally was gonna do the inside too but the overspray gets to it and also the inside usually collect the most dirt and brake dust which covers whatever paint is there so personally i didn't feel it was necessary, its jus going to turn brown/black anyway.

[20si06]

nice write up, wheel color looks good with the black.

[RA173]

Nice job! whenever you are ready for round two you can paint my wheels

[boondoc]

Originally Posted by 20si06

nice write up, wheel color looks good with the black.

Thank you. Its alot better than the stock silver.

Originally Posted by RA173

Nice job! whenever you are ready for round two you can paint my wheels

It will cost u.

[RA173]

$??^^^

[boondoc]

I'll have to think about it man. It does take up the whole day.

[Ice[DDZ]]

I've got a local company here near Watkins Glen, NY that is offering to do powder coating in gun metal for $25 a wheel. Does this sound like they will do a shaddy job? I called them and they also stated they would need the vehicle for 3 WHOLE days!!!... I can understand one whole day, but crap... Any input would be great!

[boondoc]

Originally Posted by Ice[DDZ]

I've got a local company here near Watkins Glen, NY that is offering to do powder coating in gun metal for $25 a wheel. Does this sound like they will do a shaddy job? I called them and they also stated they would need the vehicle for 3 WHOLE days!!!... I can understand one whole day, but crap... Any input would be great!

Hmmm.....thats pretty cheap. Good cheap or bad cheap, i dunno it depends on the shops reputation. My advice to you is search around for other shops for quotes. Also search on here for ppl who powder coated their wheels, Lancers, Evo's, wateva jus to get an idea of a good price. I did hear that powder coating takes a while so they might just be right. I will call a local shop that i know here about more info and get back to u.