Prepping Wheels for paint...

[peng155]

Ok... I was talking to a couple of friends and we all decided the gold centers of the car wheels look really dated.... And than we all decided that the wheels would look better painted black...

Hence the question... what's the best way to prep the gold center portion for paint??? Clean and degrease with Simply Green?? or ???

Also should I powder coat them, or will spry painting them be good enough??

Thanks for the opinions, and advice....

[LanceM]

I would strip the whole wheel, the clear that is on it is probably not in too good of shape anyway. Powder coat would be best for toughness but paint would work. I would strip them, polish all of the shiny stuff, paint the black then clear coat them.

[Arne]

Those Enkeis would not have had a clear coat on the lip, the lip is anodized. If the finish on the lip is still good, avoid using any harsh acid or alkali cleaners on them.

If you want to keep that anodized finish on the lips (and you should if it's still good, it's very durable), you will have to paint, not powdercoat.

[beandip]

I agree with Arne. I would use grease and wax remover instead of simple green. The part to be painted should be wiped down with the remover then gone over with wet/dry 400 , then wipe them down again with the wax/grease remover then paint. If you don't degrease before sanding you may grind in the grease into the paint . Then it is much harder to clean . Grease and wax remover is available at the automotive paint store.

[peng155]

Cool... Thanks for the advice guy's

[=Enigma=]

What are some product names for wax and grease remover? I have asked at local HW stores and they look at me like they have never seen a dumb human before.

[LanceM]

What are some product names for wax and grease remover? I have asked at local HW stores and they look at me like they have never seen a dumb human before.

Get it at like NAPA or other store that sells automotive paint, it is used when preping a car before painting.

[ncz]

I'm at the same place with almost the same wheel, what if the lip is not looking so good. I've played with some metal polish and it seems to make it look better. I guess that means they are polished? Can't really tell. Anyone know of rim resto guys(preferably SE region)?

[beandip]

What are some product names for wax and grease remover? I have asked at local HW stores and they look at me like they have never seen a dumb human before.

the brand I have is 5 STAR . Look at a parts store or where they sell automotive paint supplies.

[a7dz]

I am using PPG Acryli-clean DX330 Wax and grease remover. Picked it up at the local Automotive paint store.

[peng155]

Hey Arne...

The lips on the wheels are in real good shape... no curb rash... And if I am not mistaken I think they are polished, and not anodized..

If that is the case would the lips still have a clear coat on them?? And this is really gonna sound like a stupid question... BUT if I just use the wax, and oil remover on them would I still need to remove the clear coat off the gold center portions, or can I just paint them black, and then clear coat them??

Thanks

[Arne]

If they are Enkei 92's (which is what they appear to be), and if the finish is still original, the outer rim would have been rolled, then polished, and then clear anodized. There should not have been any clear coat on them at all. The lips should have a moderately polished finish, but not quite as shiny as a normal polished aluminum rim.

If you de-wax the centers, you should be able to paint right over the gold finish. I'd probably scuff it with a scotchbright pad first, but that's all.