Hi guys, I am rather inexperienced with painting anything and so I was just wondering what the recommended procedure is to get this little project done right. I'm wanting to paint them either matte or semi-gloss black. So what are the steps? Or is there a diy thread that anyone can point me to?

 

Could always Plasti-Dip em!

 

Okay here goes the newb question. What exactly is plasti-dip and can it be applied easier than sanding, priming, clear coating, and spray painting the wheel?

 

Plasti-Dip is essentially a spray on rubber coating in a can. All you have to do is remove the wheels from the car, clean them really well, mask off the rubber, spray 4-5 coats and enjoy. No sanding, no other prep involved. I have done my emblems and spark plug cover in matte black and they've come out great (have to see how it holds up to the heat on the cover). best part is if you don't like it, mess it up, or just want to change colors.... it peels off! It's rubber, so it doesn't chip either.

The colors are limited and I think you can only do a matte finish, but if you do a search a bunch of guys have used it with good results. I also believe some have used it as a primer and you can put a gloss coat of paint over it. Again, with Plasti as the undercoat it should peel right off. It's about $8-9 a can.

Good luck!

 

From an automotive painter to newbe...
1. Remove wheels from car.
2. Wash with soap n water, let dry. If u have an air compressor, blow dry.
3. Buy a container of wax n grease remover (liquid) and clean very well!! Tires n all!! It will make tape stick to tires ealier!
4. Mask off tires with tape and paper, duct tape and newspaper will work fine.
5. Buy some 600 and 800 grit sandpaper as well as grey/fine scuff pads. Start with the 600 grit paper and start sanding, then 800 grit, then scuff pad. You can sand it without water (dry).
6. Blow off dust and clean very well with the wax remover again.
7. Buy a tack cloth (any hardware store) and wipe all loose particles off.
8. Go to autozone of something and they have a flat black matte finish spray bombs.
9. You'll need to apply a couple of coats! Put the first 2 coats on dry n then start to build up your paint. The use of a heat gun or hair dryer will speed it up! Make sure not to spray to wet or it WILL run!! I would let dry for like 3hrs or so.
10. Untape and bolt on!!!
hope u make out alright!! But u should def sand n paint! I wouldn't just spray without sanding... You need the paint to bind into the scratch. Good luck!!

 

thank you!! You've helped me out a lot! So you wouldn't recommend just plasti-dip? And if I go with your method would I need any spray on primer?

 

Def don't use that stuff!!! And, no, there is no need to prime them... The paint from the factory wheels are a perfect base to work with! Just be careful not to sand through the paint on the wheels. (if you start to see a different color under the paint then STOP sanding.) glad to help a fellow s2k owner out! good luck you'll do fine!

 

Def don't use that stuff!!! And, no, there is no need to prime them... The paint from the factory wheels are a perfect base to work with! Just be careful not to sand through the paint on the wheels. (if you start to see a different color under the paint then STOP sanding.) glad to help a fellow s2k owner out! good luck you'll do fine! Just take your time. Don't rush it n you'll be happy with your end result.

 

plasti-dip from what i gather is ok if you want a temporary paint job as it will eventually look like ass.

the steps above should be pretty good.

im planning on painting my spare set too.

cept, i was planning on just using paint remover to get the clear coat off the wheels.
sand 400-800

primer, paint, clear,

wet sanding in between.

from the research ive done, that should be perfect.