I want to paint my stock wheels, but I have a quick question. Am I able to paint them with the tires off, and get tires mounted after they get painted and not ruin the paint job? Anybody pull this off? The majority of painted wheel owners I have talked to painted them while the tires are still on there.

 

You can do it with the tires off, and it'll be quite a bit easier. I would go for it with them off, and then just touch them up when you get the tires mounted. It depends on how good the person is that mounts them. If they do a sloppy job, and dont care, they will scratch them to hell and back.

Just make sure to do good prep work. Sand them up real good, especially on the lips (it'll give the paint something to grab onto). I would use something like 800 grit or higher. Then just do a few light coats, and then the clear and allow it to dry for the recommended time (probably like 24 hours).

When they do nick up the rim (it should only be one spot or two, not the whole lip), just spray some of the paint onto a piece of cardboard so you have a little puddle of it, then apply it to the lip where it was scraped off.

 

i hope you're not talking about rattle can spray paint... coz those suck... big time... go with professionals to do it or if you wanna DIY use an HVLP spray gun and an air compressor.

 

Screw painting them. Spend the extra money and get them powdercoated.... It will last a lot longer and is more durable. Trust me you will be glad you did. I have my AP1 wheels powdercoated black and they look great.

POWDERCOAT= FTW

 

i'd have to agree with millertown15... you'd be better off having them powdercoated... i've heard very good things about it...

 

 

Yeah, powder coating will look a little better, and be a bit more durable, that doesnt mean that the good old rattle can is worthless. I have painted quite a few sets, and they all come out good.

Plus you save a bit of money.

 

Do you have any pictures from farther away? Those look good, just wanna see how they work with the car.

 

same here... its all about prep'ing... I did my wheels back on my 240sx with a gunmetal color and came out awesome. This is when I was like 16years 5 years ago that had no clue on doing stuff like this. If its not in your budget by doing powder coating and the down time, then go with a spray can...

 

Powder coat is the way to go. Paint will scratch way too easily. Heres mine. Costs anywhere from 40 to 80 per wheel depeding on who does it. Your tires will have to be removed, but its worth the trouble, imo.