Anodizing wheels
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
Anodizing wheels
I have current bronze wheels that were painted black by the previous owner and I have been contemplating powdercoating my wheels for a long time, however my friend gave me an idea. Is it possible to anodize aluminum wheels and would it at all compromise the integrity of the wheels? Also, if/when I decide to powdercoat or anodize(if possible) would it be possible to get my bronze wheels a glossy black using this technique? I know with a powdercoat it is fairly easy to get a glossy black, but what about anodizing? Also, what is the longevity of the applied color on these wheels? Also, if it is possible, who San Diego can anodize wheels and for how much? Thanks for your advice and guidance guys.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
Anodizing is far less damaging to the structural integrity of wheels than powdercoating (which effectively undoes the heat-treatment of the alloy). It does chemically compromise the metal to a certain depth, which varies based on the thickness of the anodic film.
While an anodized layer is harder and more corrosion resistant than bare aluminum, it's generally recommended that the surface then be sealed, usually with teflon, or an acetate or dichromate compound. The reduced friction of the coated surface may negatively impact tire mounting. The anodizing must also be redone every two years.
Your best option is probably to have the wheels stripped and repainted with a high-quality automotive paint.
While an anodized layer is harder and more corrosion resistant than bare aluminum, it's generally recommended that the surface then be sealed, usually with teflon, or an acetate or dichromate compound. The reduced friction of the coated surface may negatively impact tire mounting. The anodizing must also be redone every two years.
Your best option is probably to have the wheels stripped and repainted with a high-quality automotive paint.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
Anodizing is far less damaging to the structural integrity of wheels than powdercoating (which effectively undoes the heat-treatment of the alloy). It does chemically compromise the metal to a certain depth, which varies based on the thickness of the anodic film.
While an anodized layer is harder and more corrosion resistant than bare aluminum, it's generally recommended that the surface then be sealed, usually with teflon, or an acetate or dichromate compound. The reduced friction of the coated surface may negatively impact tire mounting. The anodizing must also be redone every two years.
Your best option is probably to have the wheels stripped and repainted with a high-quality automotive paint.
While an anodized layer is harder and more corrosion resistant than bare aluminum, it's generally recommended that the surface then be sealed, usually with teflon, or an acetate or dichromate compound. The reduced friction of the coated surface may negatively impact tire mounting. The anodizing must also be redone every two years.
Your best option is probably to have the wheels stripped and repainted with a high-quality automotive paint.
Registered User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 0
From: Santee, CA
if you get them powdercoated.. make sure that you use a company that does a slow cook on the wheels to cure the powder. It should take about a week turn around otherwise you could get cracks in the wheels... if you slow bake the wheels you will be ok... most colored wheels are already powdercoated !!
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
if you get them powdercoated.. make sure that you use a company that does a slow cook on the wheels to cure the powder. It should take about a week turn around otherwise you could get cracks in the wheels... if you slow bake the wheels you will be ok... most colored wheels are already powdercoated !!
Trending Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post