I have a set of Desmond wheels that are currently off the car and could do with a refurbish whilst it's winter etc. A few of the rims have some slight curbing and paint peeling. I'd really like to tackle this myself, so seeing if anyone has any suggestions on how to fix the curb rash? As far as the paint aspect, I am planning on stripping the wheels down to the bare aluminium, then repairing the curb marks, then primer and paint. Was going to powder coat but after reading some information regarding high heat and cracks, I am going to pass.

Any comments and suggestions are much appreciated, even color choice for a Silverstone AP1

 

Not really sure on the curb rash. I think wheel repair shops can fix that very fast and pretty cheaply so I would look for a local shop that can knock that out for you.

As for paint I painted my wheels and they have held up very well. Here is my process

Clean wheel thoroughly. I used SOS pads and dish soap and went over them a few times. Before appling anything I used plain Windex to get any last bits of dirt.

Next is coats of rustoleum etching primer. I would do a few coats to get complete coverage of the wheel surface. Then wet sand and maybe another coat to cover any areas the sanding went through. Allow the suggest time to dry that the can says.

Next it is time for color. I used VHT high heat spray paint. It comes in a ton of colors and is very durable. Start with light coats and get progressively heavier. Allow about 5-10 minutes between coats. Allow to dry and then wet sand again as it will likely have rough spots. Paint again to cover area you sanded through. Then let them sit for something like a week. This paint needs to cure some so it is best to just leave it alone.

Finally I did a satin clear on mine so they weren't super shiny. There are lots of different clear or finishing coats so pick whatever you like. Again allow them time to dry but these usually only need a few days.

That's it. Take your time and it will come out looking nice and it will hold up well.

 

That's the trouble. The two shops close to me with a good reputation are bloody expensive, $175 per wheel. Saw a couple DIY's, one with grinding and one with bondo...

As far as painting, I need to strip first as there are certain areas where the paint has bubbled and peeled

 

Stripping is easy. The aerospace stripper they sell at checker should take that right off. Spray on and wash off. I used it on a valve cover. Then the same process.

 

Yep burned my hand many a time!

 

Lol yikes.

 

I've repaired curb rash with a dremmel tool and metal grinding bits, grind the area down smooth and blend it in over wide sections so it looks continuous even though you've removed material. It works pretty good and not noticeable after you get some paint on the rims.

 

Thanks! I ground down the raised edges yesterday so that part is taking care of. But instead of smoothing it out, I am applying a thin layer of bondo over the deep gashes then sanding down this way the lip is the same height and depth all the way around.

Side note, the gel aircraft stripper has some pretty potent fumes!

 

I powder coated my evos never had a problem he baked it @ 350 degrees for 30 min cover up some nics too just gotta watch out for the engravements because you can fill them and it is much more durable

 

The more time I am spending on these the more I am inclined to have the powder coated for a consistent finish.

I am not sure what Desmond uses for paint but it seems the most resistant stuff ever. Went through a can of the gel and spray can and only just done.