Questions on refinishing

[EvoStevo]

So I got these wheels from a junkyard. They're all pretty straight, but they have a lot of curbage and the paint is fading pretty bad on two of the wheels. I plan to take them to a professional to take care of the lips, but I'd like to paint them myself. I've never painted wheels before, so I'm not really sure where to start. I've read that aircraft stripper or gasket remover can do a pretty good job of taking off the old paint, but would it be alright to just scuff up the surface, primer and respray? Any input is greatly appreciated.





Oh, and these are for my Volvo.

[Jbpka06]

I would say if the original paint is in ok condition then to just scuff it up and prime and paint over it. Aircraft stripper will be a pain on the weave pattern.

[hugh jass]

you might want to consider spending the money and having the centers powdercoated. its really hard to get paint to lay down evenly in all those small spaces. powdercoating will come out much more evenly.

[EvoStevo]

you might want to consider spending the money and having the centers powdercoated. its really hard to get paint to lay down evenly in all those small spaces. powdercoating will come out much more evenly.

I was considering powdercoating, but don't know how much it would cost. I've seen some DIY powdercoat jobs that came out looking really nice. It would require me to strip the paint off though, right?

[dannyg]

Bead blast and powder coat, any other way you do it won't come out perfect.

[EvoStevo]

Bead blast and powder coat, any other way you do it won't come out perfect.

Bead blasting doesn't sound very DIY-friendly. I'm looking to do this on the cheap. I only paid $140 for the wheels and they're going on the D/D, so as long as they look so-so up close and great from far away I'll be happy. I'd like for it to last as long as possible, but honestly I don't know how long I'll have the car. Two years would be fine by me. Does this sound like something a rattle can job can deliver?

[PiercedE30]

At least, take them to get bead blasted. That's what I did on mine, then I rattle canned them. The beast blasting gives the paint something to REALLY stick to, instead of having smooth spots on the spokes that you can't roughen up properly by hand.

[EvoStevo]

At least, take them to get bead blasted. That's what I did on mine, then I rattle canned them. The beast blasting gives the paint something to REALLY stick to, instead of having smooth spots on the spokes that you can't roughen up properly by hand.

ok, I'll look into it. Should I take care of the lips before or after I paint the centers? Thanks again, you guys.

[PiercedE30]

I would definitely sand/polish/whatever the lips first. Then just tape them off and powdercoat/paint the centers.