Got rashed wheels? Factory paint on wheels flaking? I went through this as well and didn't want to fall victim to expensive repairs. Ok, enough cheesy saleman talk to y'all. I'll walk y'all through my experiance of refinishing my wheels and at a fraction of the cost while enjoying some drinks during the process. Warning if you are going to tackle this job, it's a time consuming process, but very satisfying in the end.
Tools/Material needed: Dremel tool (if you have deep rashing). Power drill (polish finished product). 220, 320, and 400 grit sandpaper along with s.o.s. pads. Wheel paint, I used the Duplicolor wheel paint series rattle cans, rule of thumb is one can per wheel (doesn't hurt to have left overs for possible touch ups later).
Step 1. Remove wheels from car and have tires dismounted from wheels (for best results, not a must, I did not choose to remove my tires due to wheel color choice)
Step2. Sanding, this will keep your pimp hand strong (or pimpette for females). Get a nice scuff on the surface that doesnt require added attention. Full removal of factory paint/ primer is not an absolute must, infact a little left over will create a nice chemist for new to stick to. Start with 220 grit working to 320 grit then 400 grit in a criss-cross pattern.
Step 3. Gentlemen/women start your dremels! If your wheel/wheels have deep scarring or curb rash, lightly dremel the deep area to create a smoother surface. Some of you people may not need this step.
Step 4. Time to fill the smoothened out the holes created with a hardening epoxy (IE JB Weld ect) and give it the proper time to harden and setup. Kinda the bondo effect that is used on body parts, remember less is more.
Step 5. Back to Sanding, this step can be skipped if step 4 wasn't required. If you were one of the lucky ones who gets to do this step, not to dissimiler to step 2, sand til you have a smooth surface, starting with a 220 grit to a 320 grit followed by a 400 grit once again in criss cross pattern. Once complete, go arm wrestle your best friend, they won't have a chance!
Step 6. Time to start shooting some paint, first step to a great paint job is primer. You guessed it, time to prime, I used 2 coats. Applying evenly and allow about 5-10 min between coats to setup. Usually takes 30 min to fully dry.
Step 7. Back to the sanding we go. I promise that your forearms will look similer to popeye's when you're done. This time only a nice like scuffing to allow base coat to stick. This time only using a s.o.s. pad, same criss-crossing pattern.
Step 8. It only gets easier, base coats are simple, I used 3 coats base. Allowing 10-15 min of setup time between coats. Should take base coat 30-45 min to setup.
Step 9. Yay no more sanding, that's right we're going straight to clear. I used 3 coats of clear as well, may want to go up to 4 if your car makes heavy brake dust. Allow 10-15 min between coats.
Step 10. After paint is cured completely (usually 24 hours) polish your wheels. I like using a drill with the power cone. Wipe clean and enjoy that shine!!!!
Step 11. Remount tires and remount to car.
Step 12. There is no step 12! But enjoy your refreshed wheels!
I hope this helps y'all out. PM me if you have any further questions for me, I'll be happy to help. Pics to be posted next.
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Originally Posted by HockeyGoon
