wuttup guys.. first time posting here. Getting close to my warranty limit and can't wait to start turning this thing out.

I wanted a temporary solution to my wheels so i'm thinking about getting my OEMs powder coated flat black. I found a shop close to me that will do it for $240. I know that's sweet *** deal, but is it worth spending the money on the powder coating or there any cheaper options you guys recomend. some type of durable spray on application for example.

 

You can paint them yourself or take it to a paintshop for a pro job.

I used Duplicolor bronze to paint my wheels --


I painted these RS wheels last spring, but I didnt use enough clearcoat. When clean they look good imo, but they get dirty ULTRA fast, and are very difficult to clean (therefore, never clean)

Instead of repainting them myself, I might pay to have it done. Im too lazy to sand and prep them again.

 

u got a walk thru on how u did the painting on your rims?

 

Dismount the wheels from the car (you can keep the tires on).

You need to sand the clearcoat off first. I used 800 grit wetsand, then finished it with 1000 grit wetsand. This was overkill...too fine. It took like 1 - 1.5 hours per wheel to sand the clearcoat off. If I were to do it over again, I would use 400 or 600 grit, then finish/polish with 800 wetsand.

Once all the clear is off and its pretty smooth, wash the wheels with a sponge and hose, then dry them off. For the paint to stick well, you need to get them REALLY clean, so to get rid off any grease/fingerprints use 100% acetone (nail polish remover) to clean the surface. You can find it at RiteAId/longs for a few bucks.

When they are all dry you can start to paint. I used index cards to block the tire from being painted. Just wedge a bunch of index cards in between the rim and tire. That will block off the tire from overspray, unless you get really crazy with the paint.

I painted them in a garage, with little ventalation, it sucked! Make sure you have good ventalation or a mask for all the fumes. I used Etching primer, Bronze Wheel Paint and Clearcoat (all Duplicolor) I did 2 light coats of etching primer, then waited 30 Min before applying the bronze. I think I did like 5 light coats of bronze (waiting 10-15 minutes between coats), applying in a SLOW horizontal sweeping motion, slightly overlapping and about 5 - 7 inches away from the wheel.

When I felt like all the surface was properly covered in bronze, I waited 1 hour before applying the clearcoat. I did 2-3 coats of clear, but if I were to do it over again I would do 5 - 6 to make it a little shinier. THen wait 24 hours for them to dry!

If you have any painting skills, it should come out nice. Before I did this, I went to a paint store and asked for advice, as I had never painted anything. Im sure I could re-paint them again better....but Im not sure I want to spend my weekend doing it again.

 

Wow man that's a lot of work, give you props. wheels look cool from the picture. I talked to the guy at the powder coat shop, and they sandblast the riginal coat and clean it pretty thoroughly. They have tons of colors to choose from too, which is great. the advantage of powder coat is that its highly durable, and easy to wash.

I was thinking about spray painting the wheels, but after you mentioned you have tough time cleaning, looks like i might go with the powder coat.

$240 for the set is good price, might be vary with wheel size. If any one is considering, the shop is called E-Tech in Walnut Creek.

 

E-Tech in WC eh? Thanks I will check them out. Summer is here and I want to redo the wheels...Gold, bronze or some type of silver.

I dont want to discourage you from painting them yourself, just giving you my experience. With the proper coats of clear they come out blingin