TheVazha

Hi Guys,

I am sending my HRE's in to be refinished. While this is going on, I will slap on my stockers.

My question is this, my stock wheels are powdercoated flat black. The coating is old and while its not chipped anywhere, it just looks dated. I would like to respray them my self but dont know how. If anyone has any experience with this, would you please share how you sprayed them? What colors look good for a DIY. What brand paint? Prep?

Thanks for your advice!

320 dreamer

if you dont have the tires on i would suggest getting them bead blasted back to raw. then apply 2 to 3 coats of etching primer and allow drying time inbetween coats. then scuff and using either wheel paint or engine paint or ceramic paint in areosol cans have at it. thin multiple coats over thick coats. scuff the last coat and apply a clear coat. all done!

the first is my drag wheels blasted to raw then a comparison painted total cost was maybe 15$ ( i have a friend with a blast cabinet so it just my time no charge)

TheVazha

Unfortunately, they have tires on them and I really dont have time to get them stripped and mounted etc.. This would be ideal but its just not in the cards right now...

I was looking for a quick weekend DIY...

AWOL

sand, tape off tires, primer, paint

its not difficult at all

tgoss

I know it's a bimmer forum but same rules apply. Hopefully you'll find this thread helpful

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=713071

TheVazha

And thanks everyone for your advice!! It looks like I have a nice weekend project ahead of me.

Now, what color do we like for the finished product?

tgoss

A gloss gunmetal would look nice

And if you really want to go all out do the windows gloss black

TheVazha

Gloss Gunmetal, I like it. I'm gonna try gloss gunmetal with matte accents. A good buddie of mine has gloss black with black matte accents and it looks INSANE.

chargedC32

you can use plasti dip...

AMG_RL

I wouldn't. plasti-dip tends to scratch very easily and clings on to dirt. I used plasti-dip on the Interior of my STi and had to redo it with matte paint after only a few months...can't imagine how long it would last from wear and tear of driving.

E55Bullet

pics are a must!

AMGV855

If you haven't already painted. Try and match the OEM SL65 wheels colour. The titanium grey, I think.

chargedC32

i've never tried it.. and i always thought it would peel/scratch easily.. but some quick research online and other forums shows that many have successfully plasti-dipped their wheels and they look great and hold up well even after a year of use and abuse

tbal

I think duplicolor makes spray paint specific for wheels. I have used it in the past and works great! Its all in the prep work, sand the wheels down good, lay down a good primer, let it heal few hours, lay down the paint. I also recommend some clearcoat. (matte, gloss whatever you prefer)

TheVazha

I like it!

Been busy as hell and the wheels are at my buddies shop wrapped in some drag tires! I need to sort that out first and then I can get to work.

I will post pics for sure!

tbal

Post it up! Not hard at all, grab a case of beer, perhaps call a good friend and coach HIM through it LOL...