Powder coating the wheels

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Jun 14, 2018 | 03:31 PM

tirzaman

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From: California

2015 BMW 750Li, 2018 E63S AMG

Powder coating the wheels

I'm doing a full 3M wrap of my 2018 E63S wagon and also thinking about powder coating my wheels in black (my car is black, night package, etc). The price for power coating the 4 wheels is $700 but I have no idea if that's a good, bad or normal price. Can you chime in with your opinions regarding the price? Thanks!

Jun 14, 2018 | 03:51 PM

s26singh

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From: Brampton, Canada

2015 Toyota Corolla LE

Quote:

Originally Posted by tirzaman

Do you mean powder coating?

For $700 you can get them refinished and painted, rather than "powder coating". Much better finish, lasts much longer, just looks better overall. And that price should include road force balance (mounting wheels on car may be extra).

Jun 14, 2018 | 06:14 PM

tirzaman

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From: California

2015 BMW 750Li, 2018 E63S AMG

Quote:

Originally Posted by s26singh

Yes, I meant powder coating. I understood, from my little research, that powder coating is better than painting. What would be a good price for powder coating?

Jun 14, 2018 | 06:22 PM

Vic55

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From: THE Orange County, California

2024 C8 Z06- 2025 BMW CS- 2022 Porsche 992 GTS

Quote:

Originally Posted by tirzaman

Yes, I meant powder coating. I understood, from my little research, that powder coating is better than painting. What would be a good price for powder coating?

Powder coating is more durable than paint per se but it breaks down the constitution of wheel and actually weakens it... Id much rather paint my wheels. And as stated, the fit and finish is better.

Your price is fair though.

Jun 14, 2018 | 06:42 PM

tirzaman

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From: California

2015 BMW 750Li, 2018 E63S AMG

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic55

Thanks! This is the first time I'm hearing that powder coating could actually be damaging to the wheel integrity. This is pretty significant so, as a second opinion, do you happen to have any additional information/links/etc which will substantiate your statement (I'll do some research as well and will post any results). Once again, thanks!

Jun 14, 2018 | 06:53 PM

Vic55

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From: THE Orange County, California

2024 C8 Z06- 2025 BMW CS- 2022 Porsche 992 GTS

Quote:

Originally Posted by tirzaman

Im going off my guys at Supreme Power (sponsor here) who have said the process along with the heat breaks down the wheel at a different pace than paint.

This has some good info but it appears anecdotal:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php/164926-does-powder-coating-rims-weaken-them

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c7-general-discussion/4057662-is-powder-coating-an-issue-for-cast-aluminum-wheels.html

This is more scientific

http://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1009&context=mech_fac

Last edited by Vic55; Jun 14, 2018 at 07:03 PM.

Jun 14, 2018 | 07:40 PM

tirzaman

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From: California

2015 BMW 750Li, 2018 E63S AMG

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic55

Thanks a lot! The scientific study is actually a very good read. I'm now quite reluctant to powder coat my wheels even if the dealer uses the low-temperature oven approach. I may be stuck with the current color/finish for my wheels. :-(