How to remove powdercoat?
 

Hi there everyone. I recently got a really good deal on a set of 18x9.5 Enkei RPF1's for my 8. They were previously powdercoated by the last owner but it has started to seperate in a few areas. Im planning to peel as much of it off as possible as it chips off in alot of areas.

I have read various things around the web on removing it beyond that. Most mention to have the wheels sandblasted but I would like to be able to remove it myself and then paint the rims. A few people mentioned using permatex gasket remover, CRC aircraft stripper, etc. Anyone have any experience in this area?

You can use Naval Jelly or aircraft stripper, it will work but will be messy. It's best to just get them blasted.

If you don't mind the scraping/clean up, I'd go with the aircraft stripper. Seen that thing eat thru paint like nothing else. I'm sure powder coat won't be to much of a problem for it. Might just have to let it saturate for a little longer than you would on a painted surface.

Thanks for chiming in guys. Is the Naval Jelly the rust remover? Thats the only thing I see online by them.

On a side note, Im assuming I should take off the tires?

You really need to take off the tires. Aircraft stripper should work, there's a product called Benco B17 that most people who strip powdercoats use but it's pretty expensive unless bought in +30 gallon barrels.

Sandblasting would be ideal. You can go straight from blasting to powdercoating with nothing in between if it's done well. Most PC shops can blast the current coat and coat it any color you want without adding too much to the price of coating.

Yeah, aircraft stripper should work. It will take some time since powder coat finishes are usually layered thick. Sandblasting is a good idea and not too expensive, it will save you from all the hassle of scrubbing off all the coating on your wheels. Plus one on removing the tires, you really don't want aircraft stripper to hit those.

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Thanks guys, sounds like sandblasting and repowder coating is the way to go. Now I just gotta find a decent shop in my area that can do it. Thanks!

Sandblast is certainly the easiest, but using stripper will be easier on the finish, you'll lose the shine if you blast it....

https://www.rx8club.com/attachments/...each-strip.jpg

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...70-each-37805/

Any methylene dichloride based stripper will eat that coating like a cop on a donut.

Unless they're powdercoated and polished wheels look silly.