Powder Coating Wheels (OPINIONS PLEASE!)
 

I am going to get my wheels powder coated soon and want some opinions and pictures if anyone feels like sharing.

My car is sunlight silver and the wheels are currently spray painted black. I like the look of the black so my initial instinct was to get them powder coated black, but now I can't decide if glossy or flat will look better.

I searched but couldn't figure out if most people are doing them flat or glossy. Seams like glossy might look a little "nicer" but flat looks a little "meaner".

Other options would be gunmetal... but I can't find a single sunlight silver with gunmetal wheels. Anyone? Anyone?

Thanks!

Here is a current pick.

Talk with the person who is doing your powder coat about cleaning and caring for the wheels.

I have powder coated rims on my Motorcycle and the powder coat is more fragile than you think. It has to be cleaned with a non abrasive soap (dish soap) and a soft rag or they will scratch the glossy finish (mine are coated in a chrome looking powder). Do not get any chemicals near it. Especially brake cleaner it will take the powder coating right off the rims. Even the chemicals they use at the tire place for cleaning and lubricating the wheels will screw up the finish. I had that happen with the first set I did. I brought them the rims and tires and when I got them back the finish had runs on it from the chemicals they used for mounting the tires. I mount my own tires now and pay a shop for the high speed balancing.

Powder coat is very durable. But, at the same time it is sensitive stuff. If your not careful with it you will hate it. Ask the shop questions before you do it.

FWIW I had my wheels painted. There are +/- going paint vs. powder coat. A satin finish might be just what you are looking for.

Im also looking into either painting or powder coating. I'm leaning towards painting because its cheaper, redoable, and also now knowing about the chemicals i don't have to be as careful. Treitz how did the paint hold up on your rims?

Mine were just spray painted on top of the original finish. No sanding or priming. So they are chipping a bit. I also don't know how long ago they were painted, which would help me determine how well they actually held up.

Due to costs and everything I think I might just repaint mine as well. For the same reason. Even if they do chip, I can touch them up as apposed to paying over $200 to get them powder coated and crying myself to sleep the first time they get a scratch.

If you do paint I would recommend leaving the lugs silver as those are where most of the chipping has happened.

Heres a DIY. Im gonna do this with my OEM rims.

If you are looking to save money then paint them yourself but doubtful the finish will hold up though. Use 3 to 4 coats of clear...