I am considering painting my OEM wheels. While they are in OK shape, they do have areas of corrosion, some scratches, and other defects. Mainly its the corrosion, which is plainly visible.

I would get some aftermarket rims, but alas I am trying to buy a house and thus do not have the extra cash to drop on some fresh aluminum.

Has anyone here painted their wheels? How were your results? What paint did you use? I am thinking a gloss black would go nicely on my lightning yellow car.

(I've already read up on the enormous amount of prep work that it takes, but I have time to put in, just not cash.)

 

lots of people have painted their stockers. results range from excellent to crap.

as with all things involving paint, the more prep time you spend and the more time you take putting down light even coats, the better the results will be.

 

I used to work at a body shop so I felt confident painting mine. They came out pretty good, although powdercoating would definitely make the finish more durable against scratches.

 

True, power coating would be the way to go, though I would imagine at some point it would be cheaper to just get new ones.

Any recommendations on which paint to use?

 

powdercoated and painted cost=200 per wheel. Had it done by a custom shop in kansas

 

This has been discussed to death but basically most OEM wheels are painted and that is typically the best route to go. blemishes, chips, etc. on painted wheels can be easily fixed and the color options are limitless.

Powder coating generally stand up better overall but when it chips, it chips, and does not stop. A local guy here had his powder-coated but they still chipped and the only real fix is to have them re-powder-coated.

The factory wheels are painted and hold up just fine to eh elements, you just have to sand them done real good and use a patient thorough approach to painting them.

 

DupliColor makes paint specifically for wheels. I'd say that's your best bet.