How to paint car wheels
While there are many ways to update the look of your car, one that is often overlooked is wheel refinishing. It's much cheaper and easier than completely changing the color of your car or truck, and it can help make your car stand out from the many similar makes and models on the road. This is a job that can be done at home with a little weekend work or any other time you don't have to drive for a few days as you will need to remove the wheels from your car or truck to get them painted. .
Painting wheels is a relatively inexpensive way to express yourself or change the look of your car, but you can't just use paint to get the job done. Use only paint designed for wheels to keep your hard work going without chipping or flaking in harsh environments such as driving over rough terrain and the elements. In the long run, it's worth paying a few extra bucks for the right product to keep your newly painted wheels looking fresh over time. Here's how to paint car wheels:
How to paint car wheels
Gather the right materials - To start painting your car wheels, you will need the following: a jack (a jack is also included with the car), jacks and a tire tool.
Functions: If you want to remove all the wheels and paint them all at once, you will need four jacks or blocks to get the car up in the air and prevent ground damage.
Loosen nuts - Using a tire tool, turn counterclockwise to loosen the lug nuts.
A warning: Do not fully loosen the clamp nuts at this stage. You'll want to do this after you've jacked up the car to avoid blowing off a tire and causing the car to fall.
Jack up the car - Use a jack to raise the tire at least 1-2 inches off the ground.
Remove clamp nuts - By turning counterclockwise with a tire changer, completely remove the lug nuts.
Functions: Place the clamp nuts in a place where they will not roll and where you can easily find them later.
Remove tire Pull the wheel off the vehicle in a smooth outward motion with both hands, leaving the jack in place.
wash the wheel - To thoroughly wash the wheel and tire, you will need the following materials: a bucket, a degreaser, a rag or tarp, a mild detergent (such as dishwashing detergent), a sponge or cloth, and water.
Prepare soap and water - Mix soap and warm water in a container, using 1 part soap for every 4 parts water.
Clean the wheel Wash dirt and debris from both the wheel and tire with a sponge or cloth and a soapy mixture. Rinse with water and repeat on the reverse side.
Apply degreaser — This product removes more stubborn particles such as brake dust and heavy deposits of grease or dirt. Apply a wheel and tire degreaser to one side of the wheel according to the specific product instructions, then rinse. Repeat this step on the other side of the wheel.
Let the tire air dry - Let the tire dry on a clean rag or tarp with the side you want to paint facing up.
Prepare the wheel for painting - To properly prepare the wheel for painting, you will need the following: 1,000 grit sandpaper, cloth, mineral spirits and water.
Grinding -Using 1,000 grit sandpaper, sand away any rust or roughness on the existing paint. You may or may not show metal under any previous paint or finish. Run your fingers over the surface to make sure it is smooth, with no obvious bumps or nicks that could ruin the look of the final product.
Tip: If you are painting a spoked or similar wheel, you will need to prep and paint both sides of the wheel to make it look even.
Flush the wheel — Rinse off any sand and dust that has formed with water and generously coat the wheel with mineral spirits using a rag. The white spirit will remove any oils that may interfere with the smooth application of the paint. Rinse again with water and allow the wheel to air dry completely.
Attention! White spirit may cause skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, wear plastic gloves to protect your hands.
Apply primer paint - Before you start painting with a primer, make sure you have the following: cloth or tarp, masking tape, newspaper (optional) and primer spray.
Apply masking tape - Place the tire on a rag or tarp and stick painter's tape on the surfaces around the wheel that you want to paint. You can also cover the rubber of the tire with newspaper to protect it from accidentally getting primer on it.
Apply primer to the rim - Spray enough primer to evenly apply the first coat to the surface. Apply at least three coats in total, allowing 10-15 minutes to dry between coats and 30 minutes to dry after applying the last coat. For complex wheel designs such as spokes, apply primer to the back of the wheel as well.
Shake the paint can thoroughly - This will mix the paint and separate the clumps inside so the paint can be sprayed more easily.
Apply the first layer - Continuing to work with a rag or tarp, spray a thin coat of paint onto the surface of the wheel, then let it dry for 10-15 minutes before moving on. By applying thin coats of paint, you prevent dripping, which can ruin the look of your paint job and negate your efforts to improve the aesthetics of your wheel.
Apply additional coats of paint - Apply at least two coats of paint on the front side (and back side, if applicable), allowing 10-15 minutes to dry between coats and 30 minutes after applying the last coat.
Functions: Refer to your paint manufacturer's instructions to determine the ideal number of coats for the best wheel coverage. Most often, 3-4 coats of paint are recommended.
Apply a clear coat and put the wheel back on. — Before applying a clear coat, take a clear protective paint and a tire tool.
Apply a protective coating - Apply a thin layer of clear coat to the painted surface to protect the color from fading or chipping over time. Repeat until you have three coats and allow 10-15 minutes to dry between coats.
Functions: You should also apply a clear coat to the inside of the wheels if you applied new paint there.
Allow time to air dry - After applying the last coat and waiting for 10-15 minutes, allow the paintwork to dry for approximately 24 hours. When the wheel is completely dry, carefully remove the masking tape around the wheel.
Put the wheel back on the car - Place the wheel(s) back on the hub and tighten the nuts with a tire tool.
Painting stock wheels can create a custom look for your vehicle at a relatively low cost. If you would like to have this done on your vehicle, you can consult with a professional to do the job for you. It may be a little more expensive, but with a higher quality end product. If you're willing to try it out for yourself, wheel painting can be both enjoyable and fun if you follow the right steps.
