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Painting wheels -powder coat vs conventional paint

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ichthos

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Hello All,
I am getting ready to paint the wheels on my TR6. I figure now is a good time since the tires are off. I have heard how powder paint is tougher than conventional paint, but that it can chip easier. My other options is to use expoxy primer followed by silver paint. I am going to sand blast them with a fine grit first in either case first. Any suggestions from those that have painted their wheels on what sems to hold up the best?
Thanks, Kevin
 
Re: Painting wheels -powder coat vs conventional p

Kevin , had mine PC'ed. Looks real nice. Also before I did this I took all five to a local wheel guy and he straighten and rebalanced all except the now spare which was in fairly bad shape. will work for a spare but not for long high speed running.
don
 
Re: Painting wheels -powder coat vs conventional p

Kevin, I much prefer powder coat over paint. It's a lot more durable, and will fill small imperfections in the wheel that paint won't.
Jeff
 
Re: Painting wheels -powder coat vs conventional p

If you powder coat the wheels, make certain that whoever does your tire mounting is someone with the proper tools to mount tires on mags. Meaning, they will treat the powder-coated steel wheel with the same care that you should treat cast wheels. Usually they will have Teflon-coated tools or the likes. Jambing a tire on a coated wheel with a prybar will very probably chip the powder coating, much to your chagrin.

Jeff, what in the world are we doing up at such an ungodly hour?!


Bill
 
Re: Painting wheels -powder coat vs conventional p

Bill, I guess it's just force of habit! Now I suppose I'll have to go out for breakfast, and see if I can get something productive done today.
Happy 4th.
Jeff
 
Re: Painting wheels -powder coat vs conventional p

Same.



Bill
 
I have a friend who builds wheels and he told me that powder coat is best. Of course that depends on who is performing the work like anything else.

Harry, CT
Time to mow the lawn before the next big thunderstorm washes the day away. 11.44 inches in June!
 
Re: Painting wheels -powder coat vs conventional p

I have been doing some research on powder coatings over the last couple years for a product my company is bringing to market.
I have found a lot of information about product specifications and color choices from TIGER Drylac Powder Coatings
There is good information on type of use and durability of product choices.
 
Re: Painting wheels -powder coat vs conventional p

One of my biggest concerns was putting the tires back on the wheels. Obviously I don't want the wheels chipped or scratched during this process. I also don't want them to scrach when I put the rims back on. In any case, I think I will go ahead and powdercoat them and then take them to a Les Schwab by me and let them know my concerns. Thanks for all the information.
Kevin
 
Re: Painting wheels -powder coat vs conventional p

Considering the cost and fancy "bling" of many wheels today, most tire installers can handle it and powder coating is actually less likely to be damaged than most paints (PC is considered about 5X more durable... but I don't know what they are comparing to).

Other considerations... don't bother sanding anything prior to powder coating... part of the process is media blasting the wheels to prepare the surface. Any sanding you do is a waste of time.

You can often get powder coating done a lot cheaper at an industrial coater, rather than an automotive specialist. *However*, if you use an industrial company (might coat garden furniture or computer cabinets or who knows what), be very sure to specify a UV-safe coating is used and to clarify how the coating will look in color and gloss. Some industrial PC is "interior" grade (like interior paints) and won't hold up very long outdoors, exposed to UV light.

Yes, PC can help fill small imperfections... it flows a little when it's cured in an over. Epoxy paints are pretty darned good, too, might be the choice if you were looking for a thinner coating or color unavailable in powdercoat.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Re: Painting wheels -powder coat vs conventional p

I have heard of a new powder coating that uses ceramics. Suppose to be a lot tougher than regular powder coating. Might be worth a look see. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Re: Painting wheels -powder coat vs conventional p

That is the best way to finish a wire wheel. Just make sure that you get a UV resistant coating, not an industrial coating. Wire wheel specialist recommend powder coating.


Bill
 
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