1718smythco

I did my wheels on my 4x4 rustoleum graphite metalic grey and they lasted for over a yr with no primer even after mudding and eventually painted with rhino liner, it flaked back off and the rusto grey still looked like the day I sprayed it. I had to sand it completely off to get any other paint to stay on.

k0ntr0lledka0s

iTrader: (1)

good job bro, came out good =)

disaster06

Thanks!

StatuSCheckA

iTrader: (1)

I meant to ask. Did you do the inside of the rim too? Like the cylinder part that has the wheel balance weights.
I really dont want to do all that extra. I only want to paint the outside part that shows.

disaster06

Just the outside, not the back, or the inside

disaster06

Didnt get a chance to take a pic in the light

StatuSCheckA

iTrader: (1)

Yep waiting for a pic in the sun. I know its sunny over there in Cali.
Also, can you edit one of your first posts to elaborate how you sanded, and what you used? I'd like to use a sanding sponge.

disaster06

Finally, some daytime pics:

disaster06

Ok, so here is what I did:

I used a bucket with some dish soap and hot water, got some 800 grit wet sand paper from Autozone because home depot and lowes only went up to 600, got the paper wet and went to town. Didnt go too crazy, there were only a few spots where I went down past the factory color paint on the rims. Dont go too crazy, you really only need to get down past the clear coat. If something feels slick, sand it. Then I moved on to primer.

Since I haven't painted before, I just painted the primer, then moved on. I was told that you should sand the primer after your final coat with the wet sand paper again, then wash off the wheel, let it dry, then paint the color. This will allow for a smooth surface and the paint will come out incredibly smooth. Mine came out slightly frosted, but I have already received compliments and it still shines, this extra step however will get it very smooth. Eventually when this chips, flakes, etc. I will lightly sand it down and paint it again and it will probably come out smoother.

You probably dont want to use a sponge because I dont think they make sponges that fine. Go too coarse on your sandpaper and you will have to paint too much, stay 800 grit and above.

Good Luck!

StatuSCheckA

iTrader: (1)

Thanks a ton D06. I love the Black. I'll stay above 800 grit, although I seen some other forums use like 400, that left them with deep, unnecessary scratches to fill.
Did you use Duplicolor Brake spray paint for the Calipers?

disaster06

I got the kit that's duplicolor brush on. Buy a foam brush about an inch wide to help speed the process. Leave the calipers on, but tape off everything so you don't get paint on the rotors. Also, I only painted the front half, not the back.

disaster06

Also, do two coats. I did 1 and its starting to flake off after about a year because of the drive through car washes high power spray. With two coats it should last longer

KidJustin

u should edit your first post to include "what you did" along with pictures (i know u have pictures lol) and basically make this a DIY thread.

i can then sticky it in the wheel thread for people who want to paint their wheels in the future.

disaster06

Will do...soon

StatuSCheckA

iTrader: (1)

Sir did you use a Clear Coat?
I'm reading that alot of people have used the Duplicolor Clear Wheel Coating unsuccessfully.

disaster06

I used rustoleum auto paint gloss black and clear coated with rustoleum clear coat auto paint I think inalsonused rustoleum sandable auto primer. The clear coat was two cans and I had to do like 2 light coats and about 2 medium coats to get the gloss to show up. I promise I'm going tondo a write up. Probably tonight. Just been super busy

StatuSCheckA

iTrader: (1)

Hey man thanks. You been helpful in answering my questions promptly. I'm just excited about doing this.
I didn't know you used rustoleum. My Harbor Freight Tools has rustoleum Black Wheel Paint for half price. I figured I'd need four cans.

disaster06

All right, edited the first post to give a full DIY, ready, set, paint!

KidJustin

is it just me...or do the pictures not work?

StatuSCheckA

iTrader: (1)

No Photo. Can you edit his post and see if he did the coding wrong?
The writeup looks great.