wheel refinishing started
07-03-2002, 07:29 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
wheel refinishing started
I've refinished one wheel (phonedial) and it looks pretty good. I bought my paint from Griot's and the only downside is the paint seems to be a shade darker, and I would've preferred the original. Other than that the Griot's paint goes on smooth and uniform, just need to sand out the extra metal particles after the color coats.
07-03-2002, 07:34 PM
#2
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm going to start doing my own soon (I keep saying that). Did you remove the tires or mask around them? If masked...does that work very well?
I am planning on simply sanding the factory finish and applying the Wurth or even Duplicote, Krylon, etc with clear coat. I am not planning on stripping all the way down, did you? I don't understand why everyone seems to feel you have to do that? I might use a sandable primer to even out any surface irregularities but not strip to bare. Anyway...planning on using clear coat?
I am planning on simply sanding the factory finish and applying the Wurth or even Duplicote, Krylon, etc with clear coat. I am not planning on stripping all the way down, did you? I don't understand why everyone seems to feel you have to do that? I might use a sandable primer to even out any surface irregularities but not strip to bare. Anyway...planning on using clear coat?
07-03-2002, 07:36 PM
#3
Nerd Herder
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I have wanted to do this fo 3 years now. My wheels are almost white. Wanted a spare wheel to run on as I am a perfectionist..... wanted to spend more than a day each.. He I'm on vacation... <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
07-03-2002, 07:49 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
My wheels were missing much of their original paint so I sanded first with 800 then 1500, primed with zinc, sanded with 1500 again, then color coated. Sanded again with 1500, wiped down with prepseal and shot the clear (3 or 4 coats). I don't think you need several color coats with the clear topcoat, just enough coats to get good color and coverage. The clear is the protecting finish. I'll hand glaze them in a couple of weeks and they should really be glossy then.
07-03-2002, 07:50 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
BTW, I did mask with tires on, I just sprayed the tires and wheels with prepseal to remove all the silicones etc., and masked very well. Tedious but effective.
07-04-2002, 04:22 AM
#6
Race Car
Dan in P
The reason you don't want to prime "to fill" on a wheel, is they are verry susceptable to damage from stones and the like.
The thinner the finish, the less likely they are to chip, etc...
Your time can be wasted in a second by an incompetant tire installer too, especially if you have paint primer that's thicker than normal....
If you take them to the metal, use an acid etching primer first, 1:1 ratio primer/acid.
This will adhere to the aluminum to the point where a hammer blow will rarely make it turn loose it's grip.
A body supply store will have liquid mask, a material that is sprayed on to protect the unwanted overspray, then washes off with soap and water once your paint is cured.
An old trick is to totally prepare the wheel then remove the valve stem core and let all of the air out to get as much clearance between the tire and wheel rim as possible, then either mask with tape by sliding the tape in between the two, OR applying regular grease or vaseline to the entire tire, which paint will not stick to and easily be removed once your wheel has cured.....
Cheers
The reason you don't want to prime "to fill" on a wheel, is they are verry susceptable to damage from stones and the like.
The thinner the finish, the less likely they are to chip, etc...
Your time can be wasted in a second by an incompetant tire installer too, especially if you have paint primer that's thicker than normal....
If you take them to the metal, use an acid etching primer first, 1:1 ratio primer/acid.
This will adhere to the aluminum to the point where a hammer blow will rarely make it turn loose it's grip.
A body supply store will have liquid mask, a material that is sprayed on to protect the unwanted overspray, then washes off with soap and water once your paint is cured.
An old trick is to totally prepare the wheel then remove the valve stem core and let all of the air out to get as much clearance between the tire and wheel rim as possible, then either mask with tape by sliding the tape in between the two, OR applying regular grease or vaseline to the entire tire, which paint will not stick to and easily be removed once your wheel has cured.....
Cheers
07-04-2002, 07:18 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Finished! They look really good and glossy....just wish the Griot's paint was a touch lighter. It's just a tad darker than original. Has anyone used the Wurth's? How close was the color?
Trending Topics
07-04-2002, 08:47 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
I took some "before" pics, I'll borrow the digital camera from work and take some "after" tomorrow. I'm kinda disappointed, they came out metallic gray instead of silver IMHO. 
Wish I would've coughed up the extra $6 a can for the Wurth's. Griot's is nice paint....just the wrong color.
Wish I would've coughed up the extra $6 a can for the Wurth's. Griot's is nice paint....just the wrong color.
07-05-2002, 01:17 PM
#11
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
951and944S,
I had wondered about letting the air out of the tires to slip masking paper between the tire and rim. This would avoid the possibility of the re-install of tires screwing up the new finish.
I am definitely NOT going to strip the rims. I will only sand smooth, then paint and clear coat. Anymore tips anyone?
P.S. Several times guys have said they've used Krylon or Duplicote. DOes anyone have a feel for the right color other than Wurth's? Wurth's is expensive and I don't know how many cans to buy?
I had wondered about letting the air out of the tires to slip masking paper between the tire and rim. This would avoid the possibility of the re-install of tires screwing up the new finish.
I am definitely NOT going to strip the rims. I will only sand smooth, then paint and clear coat. Anymore tips anyone?
P.S. Several times guys have said they've used Krylon or Duplicote. DOes anyone have a feel for the right color other than Wurth's? Wurth's is expensive and I don't know how many cans to buy?
07-13-2002, 01:33 AM
#15
Racer
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bones,
I used the Wurth paint and for some reason it also came out a slight darker color, so I am guessing that the lighter color that we are familiar with was from years of fading.....
I used the Wurth paint and for some reason it also came out a slight darker color, so I am guessing that the lighter color that we are familiar with was from years of fading.....