OEM Rims to be powder coated
#16
Rennlist Member
You'll be fine with powder coating.
I'd consider a "satin" finish though. You still get the matte look but they will stay looking better longer. The matte tends to water spot easily and looks like a cheap paint job sometimes. The satin finish is forgiving and looks like a more finished job in my opinion.
I'd just look at the satin to compare to see what you like best.
I'd consider a "satin" finish though. You still get the matte look but they will stay looking better longer. The matte tends to water spot easily and looks like a cheap paint job sometimes. The satin finish is forgiving and looks like a more finished job in my opinion.
I'd just look at the satin to compare to see what you like best.
#17
Race Director
Thread Starter
I am going to ask PCNA if they will cover under warranty but not expecting they will but a year from now when they are inundated with the same complaints they will have to do something
#18
Race Director
I just found this:
A word of caution regarding the powder coating of aluminum.
Forged alloy wheels are desirable because they are known to be both strong and lightweight. To achieve these characteristics, they are typically manufactured from 6061-T6 grade aluminum. At some time during the manufacturing process this alloy must undergo a two-step thermal process in order for it to attain the desired mechanical properties, which include high strength and resistance to fatigue. These thermal processing or heat treating steps are known as solution treatment (985°F) and artificial aging (350°F). With forged 6061 aluminum, the artificial aging step requires the material to be held at 350°F for about 8 hours.
The majority of powder coating materials require a cure temperature ranging from 300 to 400°F with a cure time of about 1 hour. Since this overlaps the temperature of the artificial aging step, the powder coating process has the potential to "overage" the aluminum causing embrittlement and reduced fatigue life.
Recent advances in powder coating compounds have brought about lower cure temperatures of 250°F. These new powder coating compounds are more desirable, since they do not impact the prior thermal processing steps for heat treatable alloys such as 6061-T6 aluminum.
When considering powder coating of heat treatable aluminum alloys (6000 and 7000 series), it is always advisable to confirm that the temperature of the part will not exceed 300°F. Ignoring this fact may result in a sudden and unexpected failure of a critical component. A critical failure in a forged alloy wheel could ruin not just one, but possibly the rest of your days.
Before allowing someone to powder coat your forged aluminum wheels, ask them to use a lower cure temperature (250°F) compound and to maintain the temperature below 300°F at all times while they are processing your wheels.
A word of caution regarding the powder coating of aluminum.
Forged alloy wheels are desirable because they are known to be both strong and lightweight. To achieve these characteristics, they are typically manufactured from 6061-T6 grade aluminum. At some time during the manufacturing process this alloy must undergo a two-step thermal process in order for it to attain the desired mechanical properties, which include high strength and resistance to fatigue. These thermal processing or heat treating steps are known as solution treatment (985°F) and artificial aging (350°F). With forged 6061 aluminum, the artificial aging step requires the material to be held at 350°F for about 8 hours.
The majority of powder coating materials require a cure temperature ranging from 300 to 400°F with a cure time of about 1 hour. Since this overlaps the temperature of the artificial aging step, the powder coating process has the potential to "overage" the aluminum causing embrittlement and reduced fatigue life.
Recent advances in powder coating compounds have brought about lower cure temperatures of 250°F. These new powder coating compounds are more desirable, since they do not impact the prior thermal processing steps for heat treatable alloys such as 6061-T6 aluminum.
When considering powder coating of heat treatable aluminum alloys (6000 and 7000 series), it is always advisable to confirm that the temperature of the part will not exceed 300°F. Ignoring this fact may result in a sudden and unexpected failure of a critical component. A critical failure in a forged alloy wheel could ruin not just one, but possibly the rest of your days.
Before allowing someone to powder coat your forged aluminum wheels, ask them to use a lower cure temperature (250°F) compound and to maintain the temperature below 300°F at all times while they are processing your wheels.
#19
That's it. That's what I was referring to and it sounds like good advice. I guess all I'm suggesting is, don't assume that everything will be ok just because someone says "don't worry". Make sure you ask the right questions and are satisfied with the answers. Just my $.02.
#21
Race Director
Thread Starter
FYI - I just bought the Black Porsche Crest CL caps that are on the new GTS. Suncoast can order them from Germany. Going to pop them on in he Spring when I get my wheels powder coated satin black
#24
Plastidip is like a padded, push-up bra. You know one day it'll come off and you'll be disappointed.
Powder coating is like a boob job, it'll look great and if you're not 100% happy you can take her back in for a touch up.
Powder coating is like a boob job, it'll look great and if you're not 100% happy you can take her back in for a touch up.
#25
Race Director
#28
Race Director
Plasti dip is exactly like a push-up bra… Every time you want something different you can painlessly take it on and off, and it's cheap. Think of plasti dip more appropriately like a clear bra for your car… It works well, takes the abuse, but after a year or two, you take it back in for a redo and find everything underneath was protected and has remained Purrfect