paint or powder coat?
 

I'm putting some new rims on my daily driver Tahoe. Currently, they are simply uncoated machined aluminum. I'm wanting to not only protect them but also change their color/look a little. This has me wondering if I should go with a powder coat or paint or both.

Due to the look I'm going for I may have to use a paint and was thinking I could put a clear powder coat on top. Is that even possible? I've only ever had factory wheels and I'm not even sure what finish is put on them. I'm just looking for a durable, easy to manage finish. Suggestions?

Thanks

are you sure that the wheels are uncoated? If they are anodized, that would have to come off. Oven Cleaner works pretty good on that

Yes, the are simple ProComp rims. I emailed them as well to verify since I thought I might have something to remove first.


Thanks

I paint and I powder coat . I recommend powder coat all the way at least for wheels. Do NOT powder coat over paint! The powder coat oven heat will approach 400F and powder does not stick to paint well. My two cents..,

Thanks for the feedback. That's the type of information I was needing.

Can paint with lots of clear hold up on a daily driver? I ask because I'm not sure I can achieve the look I want with powder alone.

Thanks

I'm interested in the answer to WSSix's last question- how well does paint with clear hold up on an aluminum wheel?

Does anyone have any input or experience?

Daniel

Prep is the key to make both paint and powder stick. Powder likes a sand blasted surface. Powder does not like sharp edges. If possible knock off any sharp edges that don't affect the look of the wheel. They make some pretty cool looking powder coat with clear coat

Powder isn't easy to touch up if chipped. Paint is much easier to fix if chipped if you a solid color base and clear coat.

Powder is basically melted plastic so when a rock or something hits it it has a tendency to bounce off instead chipping. Paint is just the opposite its much rigid so it chips easier.

My biggest concern with powder coating is that it seems to expand and contract at a different rate than the base material which ultimately causes it to pop off. Take a typical aftermarket trailer hitch for example. I know all the name brand hitches are powder coated and most are nothing but rust within a few years. I have come to prefer a good quality paint over powder coating. Paint is much easier to repair when the time comes.

Thanks for the info guys.

Daniel

Steve, that could be the quality of the powder and prep of the metal in those cases. Keep in mind rims are typically aluminum and all of the big name rim makers powder coat not paint. All factory aluminum rims are powder coated also.