Wheel Paint 2

[Forester]

I've decided to repaint my wheels myself principally because the "I don't really want to do it price" from local body shops is more than the price of replacing them. My question is would chasis paint be the most durable paint to use? I don't own a spray gun so will be using rattle cans one wheel at a time. I've also decided to stick with black which is the current color.
Jim

[series guy]

With your color choice you have a large selection to choose from. You can now buy two part epoxy paint in a spray can. That would be my choice.

[Forester]

Thanks, that is the route I will go.
Jim

[RustCollector]

I've rattle canned my wheels. Without knowing your experience level, allow me to add some words of experience. Forgive me if you know this already., but maybe someone will learn from it.

Get rid of any dirt and rust first.

Treat whatever rust is not removable with a rust converter.

Sand/scuff the existing paint enough to remove any gloss. Scotch bright pads are good for this, or 180/220 grit sand paper.

Clean the wheels completely with a solvent like alcohol or acetone applied with a clean rag.

Spray on primer in two or three thin coats. Let it dry.

Use "4 ought" steel wool (0000) to gently rub out any overspray and "polish" the primer. This is optional but makes a difference in my eyes.

Clean again with air, or a clean rag. Wouldn't hurt to wipe down with a small amount paint thinner on a clean rag.

Then you're ready for your black topcoat. 2K paints are nice and tough, but you'll want to spray thin coats or any runs you get will be tough to sand out.

Preparation is everything.

I put a wheel on a bucket and walk around in circle while I spray. I start with the axle side of the wheel, so I can finish up on the visible side and let it dry. Once, I had a lazy suzan turntable and used that to spin the wheel as I sprayed. I wound up getting hand prints on the paint, so I stopped spinning the wheel and started spinning myself.

[series guy]

When I painted mine I mounted the tires but didn't air them up. Then I made a plywood mask and sprayed away. Aired up the tires the next day.

[Forester]

My thanks to you both. Great advice.
Jim

[RustCollector]

Series Guy, your method deprives the tire installer of his duty to scratch your wheels.

[series guy]

Being the tire installer that made me happy.