What paint is best for car rims?

Wheel paint: which is better?

The wheels are considered the most vulnerable point of any car. Rides on curbs, gravel and bitumen damage alloy wheels. One of the stages of repairing this part is painting. This raises another problem - the selection of paint. Which paint is better and why? This simple question requires detailed analysis and explanation.

How to choose paint for car rims? First, let's look at why coloring is necessary in principle. There are only two options here. Firstly, most often paint is required to restore the original appearance. Secondly, painting is also used for decorative purposes. For example, for tuning. In such situations, quite specific colors are often selected, and compositions equipped with a “chrome” effect are often used.

Types of paints

A number of motorists mistakenly believe that paint is used only for decorative purposes. In fact, many modern formulations are more versatile. For example, they provide protection to the alloy against corrosion. Just to prevent icy roads in winter, utility services often sprinkle the asphalt with a specific reagent. This is what causes rusting. Manufacturers have developed several types of paints. We'll talk about their differences further.

Powder

The most popular types of paint include powder paint. They are durable and resistant to various types of impact. They can be used to paint titanium and steel cast wheels. The presented types of coatings are not suitable for aluminum-based alloys. The fact is that powder paint must be heated to 200 degrees Celsius when applied. This temperature can lead to disc deformation. Before the procedure itself, the surface of the disc is sandblasted, degreased and a primer is applied to it. The coloring itself must be carried out in a special chamber. The composition dries completely within 24 hours. This painting process is best entrusted to experienced specialists, for example, the Kolorika company at //kolorika.su/ provides high-quality painting and repair of any discs.

Acrylic paints are much cheaper than powder paints. In this case, the motorist can carry out the painting procedure himself. The main advantage of the composition is its versatility. The presented mixtures are suitable for any alloys. At the same time, they provide better protection against moisture and road reagents. Before use, shake the can for at least 3 minutes. This will ensure uniform color. Complete drying of the surface occurs 30 minutes after applying the paint. There are compositions with phosphor on sale. Such paints give a specific glow effect in the dark.

Similar paint options have gained popularity among tuning enthusiasts. The fact is that they can be used not only for metal alloys, but also for glass or plastic. There are plenty of options. On sale you can find glossy and matte varieties of coating. Everything is determined only by the taste preferences of the motorist. Spray the paint two or three times. Therefore, there is no need to pre-prime the disc.

The most popular manufacturers

Now it’s time to deal with the most popular manufacturers. There are many brands producing auto chemicals. In this case, the products of the following companies are in greatest demand:

• Body;
• Motip;
• Kudo.

Each brand's products have their own characteristics. Therefore, we will talk about all manufacturers in more detail.

This company produces one-component compositions based on acrylic. The mixtures show the best adhesive properties among analogues in the same price category. When applying, you must use a spray gun. An affordable price coupled with economical painting is what made this type of auto chemical goods so popular.

The presented compounds are distinguished by a high level of protection for alloy wheels. They provide the best protection against water and reagents. The mixtures do not fade even with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The texture can be either matte or glossy.

Auto chemicals from the South Korean brand are in demand primarily because of their availability. Liquid rubber is used as the basis for these compounds. The advantages of these types of paint were discussed above.

Why is a primer necessary?

When using acrylic and powder paints, an additional primer must be applied to the surface of the disc. Why is this composition needed? The fact is that with its help it is possible to increase the contact area, which increases the final adhesion. As a result, the paint lays down more evenly and adheres better. It is necessary to use special types of primers. Conventional compositions for painting alloy car wheels are not suitable.

Instead of summaries: “What should the driver buy?” It all depends on his goals and financial capabilities. For example, applying luminous paints will make the vehicle more original and impressive.

How to paint car rims with your own hands

The question of how to paint your car's rims yourself is often asked by both newbies in automotive matters and experienced car owners.

Time passes and even on a new car the rims become covered with corrosion and scratches, which do not evoke the same admiration for their well-groomed appearance.

The wheels need to be re-prepared and painted. We’ll look at how to do this in this article.

How to paint car rims yourself

Car wheels are manufactured in two versions:

• stamped steel;
• from light alloys, which, in turn, are divided into cast and forged.

The first option is most susceptible to scratches, chips, and slipping of the paint layer. All manufacturers initially install stamped steel wheels on cars.

They are cheap and, complete with hubcaps, create the appearance of beautiful wheels. Time passes, the caps are either lost or broken, and the discs lose their original appearance.

Alloy wheels are usually produced in a beautiful silver or silver-black finish.

They do not scratch, last a long time, and therefore rarely require additional painting during operation. Therefore, only stamped steel wheels need to be painted.

The most common ways of painting wheels among Russian car enthusiasts are:

Three types of processing are best suited: acrylic, aerosol, liquid rubber. Acrylic is available in a wide variety of colors, it is convenient to apply to the surface, and you can paint even a very small area.

However, for all its advantages, acrylic paint is less resistant to scratches, abrasions, and other damage to the applied layer.

Careless driving, especially by inexperienced drivers, through bushes, potholes, and hummocks peels off a layer of paint. The metal of the discs again becomes covered with corrosion, dust, and dirt.

Powder paint, unlike acrylic paint, can last on wheel rims for a long period without losing its original shine.

It is stable, wear-resistant, the coating on the stamped and cast surface is not scratched or deformed. The substance is intended for production purposes, that is, it is used to coat newly cast and stamped discs.

However, there are certain difficulties with applying it yourself. Powder paint is applied using complex technology that requires special equipment.

With this paint it is impossible to paint a scratched or deformed fragment of a disk - only the entire surface.

When deciding how to paint your car's wheels yourself, it is better to give preference to powder paint. It will last on the car much longer without causing problems during operation.

But if the car owner wants variety, shine, brightness and is ready for daily careful care of the wheels, you can use acrylic paint. In this case, the car will become the original vehicle in the area.

Liquid rubber has proven itself very well when updating wheel rims. In recent years, Russian motorists are increasingly using it for painting.

The matte, glossy black coating penetrates well into the metal, protecting the surface from stone chips, corrosion processes, abrasions, and scratches.

How to paint car rims with your own hands

Due to the high cost of carrying out paintwork at service stations, Russian motorists prefer to carry out such work in their own garages or in the courtyards of private estates.

Any painting method is preceded by thorough washing and preparation of objects for processing. The simplest, least expensive method is painting from an aerosol can.

Painting wheels with canned aerosol

Advantages of this method:

• the paint is applied to any unprepared, unsanded, unprimed surface;
• the aerosol layer reliably protects against all road impacts, dust, and dirt;
• the development of corrosion foci is prevented;
• the substance from the can can be sprayed onto fragments of any configuration.

Consumables

To carry out the work you will need:

• rags or microfiber cloths, car shampoo;
• masking tape;
• sandpaper of various grain sizes – No. 120 – No. 800;
• varnish, degreaser, solvent;
• 1 – 2 cans of primer;
• special aerosol paint, which, unlike regular automotive paint, better protects metal in conditions of high temperatures and impact damage.

When purchasing aerosol paint, varnish, or primer, you must carefully select materials that belong to the same brand or are compatible with each other. The paint should be as wear-resistant as possible.

Acrylic mixtures and polyurethane-based compositions have proven themselves to be excellent. The best quality paint mixtures have a powder base and contain polyester pigments.

To ensure durability, when applying them it is necessary to use sophisticated professional equipment, which is not available in a garage or private yard.

Preparation

1. The wheels of the car are removed from their original places.
   This is necessary to reduce the area covered with masking tape, and also avoids paints from getting on the car body parts.
2. The discs are washed from dirt with water, shampoo, rags, and rags.
   You can use toothbrushes and smaller objects to clean elements with complex configurations.
3. Sand areas with old paint and uneven areas using coarse sandpaper.
4. Clean the surface to be painted with fine-grained sandpaper.
5. Use a jet of compressed air and a cloth to remove dust.
6. Apply a layer of degreaser to the surface to be treated, which will prevent the applied paint from peeling off.
7. Cover the rubber surface of the tire with adhesive tape.

The primer is applied to the prepared surface of the steel disc. The temperature in the work area must not be lower than +10ºС.

Before starting to spray the soil, the can must be shaken. It must be applied from approximately 25 centimeters away.

When applying primer, in order to distribute it evenly, it is necessary to cover the metal with a thin layer. After completing the operation, carefully inspect the surface of the coating. Clean off roughness and unevenness with fine sandpaper.

To ensure the safety of people, it is necessary to use protective equipment when painting:

• Rubber shoes;
• Impregnated overalls;
• Tight glasses;
• Respiratory mask.

When painting products with highly toxic acrylic substances, personal protective equipment should be used.

Self-painting of car wheels with aerosols is carried out in several layers, which are applied after 15 minutes. When the final layer is applied, the composition must dry completely. Aerosol paint dries in a maximum of 4 hours.

Finally, the surface is varnished, after which the protective coating is removed. A mirror-like shine on products is achieved by processing with special polishes using professional equipment.

Acrylic painting

This procedure is most popular among Russian motorists. When working with the material, specific knowledge is not needed. Equipment can be found in every garage cooperative or borrowed from neighbors.

• compressor, spray gun;
• primer mixtures, paint;
• sanding paper No. 200 and No. 400;
• electric drill with “Ruff” device;
• a construction hair dryer; if you don’t have one, you can use a home hair dryer;
• solvent;
• protective equipment for hands and respiratory tract.

Preparation

The technology of applying acrylic involves partial restoration of the surface. After carrying out the work: washing, cleaning from dirt, old paint, the metal is first cleaned with coarse sandpaper, then all significant irregularities, nicks, scratches, chips are sanded with fine sandpaper. Metal surface defects that cannot be cleaned are filled with putty.

The final preparation is cleaning from abrasive particles and washing under high pressure. When painting wheels without removing them from the car, it is necessary to protect the rubber fragments of the wheels with masking tape and newspapers, leaving only the metal surface exposed.

Padding

Important! Before applying the primer, it is necessary to dry the metal very thoroughly using a hair dryer. A serious defect can appear from one drop of water, reducing the service life of the wheels and ruining their appearance.

The disk suspended on a wire is degreased. Uniform deposition of layers is achieved by heating from a hair dryer.

Using a spray gun, liquid soil is applied from a distance of 25 cm. It is important to maintain the correct consistency of the composition. Liquid soil causes defects.

It is strictly forbidden to form a large layer at once. Professionals do this in three passes.

The next layer is applied only after the previous one has completely dried. This happens after 30 minutes. To speed up the drying of the primer, use a hairdryer.

Painting

Having decided how to paint the rims on a car with your own hands, after the primer has completely dried, proceed directly to painting.

Acrylic paint is applied in several layers. You should take your time, act slowly, allowing each layer to dry. Paint that is too thin may leave streaks. To avoid this, it is necessary to apply a test layer to the prepared sheet of metal.

The maximum quality of painting is achieved with at least three layers. Hard-to-reach areas are difficult to treat using conventional methods.

Such fragments require a creative approach and non-standard solutions. Painted discs must dry well.

Liquid rubber - we paint the wheels ourselves

This new material has many advantages:

• an abundance of creative colors and shades, except chrome;
• high wear resistance, equivalent to powder painting;
• complete blocking of all scratches, chips, abrasions;
• ease of application, availability of materials, tools, equipment.

There is only one drawback - the high cost, but this is more than compensated by the good quality, reliability, and durability of the coating.

• shoes, gloves, respirator;
• acetone;
• raw rubber in a can, it is better and more reliable than paint.

When applying the material without removing the wheels from the car, prepare newspapers and masking tape.

Preparation

Before applying liquid rubber, you can prepare the surface less thoroughly than for acrylic painting. You can leave a layer of previous painting, scratches, chips.

The main thing is to thoroughly wash and degrease the metal before applying rubber. When the wheels are dry, the initial layer of the substance is applied.

When processing discs directly on the car, it is necessary to protect all rubber elements and brake pads.

In order to ensure a better fit of liquid layers of rubber and penetration into hard-to-reach places, it is recommended to remove all wheels from the car.

Painting

Liquid rubber is sprayed evenly over the entire metal surface. The first base layer is made transparent, the old paint underneath is visible. The second layer is applied more intensely while maintaining transparency.

Layer follows layer, quantity depending on color. Usually craftsmen apply 3 – 7 layers. Liquid rubber dries faster than paint, so the next layer is sprayed every 10 minutes.

The distance from the tool to the material affects whether the discs become matte or glossy after processing. The close location of the can to the surface provides a greater degree of gloss of the coating.

The distance can be checked by testing. Once you have set this size, you should not change it until the work is completed.

Painting wheels with glowing paint

Reading time: 9 minutes

With the help of the novelty and shine of car wheels, you can give your vehicle a glossy and presentable appearance. It is absolutely not necessary to buy new rims for this, since it will only be enough to repair the old parts. Experts have created a special product for painting car wheels, which is represented by varnishes, enamels and paints of various shades. With the help of such paints and varnishes, you can tidy up one of the important parts of the car without putting much effort into it.

Paint for car wheels: which one is better to choose?

Many novice car enthusiasts often wonder what to paint their rims with. Today, stores of goods and spare parts for cars are replete with various types of paints, which are divided into three main types:

Painted car wheels

• paint for wheel rims in powder form;
• rubber;
• acrylic.

Before giving preference to one or another type of this product, you should familiarize yourself with the features of each of them. As for powder paint, it is recommended to paint alloy wheels with it, since it helps create a durable and hard coating on the surface of the part. Such enamel is not susceptible to mechanical damage, and it can be applied to any type of metal.

It is worth noting that processing car wheels using powder material is an expensive procedure, the cost of which on average is 5,000 rubles. This fact can be explained by the fact that before applying the enamel, the master treats the surface using a sandblaster, after which he degreases it and coats it with a primer. The final step is to apply paint, which is pre-melted at a temperature of at least 200 degrees so that the material adheres well to the metal coating of the car disk.

To sell acrylic-based paint, spray cans are used in most cases, and it is divided into two types: matte and glossy. The cost of one can, which contains about 0.5 liters of enamel, ranges around 300 rubles, but to paint 4 discs you may need 2-3 of these bottles. The advantages of the product include the fact that it is not exposed to snow, rain and sunlight, but for maximum adhesion, the surface of the parts must be well prepared for applying acrylic paint.

Acrylic paint for rims

Rubber enamel appeared on the market not so long ago, and it is also sold in cans, which greatly facilitates the work of the master, since there is no need to use additional painting equipment. One of the main advantages of enamel is that almost no effort is required to remove it. Such paint and varnish products can be glossy, matte, fluorescent or metallic.

Due to its rapid hardening and formation of an even hard layer, this is the product preferred by most motorists.

Glowing paint for rims

Glowing paint for covering car wheels is used if there is a desire for the wheels to glow while driving at night. Due to the fact that the product contains a phosphor that accumulates daylight and emits it at night, the wheels of the vehicle glow.

In most cases, luminous paint for car wheels has a blue or yellow-green hue, but when painting wheels with this product, you need to be prepared for the fact that the color of the parts will be slightly different from the color of the body. To add brightness and change shade, it is recommended to mix luminous paint with fluorescent pigments, which have a wide color palette.

Car wheels painted with glowing paint

The phosphor tuning method is not compatible with every brand of vehicle. Often, luminous paint is applied to the rims of sports cars that are distinguished by their aggressive nature. It is also recommended to use phosphor-based enamel for the following cars:

• micromobiles, sports cars and women's (small) cars;
• coupes and cars that have a bright design.

It is strictly not recommended to apply phosphor paint to the rims of old foreign cars or vintage cars that were produced during the Soviet Union. The effect of light accumulation tends to decrease after a certain period of time, and if a cheap product was applied to the discs, the result will last no more than 2 months.

What paint is better to paint rims?

Based on feedback from car enthusiasts, experts have concluded that today there are several popular manufacturers of paints and varnishes on the market that are popular. Such brands are represented by the brands Motip, Kudo, Body and Chameleon, but before you give preference to one or another enamel, you should familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each of them.

KUDO car paint has a unique composition, which includes components that help eliminate small chips, scratches and other damage to car wheels or car components.

The advantages of Kudo enamel are represented by impeccable gloss and long lasting results. Disadvantages include low resistance to dust settling and high consumption of material when painting. Car owners say that the paint dries quickly, and the color after painting is rich and bright.

Enamel for KUDO wheels

Another high-quality product is Motip brand wheel paint, which can be applied not only to wheels, but also to the body of trucks. The advantages of such enamel include the following:

• excellent adhesion to the coating of parts, durability of the result and resistance to weather conditions;
• a varied palette of shades and colors;
• After painting, the remaining paintwork in the can can be saved to be used later for subsequent paintings.

Motip paint should be applied in several layers, since it is unable to completely cover the surface the first time. As for the unpleasant odor of the solvent, it quickly disappears after the painting procedure.

As a result of the tests, it was found that the “Body” paint for wheels does not peel off even when the temperature reaches 600 degrees. The advantages of the material are represented by a rich gloss color, impeccable adhesion to the coating and resistance to changes in temperature. A minor drawback is that the paintwork material must be applied in several layers.

The composition of the Chameleon paint coating is distinguished by the content of artificial pigments, which refract and reflect the sun's rays falling on the surface of the car wheels. This, in turn, contributes to the formation of waves of different lengths, which are perceived by the human eye as iridescent shades of colors. The first layer of luminous paint on the wheels consists of aluminum and chrome, followed by two transparent layers, which are located on the sides of the central one. Two translucent layers are applied to the outer part of the coating.

It is translucent and transparent coatings that help create a mirror effect on vehicle rims. As stated above, Chameleon paint reflects the sun's rays from different angles, but it all depends on the position of the particles in the pigment, as well as on the viewing angle of the human eye. Depending on the thickness of the layer, the wavelength is automatically determined based on the metal oxide.

Enamel for discs “Chameleon”

The wavelength of the blue, red, or yellow wavelength determines the suppression and reflection of color, as well as the resulting visual hue. This fact indicates that when a driver looks at a car disc coated with Chameleon paint, he sees different surface colors from different angles.

Silver, white, marsh, black matte paint for car rims

To give the wheels a stylish look, you can use silver, white, black or marsh paint. It is worth noting that some motorists prefer to replace the painting procedure by simply polishing aluminum wheels, since this usually costs several times less.

To paint car wheels, it is best to choose matte rubber paint “Plasti Dip”, which is sold in aerosol cans. Before applying the product, parts must undergo a washing and degreasing procedure. After the paint has been applied, the process of forming a highly elastic, sealed film begins on the discs, which can be easily removed if necessary.

If you want to radically change the color of the wheels on your car, it is advisable to first decide on the color of the paintwork.

Enamel for discs

The advantages of enamel for car wheels include the fact that it renews the appearance of the wheels and provides anti-corrosion protection. The enamel also creates an elastic coating that protects the wheels from the impact of small stones, the negative effects of weather conditions, sand and salt. Before applying the product, it is absolutely not necessary to prime the surface and coat it with varnish.

Before painting wheel rims with enamel, they should be removed, cleaned of rust formations, then degreased and dried thoroughly. Elements that cannot be painted must be protected with masking tape. To apply automotive enamel, it is advisable to choose a well-ventilated area and also think about personal protection.

Painting car wheels at home

As for the air temperature in the room where the procedure for painting car wheels takes place, it must be at least 10 degrees above zero. The drying time of the coating must be strictly observed, since it depends on the specific brand of machine. On average, paint drying time is about 4-5 hours.

If the result does not fully satisfy the driver or some errors are noticed, the parts need to be re-enamelled. But from all of the above, we can conclude that painting wheel rims at home is more than possible. To do this, you just need to acquire special paint, varnish or enamel, and also become familiar with the intricacies of the procedure.

If you follow all the rules and recommendations, you can achieve the desired result, which will cost several times less than at a vehicle service station. But first, before painting, you need to study the algorithm for the procedure and read reviews regarding a particular paint coating.

Instructions for painting stamped car wheels with your own hands

The main problem with steel car wheels made by stamping is their not very attractive appearance, especially after a year or two of use on winter roads sprinkled with salt. It provokes the rapid appearance of rust, which occurs in places where the paintwork is damaged. Because of this, buying new rims is not the best option, because you can get by with “little expense” - painting the stamped wheels yourself. In this way you will return the wheels to a presentable appearance.

Existing dyeing methods

Gone are the days when car enthusiasts who wanted to do the painting themselves could only use nitro enamel, and, as a last resort, used oil and pentaphthalic paints. Now new chemical compositions have appeared, thanks to which it is possible to paint rims in several ways:

• using acrylic paints sold in aerosol cans;
• application of polymer coatings;
• the old method is painting with automotive nitro enamel;
• laying a layer of so-called liquid rubber;
• chrome plating

Not all of the options listed are suitable for implementation at home. Take a polymer (powder) coating that is very resistant to environmental influences and mechanical damage. It is applied using a certain technology, consisting of the following stages:

1. Surface preparation, including degreasing.
2. Priming with a special composition.
3. Application of powder enamel.
4. Curing the paintwork in an oven.

Reference. On sale you can find polymer paints that harden without heat treatment. But their strength and durability are not so high and in terms of performance properties they are equal to acrylic coatings.

Since not every home has an oven for heat treatment of painted products, this method is not suitable for the average car owner. Unless you go to a specialized auto repair shop, where they will apply the polymer with high quality and charge a decent price.

For the same reasons, it is almost impossible to perform chrome plating at home. This is a complex technological process that includes the sequential application of various components with several intermediate rinses with distilled water. Moreover, the time for placing chemicals on the surface is strictly regulated. Therefore, to give the wheels the effect of a chrome surface, you will again have to turn to professionals.

Note. Chrome plating can be imitated using special “chrome effect” aerosol paints applied to a layer of black primer. True, you will have to spend money on expensive enamel, since using a cheap one will give you a “metallic” color, and not a shiny surface. The coloring technology is similar to the use of acrylic compositions, which will be discussed below.

Options for painting stamped discs with your own hands

Most motorists who personally restore the appearance of stamped wheels use three types of paints:

• acrylic;
• automotive nitro enamels;
• liquid rubber.

Acrylic coatings are quite strong and durable, and when applied they emit virtually no odor and dry quickly. The choice of such paints is very wide, so choosing a color is not a problem. If desired, you can paint the wheels with acrylic in 2 colors using masking tape or a special contour tape 6 mm wide. Two-tone wheels look impressive, which is why this option is becoming increasingly popular.

Nitroenamel is suitable for budget painting of wheels. It is quite durable and dries even faster than acrylic. One problem is that when painted, it emits a very unpleasant odor and emits harmful fumes, so you need to provide good ventilation of the room and use respiratory protection (a respirator).

Advice. If you want to paint the rim in 2 colors, you should not use nitro paint. There have been cases when, when applying the second layer of enamel, the first one began to dissolve and “float”, causing the colors to mix, so it’s better not to take risks.

The main advantage of liquid rubber over other types of coatings is to level out small potholes on the surface, which is facilitated by the filler of the composition - crushed rubber. In addition, the layer of liquid rubber is thick and elastic, which helps it withstand impacts from pebbles and other mechanical impacts. The composition dries quickly, and after hardening it does not require additional protection with varnish.

Preparation of equipment and materials

The technology for applying any paint to car rims involves spraying from a can or with a spray gun; brushes are not applicable here. To operate a spray gun, you need a compressor or an oxygen cylinder, and a small number of country house owners have such equipment.

Hence the conclusion: it is best to buy coloring compounds and primer in aerosol cans, fortunately, there is a wide selection of enamels on sale in such containers. In addition, to complete the work you will need the following tools and materials:

• an electric drill or an angle grinder with a steel wire attachment (the so-called brush);
• coarse and fine sandpaper, 400 and 200 grits are suitable;
• rust converter or its analogue - phosphoric acid;
• degreasing agent - white spirit, nefras (otherwise - Galosha gasoline), organic solvent;
• masking tape, contour tape;
• paint is calculated as 1 450 ml bottle for 2 discs, more liquid rubber may be needed;
• primer (1 bottle for 4 discs);
• rags, rubber gloves, respirator or gauze bandage.

Note. Acetone and inorganic solvents for nitro paints are not suitable for degreasing, since they are not capable of decomposing fats.

Important point. The primer must be selected so that it matches the base on which the paint is made. For example, acrylic-based compositions require acrylic primer, and so on. The application technology itself differs little from the type of enamel; the operations are performed the same.

Car wheel rim painting technology

The entire dyeing process is divided into the following stages:

1. Removing the wheels, disassembling them and removing dirt.
2. Preparing for painting.
3. Application of primer.
4. Coloring and drying.

At the first stage, it is important to thoroughly wash the discs using degreasing detergents (kitchen detergents are suitable). If you decide to paint them without removing the tires, you will have to thoroughly wash the rubber as well. After washing, dry the wheels in the fresh air or in a ventilated area.

The process of preparing to paint stampings in color

At this stage it is necessary to perform the following operations:

1. Removing rust and old paintwork.
2. Degreasing.
3. Pasting with a painting plaster (if necessary).

When performing the first operation, you need to achieve two goals: completely remove the rust and clean the applied varnish and paint as much as possible. Ideally, the old coating should be completely removed, which is quite difficult to achieve with manual processing. But the varnish should be completely cleaned, and the paint should be cleaned whenever possible. Where it holds firmly, sanding down to metal is not necessary. First you need to use coarse sandpaper, and then finer sandpaper to rub out scratches.

Advice. Do not allow the old coating to remain on the metal in the form of islands with clear protruding edges. After painting, the remaining islands will definitely appear, no matter how many layers you apply. The protrusions must be sanded down so that the surface feels smooth to the touch.

There is one weak point in the design of stamped steel wheels, where dirt is constantly packed and where rust occurs first. This is a gap located in a circle between two elements - the rim and the middle part with holes for mounting bolts. To clean and sand it, the following methods are used:

• treatment with a rust converter or phosphoric acid, followed by cleaning and sanding;
• use of sandblasting machines.

Advice. The last method is the most effective, use it whenever possible. If you have a compressor at home, you can purchase a sandblasting attachment for it and thoroughly clean the entire disk from traces of corrosion and old paint.

After cleaning, degrease the wheel rim on both sides with a rag moistened with white spirit and let it dry. After degreasing, do not touch the metal with your hands or wet it with water. If you left the tires on the rims, then they need to be deflated to the maximum and covered with masking tape, trying to get it as far as possible under the edge of the rim. Another option is to frame the part to be painted from cardboard, cutting it into a semicircle and sliding it under the edge of the rim.

Priming and painting

The first step is to create convenient conditions for performing these operations. In order to paint the wheels efficiently, it is worth coming up with podiums for them, for example, from upside-down old buckets. The ideal option is to hang the rim to provide access from all sides. When everything is ready to paint, proceed in this order:

1. Shake the can of acrylic primer for 3-5 minutes, then carefully apply the first coat, holding the sprayer at least 20 cm from the surface.
2. Dry the first layer for the time indicated on the package (up to 20 minutes).
3. Apply a second layer of primer evenly and let it dry.
4. After shaking the can of acrylic paint thoroughly, apply it in 3-4 layers with 10-minute breaks to dry. While staining, shake the contents of the container periodically and do not stop in one place, otherwise drips will form.

Advice. Do not prime or paint rims outdoors, in the open air. The problem is not the rain, as you might think, but the dust particles that settle on the painted surface from the slightest breeze. Dust will ruin all your work.

If the surface of the rim is dotted with defects from impacts, then the indentations should first be puttied and cleaned with fine sandpaper. But due to the direct interaction of the rims with the road surface, which in our conditions is rarely smooth, the putty can break off over time, exposing bare metal, where corrosion will quickly occur. Therefore, for such wheels, it is appropriate to paint them with liquid rubber, whose layer will cover all defects. The technology for applying such a coating is no different from painting with acrylic, only the number of layers can be from 3 to 7.

To paint in 2 colors, after the first paint has completely dried, cover the disc in the right places with masking tape. Then take enamel of a different color and apply it in 3-5 layers with breaks for drying. The drying process is accelerated when using a hair dryer. After the coating has completely hardened, the tape can be removed.

To ensure that the paintwork lasts as long as possible, it is recommended to protect it with a layer of clear automotive varnish. Then, when exposed to abrasive particles and impacts with pebbles, the main coloring layer of the disc will not be damaged. The varnish can be applied 1 hour after painting using the same technology: at least 3 layers with breaks for hardening.

Advice. So that your efforts on the beauty of the wheels are not in vain, before installing the wheels on the car, wait at least a day for the new coating to dry completely.

When you begin to remove the wheels from your car, pay attention to the appearance of the front brake calipers and rear drums. They are probably peeling off and will show through unsightly through the technological openings in the steel disk. To bring it to full beauty, it’s worth painting the calipers and drums in some color that harmonizes with the new coating of the rims.

Video about applying paint to stamped car wheels

About security measures

Painting work using sprayers (cans or spray guns) poses a health hazard, no matter what kind of paint you use. Tiny droplets of chemical compounds form an aerosol (a suspension of liquid in the air) that enters the respiratory tract and eyes. Harmful substances, especially carcinogens, take a long time to be eliminated from the body. When using nitro paints, harmful acetone vapors are added to this set.

To paint wheels without harm to health, follow basic safety rules:

• carry out work in a well-ventilated area (for example, a garage with an open gate);
• do not paint in your own apartment, where small children live with you;
• wear a respirator or protective gauze bandage and goggles;
• Put rubber gloves on your hands.

Advice. The respiratory tract must be protected, starting with the process of stripping the metal of rust, since fine abrasive dust also rises in the air. Another option is to periodically moisten the sandpaper, which will prevent dust from appearing and will make rubbing easier.

The most difficult and time-consuming part of the wheel painting process is the preparation. Washing, sanding and degreasing will take up the lion's share of your time allotted for this event. In general, you should expect that the procedure will take 1 day plus another day for the paint to dry. But professional painting in a car repair shop is also not done quickly, and it will not be cheap. Hence the conclusion: painting steel wheels yourself makes sense, provided that you have free time.

Types of paint for car rims and methods of applying it

The shine and novelty of the rims give a special shine to the entire car. This effect can be achieved not only when purchasing new disks, but also when repairing old ones. There is a special paint for car wheels, or rather, a whole series of paints, varnishes and enamels of various colors. These paints and varnishes are used to paint this important part of the machine.

The need for painting wheels

Car wheels (rims) often suffer when driving - they are the ones that are subject to the greatest wear, scratching, and other types of mechanical and chemical damage. Various defects do not affect functionality, but greatly spoil the aesthetics of the car. The need to paint the surface of the discs may arise in the following cases:

• too long service life, multiple chips;
• purchasing used disks;
• restoration carried out after a serious defect;
• corrosion of the disk coating by chemical reagents;
• repeated washing with high pressure washers;
• upcoming off-road trips;
• getting into an accident;
• the desire to highlight and decorate the car, to give the wheels a more expensive look.

Also, applying a coloring agent to the rims is a good way to extend their service life, since the film will serve as protection and protect against chips and scratches. Under a layer of paint, alloy wheels do not corrode, and plastic parts become much more attractive and repel dirt. In parallel with painting the casting, tuning of the brake calipers is carried out - usually in the main selected color.

The choice of shade is made by the owner individually. Now it is possible to choose a dye from a huge range of colors. There are even glowing, luminescent paints. Tinted chrome, graphite, as well as silver and black paints are considered “classics” among drivers. Colors can be matte and glossy, modest and bright - the range is large.

Coloring methods

There are many technologies that can be used to paint wheel rims. Which one is better? The choice will depend on the equipment of the workplace, the price category of paints, and the presence or absence of experience. Not all methods are suitable for home use; some are only available to professionals.

Previously, car enthusiasts painted stamped wheels with conventional paint - nitro enamel, oil enamel, pentaphthalic enamel. Now they have been replaced by more modern, durable paints and varnishes specifically for cars. The most popular are acrylic ones in cans or jars. Also, rim tuning can be done by the following means and methods:

• application of polymer (powder) coating;
• laying liquid rubber;
• chrome plating

The latter method allows you to create a chrome-plated disk that does not differ in appearance from the original one, but the cost of such work is high, and the technique is complex and requires a lot of experience of the craftsman. There is a cheaper alternative - applying regular acrylic paint “chrome-look” with special additives. It is sprayed galvanically or from cylinders.

Types of car paints for wheels

Large car paint manufacturers usually produce a full range of paints and varnishes - rubber, acrylic, powder. Kudo remains the most popular brand; its products are distinguished by high quality and durability. Paints eliminate minor scratches, chips on wheels and other car parts, as they contain chemicals that increase wear resistance.

Another well-known brand is Motip; it has long been recognized as the best by automotive repair and tuning professionals. A number of paints are used for wheels and the body, others are intended only for rims. Most of the paints of this brand are sold in spray cans and are characterized by low consumption.

Rubber paints

Liquid rubber, or rubber paint, has become popular due to its versatility. It is well suited for all types of discs - cast, stamped steel, forged, titanium, and plastic elements. Even wheel caps are covered with liquid rubber to give them a more beautiful appearance. This type of paint comes in glossy and matte finishes.

The advantage of rubber coatings is its ability to harden quickly, forming a durable layer like rubber. A unique property is the ability to remove this layer at any time without damaging the surface or using special tools. The disadvantages are the high cost of paint due to high consumption, as well as greater susceptibility to scratches compared to acrylic enamel.

Powder paints

Powder paint has the highest protective properties. This paintwork material copes well with corrosion, the action of salts, alkalis, acids, and reagents. The paint is not afraid of water, resistant to mechanical damage, does not fade, and is heat-resistant. It can be applied to titanium, steel, various alloys, except aluminum (they can be deformed).

The disadvantages of powdered formulations include the complexity of the application technology - they cannot be used at home. The method involves melting the product in a special chamber at a temperature of +200 degrees and then applying it to a sheet or disk or other product. Otherwise, the powder will not stick to the metal, and the necessary equipment is quite expensive. Often this type of coating is used by the disc manufacturers themselves.

Acrylic paints

Acrylic-based products are suitable for all types of rims, there are no exceptions. Even on aluminum, a durable and high-quality result is obtained in a short time, and the color palette is the richest. Acrylic paints are sold in cylinders, cans, and other containers, but the most convenient method of application is aerosol spraying.

The advantages of paints of this type are as follows:

• high quality coating;
• affordability;
• the ability to combine colors and create unusual designs;
• surface protection from corrosion, dirt, precipitation;
• long-term preservation of discs even with regular exposure to reagents;
• quick drying (only 15-20 minutes).

And yet, powder paints last much longer than acrylic and rubber paints. But for cosmetic repairs, acrylic will be the fastest and most affordable option.

Painting technology

Before painting yourself, you need to clarify how much base material (paint) is needed. You should buy enamel with a reserve so that there are no problems with matching the tone, otherwise the discs will be different in color.

Necessary materials and equipment

In order for the job to be done efficiently, you should not skimp on paint. It is also important to check the expiration date of enamel and other materials. The technician will need automotive primer and varnish, acetone or another solvent, and car putty (if there are defects).

Tools and consumables you need:

• fine grain sandpaper;
• gloves;
• respirator;
• Sander;
• construction hairdryer

When purchasing paint, it is better to immediately purchase primer and putty of the same brand to improve compatibility and, accordingly, the final result. An electric drill with a special attachment (for removing old coating and traces of corrosion) is suitable as a replacement for a grinding machine. A construction hair dryer, if necessary, is replaced with a heat gun. These tools are needed to dry the paint as quickly as possible, but many types of enamels dry well at room temperature. If you purchased paint in a can, no tools are required. When using other forms, you need to buy a roller, brush and spray gun.

Preparing for work

Before work, remove tires, plastic caps and plugs that will interfere with quality painting. Further preparation includes the following steps:

• thoroughly rinse the products from dirt using ordinary household chemicals or special automotive products, as well as a brush with plastic bristles;
• sand the disc to remove minimal chips and scratches (first you can use coarser sandpaper, then fine sandpaper);
• if there are deep chips, use putty;
• degrease the discs with acetone or another solvent;
• wrap the wheel nipples with masking tape if the rims have not been removed;
• You can start priming.

Dyeing process

The primer is applied to car wheels in 2-3 layers with an interval of 15 minutes. This time is required for the soil to dry (you cannot apply a second layer to a wet disc!). Next, you can make the first layer with a spray gun, holding the nozzle at a distance of 40 cm from the product (it is also acceptable to apply paint with a roller and brush). It is important to apply only thin layers so that the paintwork does not leak. After each layer has dried (from 15 minutes), the next one is applied, up to 2-4 layers in total. To complete the work, the discs need to be varnished. This is done 30 minutes after the paint has completely dried. Usually 2 layers of varnish are enough for the outside and 1-2 for the inside.

Using paint in spray cans

The most convenient is the use of paint in the form of ready-made auto enamel, which is sold in cylinders. There is no need to dilute it, add a hardener or solvent, which some products in jars require. You just need to first test the paint on an unnecessary surface in order to get used to it and then apply layers evenly, without drips. The most economical paint consumption is with a round spray nozzle; more material will be required if the nozzle is vertical.

Before starting work, it is important to cover all unpainted parts of the car with masking tape or film, because it is impossible to completely control the spraying of the aerosol. The contents of the container should be shaken well; during long-term work, the procedure should be carried out every 10-20 minutes. The room temperature should not be lower than +10...+15 degrees (optimally +20 degrees).

To make it easier to apply paint, the discs should be removed from the machine and hung on a hook in the wall. Preparation does not differ from that described above for other types of paint. If there is rust, you should buy a converter, cover the damaged areas with it, and leave for 2 hours. You can then remove rust from the wheels with high efficiency.

After priming you need to:

• shake the paint, spray the first layer from a distance of 40 cm;
• wait 10 minutes, apply a second layer;
• ensure that all hard-to-reach places and complex elements are well painted;
• after complete drying, spray varnish from a can;
• between each layer, except the final one, remove all irregularities with fine sandpaper or abrasive paste;
• If necessary, treat the disc with car polish.

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Security measures

During preparation and work, the following measures should be followed:

• Wear safety glasses to prevent paint from getting into your eyes;
• use thick clothing and gloves to protect your skin;
• Paint only indoors with good ventilation or in the fresh air;
• prevent paint from igniting by preventing nearby sources of fire.

Tips and tricks

Experts advise preparing and painting all the discs at once, so as not to wait a long time for each layer to dry. This way, you can save time - while one disc dries, the next one is painted. It is also important to properly paint hard-to-reach places, raised areas, and avoid drips. This will allow you to get the perfect result without disappointment.