I recently got an extra set of S2k rims for AX and i want to paint them a nice gunmetal grey. I have painted before, but i just used flat black paint on some stock rims. As for the questions, I just want to know what needs to be done in the preparation of the rims, with the tires mounted. Will I need to sand the rims by hand to help the paint adhere better? and if i do, what grit sandpaper should i use? I don't want to screw these rims up because they are in really good condition, and they are a second set, and if they look good, i just might want to paint my original ones. the paint I am using is called Dupli-color wheel coating bought from Kragen..and the reason i posted in this section is beacuse i noticed a lot of painted rims here, some by hand, others not. any help or info would be appreciated...

 

I used a 300 grit wet sand paper and sanded off all the clear coat. Then I used lacquer thinner to wipe it clean. I then just used some cheap walmart paint and painted about 4 layers of coat. take about 30 minutes between each coat. I than used about 3 clear coat. It sticks like white on rice and barely scratch or anything. so hope that helps

 

I suggest getting them powdercoated ...

 

Thanks for the response about the 300 grit wet sandpaper..i think i will check into that and start sanding today..if i find some...and as for the powdercoating..it is a little expensive compared to painting it yourself..200 plus for powdercoating compared to 20 bucks for painting it yourself....

 

I to would recomend powder coating..Ive seen some home paint jobs gone horribly wrong...specially on s2k wheels..they aren't cheap

 

Too late, i already painted them..and they look pretty good in my opinion..i will post pics once i figure out how too...and i just did an experiment on one of the front rims..i didn't sand it, just cleaned it well with a cleaner..and painted over the clearcoat...time will tell how long it will last...

 

 

Powdercoating cost money...but i will probably get them powder coated later on..but for now this an experiment in painting...and so far it looks successful...

 

when done well, paint will hold on more then well...I have done over 5 sets, since some are over 2-3 years old now....they still look very good.....you can even bake them in hot oven to cure the paint...