Example


Easy answer: One can of silver spray paint + clear coat = done.

I'm old enough to remember when these wheels were factory new (my 88 Civic). They were pretty durable, and hold up pretty well. No matter how old the brake dust and crap, they wash right off.

Are these wheel painted? Yes, because if you scratch them, you can see they are "black" underneeth.

However, when one paint a wheel with silver paint, even the best of paint and clearcoat will not protect them well, over time.

So how were they painted?

Is it a good idea to spray paint it DIY?

Another pic. Newer application of same type of steel wheel.

 

just ran across this thread, look for argent silver wheel paint, the duplicolor wheel paint is also really good, they look best with beauty rings though, you need the shallow ones