Hi,

Looking for input on this... I have a set of Regamaster Evo rims (original) and the paint needs some help so I am considering refinishing the rim. I have the option of stripping/glassbeading and powdercoating the rim or stripping/beading and repaint with automotive paint.

Considering the added heat of curing the powdercoat (less than 400degF for less than 20 min), would this affect the integrity of the metal at all ? I would prefer to powdercoat but not at the possible expense of strength of the rim as the rim will be autocrossed as it's main use.

Input appreciated.

 

If ur doing it to sell just auto paint...after the tires are on

Nm saw ur using for autoX. My friend powdered his personal ones before flipping the painted ones. He never had uses but he wasnt driving hard on them.was nsx spec than i think he went 17x9 35 all around I think It was a rare sz

 

Ahhh I don't think that the powdercoating process is going to affect the integrity of the metal too much being at those temperatures. I say go for the powdercoating option for sure. Don't shortcut it :D haha.

 

I think powdercoating is fine, but you want to be careful with media blasting. Chemical stripping is better, or so I hear.

 

had my volk te37 redone powder coat everything it turns out really good....
chemical called b17 will take the old original powder from your rim..

 

From another thread

A word of caution regarding the powder coating of aluminum.

Forged alloy wheels are desirable because they are known to be both strong and lightweight. To achieve these characteristics, they are typically manufactured from 6061-T6 grade aluminum. At some time during the manufacturing process this alloy must undergo a two-step thermal process in order for it to attain the desired mechanical properties, which include high strength and resistance to fatigue. These thermal processing or heat treating steps are known as solution treatment (985°F) and artificial aging (350°F). With forged 6061 aluminum, the artificial aging step requires the material to be held at 350°F for about 8 hours.

The majority of powder coating materials require a cure temperature ranging from 300 to 400°F with a cure time of about 1 hour. Since this overlaps the temperature of the artificial aging step, the powder coating process has the potential to "overage" the aluminum causing embrittlement and reduced fatigue life.

Recent advances in powder coating compounds have brought about lower cure temperatures of 250°F. These new powder coating compounds are more desirable, since they do not impact the prior thermal processing steps for heat treatable alloys such as 6061-T6 aluminum.

When considering powder coating of heat treatable aluminum alloys (6000 and 7000 series), it is always advisable to confirm that the temperature of the part will not exceed 300°F. Ignoring this fact may result in a sudden and unexpected failure of a critical component. A critical failure in a forged alloy wheel could ruin not just one, but possibly the rest of your days.

Before allowing someone to powder coat your forged aluminum wheels, ask them to use a lower cure temperature (250°F) compound and to maintain the temperature below 300°F at all times while they are processing your wheels.