Painting titanium discs with your own hands: what and how to do it?

1. Painting car rims with powder paints in any color. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

2. Painting of decorative metal parts with powder paints: calipers, springs, door handles, windshield wipers, etc.

Currently, many companies offer powder coating. In reality, there are only a few large companies on the market - the rest are intermediaries. We were the first in Moscow to begin painting wheels with powder paint, we carry out the work ourselves and have our own full production cycle.

The use of powder paint allows you to achieve the highest results both in the appearance of the rims and in the excellent durability of the paintwork. A wide variety of colors guarantees the satisfaction of almost any client's wishes regarding the color of the finished product.

In our work, we use special painting materials designed specifically for wheel rims, which guarantees excellent quality of work! In our centers you can order the painting of wheels in various districts of Moscow: Eastern Administrative District, North-Eastern Administrative District, North-Western Administrative District, South-Western Administrative District.

Manufacturers of wheel rims coat their products with powder paints. Therefore, we guarantee the restoration of the original factory coating of the disc, with long-term aesthetic and performance properties. You can choose the paint color.

The wheel rim must be covered with a layer of anti-corrosion primer, then painted with base paint to give the desired color, and only lastly with a layer of super-transparent varnish to protect it from external influences. Only compliance with the entire technological cycle of painting wheels allows us to provide a lifetime guarantee for our work.

Wheel rim primer

At the next stage of preparatory work, priming is performed. To perform the procedure, degrease the clean, sanded surface of the disc using a solvent. 4-5 minutes after drying, we begin to apply the primer.

Take a spray bottle or a can and begin to evenly apply the primer to the disc. It is advisable to prime at a distance to prevent drips on wheeled products.

As a rule, the primer is applied at a distance of 15-20 cm from the surface of the disc. If you maintain this distance and apply it evenly, the surface will be perfectly smooth without streaks.

After applying the first coat of primer, the disk must dry thoroughly. At the next stage, we use soft sandpaper with a grit of 600-800 and treat the surface dry or with water.

The primer is removed in such a way that the surface has no roughness, but becomes perfectly smooth. If, after removing it, small defects remain, the operation must be repeated. Then we let the wheel rim dry and prepare it for the painting process.

It is extremely important that the room in which paint work will be carried out has a ventilated system. As an alternative, painting can be done outside in calm weather.

The surface of the disc must be completely dry so that the paint sits evenly on it without drips.

Why paint wheels?

The parts of the car that often suffer from various damages are the disks (you can less often hear the name “rims”). Increased wear, regular mechanical, and in winter, chemical influences that negatively affect the appearance of the structure - this is what is inevitable when operating a car. Painting becomes an option for protecting the metal base of the wheel. Painting will be needed in the following cases:

• The car has been in use for a long time, so numerous chips are visible;
• used discs were purchased;
• the part received a serious defect and was restored;
• chemical reagents for treating road surfaces have corroded the old surface;
• the old paint layer has been knocked off as a result of regular washing using high-pressure technology;
• the car will have a long trip off-road (for protection purposes);
• the driver wants to make his car stand out from others due to its eye-catching wheels.

Painting a wheel rim is a way to extend the life of the part. The paint layer will take on protective functions and minimize chips and scratches on the metal. Painting provides anti-corrosion protection. If the casting is painted, the brake calipers are also refinished - they are also painted.

Damage to the disc rim Scratches on the disc

What are we going to paint with?

Painting car rims has not only a decorative function, but also a protective one. After all, over time, even the highest quality metal will wear out and show signs of corrosion. To prevent this from happening, proper care and painting is necessary. From paint and varnish products we will need:

1. Dye. The main hero of the occasion in the matter of painting wheels. There are several options for painting wheels using different types of paints:
2. Powder. They are used in industrial production and are durable, but are unlikely to be suitable for home painting. To use them, you need a special spraying apparatus, a large well-ventilated room, as well as a good respirator that will protect your respiratory system from the spreading substance.
3. Acrylic paints. The most common among both car enthusiasts and craftsmen. It has increased adhesive properties (which allow it to adhere to the surface being painted at the molecular level), and thanks to its structure it can have a bright and rich color. The difference from powder paints is the ability to apply both with a simple spray gun and with a spray can (acrylic paints are sold both in cans and spray cans). Special additives in such paints also make it possible to increase the protective properties of such coatings. If in doubt about the choice of acrylic paint, do not skimp on good copies. Various additives in high-quality cans will allow the paint to last on the disc for a long time, as well as protect it from various external factors.
4. Liquid rubber. A material that is gaining popularity year after year. It can look great on discs and also exhibits excellent protective properties. The application process is practically no different from the technology of applying acrylic paint from a spray can. However, before purchasing, we still advise you to read the instructions for use, which are usually printed either on the can itself or in the document attached to the box.

   The validity period of liquid rubber is usually no more than 12 months. However, thanks to the silicone base, this coating can be easily torn off and washed off.

Wheel painting procedure

Painting alloy wheels is a multi-step procedure:

1. First, the car's disk is treated with a sandblasting machine to level the surface and remove remnants of the old coating. After this, the surface is degreased, which allows the paint to be applied in a more even layer.
2. Then the disc is phosphated - this is the application of an anti-corrosion coating. This type of work is carried out to increase the durability of the disk during operation.
3. Then it is painted with powder paint and heat treated. To protect the surface, a glossy or matte varnish is applied over the paint, depending on the desired result.

In our service center, wheel repairs and painting are carried out using modern equipment, in compliance with all technological standards.

Powder coating work on wheels comes with a lifetime warranty .

Recently, our campaign has been receiving questions about the cost and technology of our work. In this regard, we decided to clarify some points:

• We were the first in Moscow to begin painting wheels with powder paints and, accordingly, have the most experience in this field.
• Our competitors imitate us, which means that we are leaders.
• We have a lifetime warranty on wheel painting.
• It is possible to choose the paint color according to your wishes from the RAL catalog - we will order the color especially for you.

The technology we use for powder painting of wheel rims:

• sandblasting - for cleaning old paint
• phosphating of the disc - to protect against corrosion
• primer covering
• base color coating
• protective varnish coating

If you pay attention, we use THREE layers of coating - primer, base and varnish.

Many companies engaged in painting wheels and having a lower price disrupt the technological cycle at various stages.

For example, they do not use varnish or, instead of sandblasting, they chemically remove old paint, reuse paint or primer, paint only the front part of the disc, etc. All this, of course, has a direct impact on the result of the work.

Warranty terms

For your confidence in the quality of our work, we support a lifetime warranty on the wheels we paint. This means that if you paint your wheels with us, we guarantee that the paint will not peel off throughout the entire period of their operation. Otherwise we will repaint the rims. As you understand, the warranty does not cover paint chips - they will occur, but subsequently the paint chip will not increase in size by more than 0.5 cm.

Attention! Discs with oxides (aluminum corrosion) that have penetrated deep into the surface of the disc are not subject to warranty.

It's no secret that wheel rims lose their original aesthetic qualities over time. Under the influence of abrasive materials and as a result of corrosion processes, scratches, abrasions, indelible dirt, and so on appear on their surface.

Powder coating of discs will help eliminate all these unpleasant consequences. However, this service can also be used by those car enthusiasts who are simply bored with the current color of the wheels.

Wheel painting technologies

• “Cosmetics,” or partial painting of the disc, is done by applying acrylic enamel. This is a technology used to eliminate visual defects in certain areas. You cannot completely paint the rims with acrylic paint - it will simply peel off after a while. Acrylic paint is applied using a sprayer. To obtain the best result, the paint is applied in several layers, with mandatory drying after each of them. A clear varnish is applied on top.

It should be noted that acrylic paint is considered not the most durable and is not resistant to negative environmental influences. But the range of available colors is huge, which allows you to choose the right shade if only part of the disc is painted. In many cases, using acrylic can save time and money.

• Powder coating of discs. A more modern and reliable technology that allows you to obtain a very resistant and durable coating. Today, painting of alloy wheels is most often carried out using this method, since wheel rims experience significant loads and are in direct contact with an aggressive environment.

Powder painting technology includes three main stages:

1) preparing the surface for painting - sandblasting,

2) phosphating – anti-corrosion treatment,

3) the process of powder painting itself in three layers: primer + base coat of paint + protective varnish.

First, powder paint is applied to the surface of the disc using electrostatic spraying. Then, under the influence of high temperature (150-220°C) in a special heat chamber, it is polymerized. The result is a physically and chemically resistant coating. The main disadvantages of powder coating discs are the price (it is significantly higher than acrylic) and limited color range. Also, due to the peculiarities of the technology, the part, as a rule, is painted only as a whole.

If you want your wheels to look like new, use ! We service disks of any type using modern equipment and strictly adhere to work technology.

How to properly prepare car wheels for painting

The most important and responsible stage of painting a disc is its proper preparation. If you skip any of the stages or do it poorly, then all the work can go down the drain. Old coating can be removed in several ways:

• heating;
• special liquid;
• sandblasting.

You should heat the autodisc with caution, and you can use a hair dryer for this.

Thanks to this heating, the coating peels off and can be removed with a spatula. The use of liquid has already been mentioned earlier in the article. This method is considered the most popular, as it does not require much effort and expense. But sandblasting is the most progressive. It is able to remove not only outdated coatings, but also rust.

But not everyone has such a device, so you can either turn to professionals or choose another method of processing disks. To level the surface, you must use sandpaper with a grit of 300-400. Next, the paper is changed to P 1000 and the surface is processed to perfect smoothness. You need to start work from the inside of the disk. Those defects that could not be eliminated with sandpaper are finished off with putty. The method of applying it was mentioned earlier in the article.

Proper disc processing

You can degrease the surface not only with a special product; gasoline, alcohol, and solvent are also suitable for this. After this stage it is necessary to prime the surface. This step cannot be skipped, since the primer serves as a connecting link between the metal and the enamel. After applying the first layer, you can see previous imperfections. It is still possible to remove them; you just need to rub the error with sandpaper. The primer is applied in several layers. Professionals recommend drying it for about 12 hours. This will help the material adhere more firmly to the disc. Next comes the painting stage.

How to paint car wheels at home? Yes, it’s easy if you clearly know what to do and what preparatory steps should be carried out. Painting it yourself may take a lot of time, but it will require little investment. In addition, such work will be done efficiently, because it is done for oneself.

How to tint a cast wheel

It is worth choosing a paint coating carefully, because the result of painting will depend on the quality of the material. There are several options for how to paint the rim:

• acrylic;
• liquid rubber;
• powder material;
• aerosol can.

Acrylic coating is often used as an upgrade for wheel rims.

Its advantage is the availability of a large selection of colors and not too high a price. But to apply it you will need a spray gun, and not every car enthusiast has one. And such a coating is also very short-lived; over time, restoration will have to be carried out again. Liquid rubber is an innovation, but due to its high price, it is not very often used by ordinary car owners. This coating is a hard layer of rubber-like material. It is very easy to remove even with bare hands. The color range of this material is also very impressive, but due to the high price, the demand for it is low.

You might be interested in this About stamped wheels for the Chevrolet Lacetti sedan

Liquid rubber

Powder coating is the most stable and durable. It is resistant to corrosion, acids, salts, moisture and minor damage. This is an ideal option for disk recovery, which will protect them as much as possible. But this material has a significant disadvantage - its application requires special equipment, which is expensive. It is used in auto repair shops, but it is very difficult to purchase it yourself.

The most optimal and cheapest method is an aerosol coating. Painting material from a spray can is applied easily and very quickly, and also does not require special skills or special equipment. equipment. Repainting the rims this way is more practical and also cheaper.

It is advisable to take all materials used from the same manufacturer. This will ensure high-quality adhesion between all applied layers of coating.

Dyeing process

We divide the entire painting procedure into three stages.

Primer A layer of primer is applied to the disc by spraying from a can from a distance of 30-35 centimeters from the surface. When applying, care should be taken to ensure that the substance does not leak. You need to apply several layers, with 10-15 minute intervals between each application.

It is important to know that after finishing priming, it is best to wait 12 hours until the primer is completely fixed on the surface of the disk. This will ensure the best possible result and save you from disappointment in the future. Paint Applying paint is similar to how it is done with primer

The same 30-35 centimeters from the spray point to the surface of the disk, the same 3 layers, the same 15 minute intervals between application of layers. The only difference is that you don’t have to wait 12 hours after dyeing. One hour will be enough.

Varnish

Varnishing the front side of the disc is the final stage of the entire cosmetic restoration process. The varnish is applied in 1-2 layers, about which you can read in more detail on the can of a specific manufacturer. There should be no difficulties, since you have already done similar manipulations with primer and paint. Next, let the varnish dry, and you can put on your “steel stallion” shoes.

In conclusion, let’s just say that painting the entire set of wheels yourself will cost you 10 or even more times cheaper than the cost of similar work at a car service center.
This is the savings. Video on the topic:

Inventory and available means

Painting wheels requires having on hand:

• sandpaper, preferably fine;
• regular brush (brushes with polymer or metal bristles);
• household detergents, standard solvent (white spirit);
• automotive putty, primer, varnish mixture and a container of acrylic paint.

To prevent accidental contact of the coloring or varnish component on the skin and mucous membranes, you should take care of personal protective equipment - gloves, dust respirator, eye protection glasses (plastic).

The room where the discs will be painted must be well ventilated.

Restoring chrome on wheels

1. Galvanization in a container with a special solution containing: chromic anhydride CrO3 (250 g/l), distilled water, sulfuric acid (2.4 g/l), sheet lead, hydrochloric acid, acetone.
2. Creating a chrome coating by sputtering using a spray gun or a galvanic brush. In this case, the material consumption will be quite large.

Powder paint is also common, giving the surface a mirror effect. It is used as an alternative to chrome plating. The painting process includes several stages:

• laying black backing;
• surface polishing;
• applying a layer of paint;
• varnish coating.

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.

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.

How much does it cost to paint wheels?

The cost of wheel painting services depends on several factors, including:

• Wheel size;
• Painting in 1 color;
• Painting in 2 colors;
• Dyeing with edging;
• Painting with a “gold” effect;
• Painting with reflective composition;
• Painting with chameleon paint.

In a professional studio, the entire range of services for painting 4 wheels of diameter R14 will cost from 6,000 rubles in the off-season, adding piping will cost 12,000 rubles, the color “gold” will cost 8,000-10,000 rubles, piping usually adds 2,000 rubles for one set.

When working independently, the cost of a full cycle of painting with acrylic aerosol ready-to-use paint is quite comparable to working in a studio and will cost 4,700-6,000 rubles.

Types of paints and technologies for tuning/restoring wheels

As it turns out, for every professional company there are five offices that fulfill orders thoughtlessly, which you may not even suspect. Well, it’s pointless to talk about the benefits of the material for home use: it’s necessary, period.

So, let's begin. There are four techniques for painting rims and, accordingly, four types of paints:

• Powder coating. After applying the powder to a metal surface, the part is sent to a special oven, where at high temperatures the powder melts and hardens, forming a paintwork. This technique is loved primarily for the high resistance of the resulting layer to scratches and aggressive reagents. Among the shortcomings is shagreen, barely noticeable from a close distance, but still there.
• Liquid rubber (Plasti Dip). From the name you can guess that the technology is based on the use of rubber-based paints. The equipment is positioned more as a protective or tuning device, with the possibility of unhindered rollback back to the factory state. Relevant for new cars/wheels.

• Acrylic enamel. Factory paintwork is formed using acrylic paints and acrylic varnishes. This technique is characterized by simplicity, resistance to scratches and damage, excellent glossy or matte finish and fast drying. You can spray it either from a spray can or with a spray gun.
• Alkyd paint. A budget option for painting wheels from a spray can. Not durable, not scratch resistant, not recommended for use.

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.

Set for safe painting of wheels

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.

Prices for painting wheels.

Attention! Discounts are provided ONLY with documented confirmation (cards, coupons, etc.)

ATTENTION! When repairing wheels, tires, painting wheels, and other work, the cost of tire fitting work is taken into account separately according to the price list for tire fitting.

Painting options for alloy wheels

In order to paint car rims, you need special paint. The most popular types of paint for them:

• powder,
• acrylic,
• so-called liquid rubber.

Powder paint is considered the most wear-resistant and durable

Powder paint is considered the most wear-resistant and durable. It is created on the basis of special polymer materials. Often, such paint is used by the manufacturer himself during industrial production. At home, powder paint is used extremely rarely, since its use requires specialized and very expensive equipment, as well as the complexity of the application process.

Acrylic paint can be applied from a spray can or spray gun

Acrylic paint is the most common among car owners. It is available in liquid form, so it can be applied from a spray can or spray gun. This paint has excellent adhesive properties, due to which it adheres well to the surface and reliably protects the disc from negative environmental factors.

Liquid rubber can be used both for the body and for individual elements of the car

Liquid rubber is a new type of painting material that is rapidly gaining popularity. It is a rubber-based paint that can be used both on the body of a vehicle and on individual elements of the car, including rims.

Each of the presented types has its own advantages, however, in everyday conditions, car owners opt for painting with acrylic paints.

Types of paints for wheels

To answer the question of what paint to paint your wheels with, you need to understand the features of paint compositions and clarify the nuances of their use. Acrylic paints, rubber and powder paints are used for painting. It is also worth mentioning luminous compounds.

Acrylic paint

Acrylic-based coatings are suitable for processing any car wheels. Even if the part to be painted is made of aluminum, it is possible to obtain a durable coating using acrylic paint. Moreover, this can be done quickly, and a variety of colors will simplify the task. Acrylic paints and varnishes are supplied in cylinders, small cans, and there is an option to purchase the composition in a spray can. Aerosol acrylic paint for rims is easy to use and provides a durable finish. Advantages of the coloring composition:

• combination of colors (for an unusual design);
• protective functions of the layer applied in accordance with the technology;
• extending disk life;
• quick drying (up to 20 minutes);
• affordable price.

Acrylic paint for wheels

Rubber paint

The use of rubber coloring composition is explained by its versatility. Paintwork is applied to casting, stamping, forged and titanium wheels. The rubber compound can be used to treat hubcaps to improve the appearance of car wheels. The paint comes in matte and glossy shades. LKM has the advantages:

• dries quickly;
• creates a durable layer (similar to rubber);
• Easily removed without additional tools and damage to the base.

Pay attention to: Features of painting car brake calipers

The disadvantages are associated with increased consumption, which affects the final cost. The paint layer is more susceptible to mechanical damage compared to the acrylic layer.

Rubber paint

Powder paint

The application of powder paint involves a technology that is not always possible to use in domestic conditions. The powder sprayed onto the part requires further polymerization, carried out in an oven. The complexity of the technology is compensated by the protective properties, and powder paint has them at a high level. Among the advantages:

• anti-corrosion effect;
• resistance to salts, acids and alkalis;
• resistance to high temperatures;
• strength (no risk of mechanical damage);
• adhesive properties (the paint adheres well to metals and alloys, except aluminum).

The downside is the complexity of the technology and the need to purchase equipment (spray gun, polymerization oven). Such equipment is more often found among car wheel manufacturers themselves.

Powder coating of wheels

Glowing paint

Phosphor is a filler that allows the paint layer to “give off” the light accumulated during the day. Phosphor paints, after application and drying, create a glowing effect. Depending on the size of the particles, the duration of the glow changes (the smaller they are, the longer the effect lasts). Since the phosphor initially produces a yellowish or bluish glow, paint and varnish manufacturers add various pigments to the compositions. The paint can be purchased ready-made, or you can make it yourself. The proportion for the mixture of varnish with phosphor is 5 to 1. The substance that gives the glow effect acts as a pigment. Additives that change color enhance the effect of the main substance. Methods for applying paints and varnishes are standard.

Car life hacking

Oddly enough, the process of painting car wheels can be greatly simplified by using an ordinary deck of playing cards. If the size of the wheel does not exceed the 16th radius, a deck of 36 cards is suitable; for larger sizes, it is worth purchasing a deck of 54 cards.

The wheel must be removed from the car and washed thoroughly. After this, you first need to carefully rub off large scratches with waterproof sandpaper dipped in water, and then with finer-grain paper, you need to completely process the front side of the disc. It is worth keeping in mind that the lower the number indicated on the back of the sandpaper, the greater the grit it has and vice versa. Ultimately, the car wheel is processed with very fine sandpaper (grit number 1000 is suitable). A prerequisite for grinding is the use of water.

After the surface of the disc has been cleaned and polished, it must be washed again with water and thoroughly degreased. Traditional solvent 647 or brake cleaner spray will work for this. One wheel will require no more than half a liter of solvent.

Now unpack the deck of cards and arrange them along the entire radius of the disk rim, so that the cards slightly overlap each other. The resulting unique fan will reliably protect the tires of the wheel and surrounding surfaces from spray paint. To protect the tire bolts or nipples from paint, they must be carefully covered with masking paper tape.

For those who are completely economical, we can suggest not using a primer, since in the vast majority of cases, a painted disc retains the appearance of a new product for some time after the car is sold.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Pour warm water into a container in which we will wash the disc from dirt. Add a detergent there, for example Fairy, take a soft brush and clean the disc.

2. When the disc is dry, treat it with a steel bristle brush and sandpaper, removing the old paintwork. It must be perfectly clean and free of old paint or rust.

3. After rough processing, it is a good idea to blow the disk with a compressor to blow off fine adhering dust, you can use a powerful fan or pump. After this, degrease the surface with a clean cloth moistened with solvent.

4. If the disc is scratched or chipped, you must first putty it - the putty will hide visible defects and make it smooth. To do this you will need putty, a spatula and a hardener.

5. When the putty has dried, the disc is sanded. We use a grinder with a sanding disc and make the surface perfectly smooth.

6. Using a rag soaked in solvent, again degrease the already sanded disc, leave it to dry, and then prime it.

7. Using a can or spray bottle, apply the primer evenly to the disk. The primer is applied from a distance of 20 cm - you need to try to ensure that the priming is neat and does not allow smudges. After the first coat of primer, you need to give the disc time to dry.

8. Take fine sandpaper with a grit of 600-800 and sand the surface dry. If defects are detected, this operation must be repeated again.

9. Let's start painting the disc. You will need gloves, goggles and a respirator as acrylic paint is very toxic. The room in which you will paint should be well ventilated. If you use a compressor for painting, in this case you need to open a can of paint, add 1/3 of the solvent and mix everything well. Then check the quality of the paint on a metal object. And only after that proceed to painting, spraying the paint also from a distance of 20 cm, as when priming. It is recommended to apply the paint in 3 layers for maximum durability! Give it time to dry.

10. At the final stage, apply the varnish and leave the paintwork to dry for 24 hours, after which time it will dry and become durable. To give it a special shine, you can polish your car disc with polish.

By following our step-by-step instructions on “how to paint car wheels with your own hands,” any car enthusiast will be able to restore the original appearance of any used cast or forged car wheels with their own hands at home.

Required Tools

This procedure requires certain materials and tools:

1. When removing the old layer, you need sandpaper of different sizes.
2. Professional aerosol paint for rims.
3. Primer, putty, masking tape.
4. Special varnish for fixing the coating of discs.
5. Solvent or degreaser.
6. A variety of cleaning products, a respirator and gloves.

These are the simplest materials that can be obtained in specialty stores and regular supermarkets.

Note: When choosing materials, you should select products from the same line.

If you plan to get down to business professionally, you need the following tools:

1. Spray gun, for large volumes of work and high-quality processing. But, spray paint also allows you to paint the surface of the disc well.
2. A sander with a metal attachment can remove corrosion and instantly sand off old paint.
3. For professionals in this field, they often require not only a construction or regular hair dryer, but also a “gun” to quickly dry the coating.

Disk classification

Any car disk belongs to one of two groups:

• stamped steel;
• light alloy:
• cast (aluminum and magnesium);
• forged (including titanium).

The most commonly used are stamped steel discs. Cast ones are much lighter, but are more fragile. Once a crack appears, they cannot be repaired. Forged models are more durable, since they are forged in production after casting. Forging gives these products ductility and lightness, but significantly increases the cost. The most expensive are titanium forged wheels. They are light and durable, but not affordable for the average car owner.

Video on the topic:

How are car wheels made?

How long does it take to paint titanium wheels?

Titanium wheels are considered to be the most durable wheels available today. Such products are famous for their high resistance to mechanical damage, aggressive external environments, and corrosion. Of course, they contain not only titanium without impurities, otherwise their price would exceed all reasonable limits. But the titanium base of the disks plays a decisive role when considering their characteristics, giving increased strength and reliability, which is confirmed by the active use of this metal in aviation and rocket science.

Since the titanium alloy from which car wheels are made costs a lot (due to the labor-intensive manufacturing process and the initially high cost of raw materials), not everyone can afford to install them on their vehicle. Yes, the chemical properties of titanium provide high anti-corrosion protection. But sometimes there come times when it is worth painting titanium discs and restoring them in order to extend their service life as much as possible. Possible reasons for painting this type of car rims include the following:

• during operation, scratches, chips, and cracks of varying depths form on the surface of the wheel rims;
• the owner wants to change the color of the coating, make an individual design based on aesthetic considerations;
• after purchasing a used car equipped with titanium wheels, it turns out that they are in a condition unsatisfactory to the new owner.

Procedure for painting discs with acrylic paint

Do-it-yourself painting of alloy wheels, like painting the entire car, consists of several important stages. Therefore, the process of painting wheels, from preparation to final drying, can take several days.

Preparing alloy wheels for painting

• The first operation will be to remove the tires from the rims. If you don’t want to do this, then you can cover the tire with polyethylene and apply masking tape along the edge of the rim (see the video below).
• Now the discs must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, dust and traces of bitumen. Car shampoo or other household detergent is suitable for this.
• After cleaning, alloy wheels are inspected. The marker highlights problem areas (chips, blistering paint, scratches).
• Using a sandblaster or a drill with a brush, old paintwork and traces of corrosion are removed.
• After mechanical treatment, chemical degreasing of the surface is performed. To do this, a rag is moistened with a solvent and the disc is wiped.
• Deep scratches and pits must be repaired with putty. After the material has dried, sanding is done with sandpaper. Sometimes several layers are required to level the surface.
• After all defects have been leveled, it is necessary to degrease the entire disk and hang it on a wire.

Read more about painting wheels

The aesthetic and pleasant appearance of the wheels is an integral factor in the overall neatness of the car. Many motorists have discs that are not in very good condition. There are several ways to solve this problem. Don't touch anything at all and don't pay attention. Take out your wallet and go get some new CDs.

In any case, you need to determine which drives you have. It is known that there are three main categories: stamped, cast and forged. Repairs and painting of any kind are not particularly different from each other, but there are still some nuances. For example, before painting alloy wheels, a preliminary primer with a certain special primer for metals is required. But to paint stamped wheels, no primer is required. There are several types of primers; they have excellent adhesion to the surface and fill all cracks, scratches and allow you to ideally prepare surface areas for painting.

The next important factor is the choice of paint for the wheels. It is divided into three main types, namely: rubber, acrylic and powder. Each type has its own characteristics and differences in operating advantages. Powder paint is famous for its stability and durability; it belongs to the class of environmental paints. Also, this type has very low consumption when used. Acrylic paints have gained popularity due to their ability to be used in spray guns and aerosols. Dries quickly, in about 10 minutes, completely protects the discs from various atmospheric precipitations, has an average level of durability, the coating is very resistant to the abrasive effects of stones, sand and any other types of road reagents.

Rubber paint has earned particular popularity among car tuning enthusiasts. It is easy to apply and has a wide range of colors; its excellent appearance is preserved under the influence of direct rays of the sun and various atmospheric precipitations. Also, the positive qualities of the paint include high efficiency, fire resistance and the ability to be stored in a spray can.

Once you have decided on the above issues, you can begin restoring the discs. This is not such a difficult process. To do this, use sandpaper, masking tape, universal degreaser and film. The process of restoring disks is as follows: the surface is cleaned, all possible traces of rust, any kind of irregularities and other defects are removed. Next, the disk is wiped from dust with a regular dry cloth, and the rubber is covered with masking tape and film to prevent paint from getting on it. The disc is then degreased, so the paint will last much longer.

The next stage is the painting itself. After the paint has dried, the disc is varnished. The varnish is applied in two or even three layers with an interval of 2-3 minutes between applications. At this stage, the restoration and painting of the discs is completed. For a more aesthetic appearance, the tire is treated with silicone lubricant to renew the rubber. Then the disk and the entire wheel as a whole, together with the car, take on a pleasant, beautiful and high-quality appearance.

Helpful information

• Powder coating of wheels
• Painting brake calipers
• The better acrylic painting
• Everything you need to know about painting alloy wheels
• How to make car wheels look attractive
• Pros and cons of powder coating
• Color selection according to the RAL catalog
• A little more information about painting wheels