Car owners love to decorate their cars; one way to make a car stand out from others is to create original rims. For this purpose, you can resort to coloring them. Wheels attract attention if they look unusual and stylish. Details about the paint products that can be chosen for wheels and the rules for painting wheels will be discussed below.
Why do you need to paint alloy wheels?
Painting the casting has not only a decorative function; the paint also helps to protect the wheels from negative factors. Therefore, when painting car or motorcycle rims, it is necessary to choose a suitable composition that will withstand constant loads so that the layer does not crack or fall off. If the layer falls off, then rust will appear in this place over time, and the external design will no longer be beautiful.
The following are important reasons to paint wheels:
- Salty material that road services sprinkle on the road during the cold season. When sand, salt and snow are mixed, the conditions for the wheels become negative. Discs are in a special risk zone; sometimes noticeable changes on their surface appear after two winter seasons. At the moment there is no effective remedy for protection against this factor;
- Country roads are expensive, such coatings also have a bad effect on the integrity of the disc surface. The presence of small particles and stones in the soil base leads to damage to the material, which contributes to the formation of rust and oxidation of the metal base. As a result, scratches appear and the appearance of the painted layer becomes unsightly;
- Significant temperature changes. Coloring allows you to avoid distortion of the disc size under the influence of temperature changes; this phenomenon is not uncommon in our country. As a result, the paint will fall off.
Alloy wheels also require painting.
These reasons explain the need to paint the disk elements. Specialists will cope with the task without any problems, but their services are not cheap. For this reason, you can learn how to paint alloy wheels yourself. If you adhere to technology, you can carry out the process correctly at home.
Painting the casting has not only a decorative function; the paint also helps to protect the wheels from negative factors.
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.
Which paint to choose
Choosing what to paint your rims with is an important stage of work. Automotive painting is initially required to protect the material. A magnesium-aluminum alloy is often used, which is subject to oxidation from environmental influences. Another reason to get an improvement in the appearance of the product.
In the construction market, the following types of paint and varnish materials are usually chosen for painting discs:
- Based on acrylic, this type is available in a variety of shades. There are different forms of release: in cans, jars. The first type can be used without purchasing additional accessories. For the second you will need to use a spray bottle;
- Powder type. You can use other types, but this one is the most optimal. However, it is difficult to use them under normal conditions. For proper drying, you need a drying chamber, where the slightest particles will not fall on the surface, and polymerization will take place effectively, and the necessary temperature indicators will be created. In an ordinary garage, creating the necessary working conditions is problematic;
- Liquid rubber is an unusual material that gives a beautiful result, but car owners are often confused by its high cost.
Aerosol products for automotive repair have become popular due to their ease of use. They cover the surface of the body, small parts, disks and other elements.
Aerosol products for automotive repair have become popular due to their ease of use.
Repairing and painting alloy car wheels at home. Selection of technology and materials.
Alloy wheels are now installed on every second car, this is a kind of trend. Such details give the car a more attractive appearance and make it look more expensive. But, like any part, with long-term use, such discs wear out and need restoration.
There may be several reasons that may prompt a car owner to repair and paint alloy wheels:
- Damaged paint layer of products. This most often occurs due to mechanical damage or due to exposure to the external environment and chemical reagents.
- Mechanical damage in the form of large scratches, chips or dents.
- Buying a used car that originally had alloy wheels in poor condition.
In this article we will look at how to restore the appearance of disks with your own hands at home, using improvised tools.
Photo examples of disk recovery.
Selection of materials and necessary equipment
The first thing that novice car painters start with is choosing the type of paint. For alloy wheel rims, three types of paint are most often used:
- Powder paint is a dry polymer-based material. The result can be a high-quality and durable coating, but such paint is rarely used by craftsmen at home, since it requires expensive equipment, in particular a furnace in which the part is processed. Most often, powder materials are processed either in a factory or in professional workshops that have a full range of equipment for this type of material.
- Acrylic enamels. This is the most popular type of material when painting alloy car wheels as a beginner. It is sold in liquid form and can be sprayed either with a spray gun or using an aerosol can. The application technology is simple, and the acrylic paint itself reliably protects the metal from external influences. It is this paint that we will talk about in this article.
- Liquid rubber. This is a less common type of paint that is often used on SUVs. It also holds up well and is more resistant to mechanical stress than acrylic, but also more expensive.
If we consider the general kit for carrying out work on the restoration of alloy car wheels, the list will be as follows:
- sandpaper, metal brushes and a grinder, or a drill with grinding attachments. Abrasives will be needed with different grain sizes, from coarse cleaning to fine finishing grinding.
- napkins and rags.
- degreaser.
- putty.
- primer.
- finishing paint.
- varnish (if necessary).
- rags.
- solvent.
- personal protective equipment: gloves, respirator, safety glasses.
Related article: Painting wheels in two colors. Materials and technology for self-repair.
When purchasing primer, paint and varnish, try to choose materials from the same manufacturer to avoid defects based on incompatible compositions.
Additional equipment you will need:
- If you plan to apply the material with a spray gun, you will need the spray gun itself and an air compressor.
- as already written above, for better cleaning it is better to use an electric drill.
- CD holders can be made from wire and attached to the ceiling in the garage.
- An IR heater can speed up the drying process of new paintwork.
In most cases, ordinary car enthusiasts who are not involved in professional painting apply primer, paint, or varnish from aerosol cans and get a very high-quality result at the end.
Technology for restoring alloy wheels using acrylic paint
If you decide to do all the work yourself, then try to follow the technology and sequence of steps for repairing your car disks.
Preparatory stage of work
Step 1. Remove the rims from the car, and if desired, you can remove the tires. But if you don’t want to do this, then the rubber itself can be covered with masking tape and film and thus protect it from paint and varnish materials.
Step 2. Clean the discs from dirt, dust, resins and other things. To do this, they are washed using auto chemicals.
Step 3. Analysis of the condition of these parts. If there are chips or deep parameters, they should be noted in order to be eliminated during subsequent stages of processing. If the rims are bent, you may even need to take them to a tire shop and have them rolled. For cast products this is no problem and such edits will help restore the geometry of the disks.
Step 4. Removing old damaged paintwork. Blistering paint and other coating defects are sanded using a relay and a metal stripping attachment. If there are traces of corrosion, they also need to be cleaned down to metal.
Step 5. Degrease the part, for example, using white spirit. Wipe the entire surface with a cloth.
Step 6. We fill in all previously identified deep scratches and chips with putty, wait for it to dry, sand and, if necessary, apply another layer. There can be several such layers of putty until the surface is completely leveled.
Step 7. Degrease the entire disk and hang it on a wire fastener that has already been installed in advance to the garage ceiling.
Related article: What is headlight polishing paste and how to use it at home? Tips and tricks.
This completes the preparatory work.
Applying paintwork to a cast wheel
Here the whole process can be divided into four operations.
Step 1: Primer. It is sprayed in 2 - 3 layers, with a break between layers of 15 - 20 minutes. To speed up drying, use an IR heater. The primer protects the metal from corrosion and ensures increased adhesion of the coating to the part itself. The tone of the primer should be selected according to the color of the base paint. For example, if it is light, then the soil should be light.
Step 2. Apply paint. Typically, alloy wheels are painted with a spray can from a distance of 40 - 50 cm. A total of 2 layers are applied, sometimes a third is applied if the second main layer has errors somewhere. The break between layers is still 15 - 20 minutes. Be especially careful to paint all curves and cavities so as not to leave gaps. The number of such “problem areas” depends on the shape and design of the disc.
Step 3. Varnish layer. It is also applied in 2 stages. Add this material if you want to give it a more intense shine.
Step 4: Polishing.
You can use newly painted wheels after 2–3 days.
Video instructions for restoring paintwork on alloy wheels.
Some tips for beginners
Below we will give you some tips that will help you restore your car alloy wheels better.
- Do not neglect the preparation stage and thoroughly clean the surface from the old coating and rust, otherwise this may result in the new layer of paint swelling and repeated repairs.
- Maintain time intervals for drying the layers. Otherwise, various defects may occur.
- Work in a dry, warm, clean, and ventilated garage to keep the surface of your discs free from dust, insects, sand, etc. Make sure there is good lighting so you don't miss any areas of the product.
- Do not try to spray all the material in one layer, there is a high probability of smudges, and they can be eliminated by drying the paint and removing the sagging with sandpaper, after which you will need to repaint the part again. It is better to divide the paint application into two stages, the first thin layer and the second thicker and more thorough.
As you can see, if you follow the technology and buy quality materials, you can do everything yourself and get a good result. Have you painted your wheels in your garage, and are you satisfied with the results of such work? We are waiting for answers in the comments.
Consumables and tools
To carry out the painting process efficiently, you need to prepare the necessary equipment and materials in advance. Then the process will not be disrupted and it will be easier to distribute the paint evenly. The list includes:
- Base degreaser;
- Sander;
- Soft cloth and detergent;
- Sandpaper, size 200-600;
- Putty solution, paints and varnish;
- Paper, masking tape;
- The master must wear protective equipment - clothing and a respirator.
To carry out the painting process efficiently, you need to prepare the necessary equipment and materials in advance.
Preparing wheels for varnishing
In addition to all of the above, the quality of work is greatly influenced by the correct preparation of alloy wheels before paint and varnish are applied. Preparation includes dismantling the wheels, removing tires, stripping off the old coating and eliminating defects. Before cleaning, the discs should be thoroughly washed with any available detergent. After this, the surface must be degreased. Small scratches and chips are repaired with putty and carefully sanded with fine sandpaper.
The wheels, ready for painting and varnishing, are hung on hooks. Many people work with wheels by placing them on the floor. If this method is chosen, then you need to make a backing of film or paper to avoid raising dust. It should be noted that it is easier to make mistakes and leaks on suspended disks, but it is more convenient to work this way.
Pros and cons of painting castings and spray stamping
The use of aerosol paint is becoming more popular when repairing cars. The reason is that there is no need to purchase a spray bottle, which you also need to know how to use correctly. In addition to setting up the tool, you need to maintain the required distance to the surface and apply the product evenly at the desired angle. You also need to dilute the paint to the required consistency for the spray gun.
The can is immediately ready for use; it only needs to be shaken well first. However, only expensive compounds can give high-quality results. Cheap types usually don't do the job up to par.
In addition to the quality of the paint, the release of the composition from the aerosol also plays a role, so that the paint is distributed evenly and without smudges. A reusable coating is made; the layers must dry well before applying a second one. The spray pressure is low, which is not the case when working with a spray gun. Also, the pressure level during operation will change.
Covering all wheels may require more spray. As a result, savings may become insignificant.
The can is immediately ready for use; it only needs to be shaken well first.
Types of paints and technologies for tuning/restoring wheels
Before painting the wheels, a suitable composition is selected. There are several types of paint and varnish products that can cope with the task of protecting and giving a beautiful appearance to the discs.
Before painting the wheels, a suitable composition is selected.
Acrylic paint
Acrylic-based products can be used with different substrates; they can also paint over aluminum with high quality. There are options in cans and cylinders. The variety of colors makes acrylic paint popular. There are other advantages of the product:
- Possibility to combine shades;
- Surface protection;
- The durability of the discs themselves increases;
- Fast drying time, approximately 20 minutes;
- Reasonable price.
Acrylic-based products can be used with different substrates; they can also paint over aluminum with high quality.
Rubber paint
This type is suitable for different substrates and can give a matte or glossy finish. It is distinguished by its quick-drying properties, high level of strength and it is easy to remove the layer. The disadvantages are high consumption and low level of resistance to mechanical shocks compared to the acrylic type.
It is distinguished by its quick-drying properties, high level of strength and it is easy to remove the layer.
Powder paint
Powder paint is characterized by the complexity of polymerization; it is necessary to create the desired temperature regime, usually drying is carried out in a special chamber. In everyday life, this option is difficult to implement. But the protective functions of the product are high. The layer withstands most negative environmental factors.
Powder paint is characterized by the difficulty of polymerization; it is necessary to create the desired temperature regime.
Glowing paint
Luminous compositions work due to the presence of a phosphor, which accumulates light during the day; the duration of the glow depends on the size of the fractions. The smaller size ensures the glow lasts longer.
There are ready-made paints, or you can add a phosphor to the varnish, the amount is 1 to 5. To get the desired shade, you can resort to dyes.
In addition to the type of paint, it is important to choose what color to paint the wheels. The black version is universal and looks stylish. But for unusualness, you can use bright shades, or resort to multi-color dyeing. Chrome parts are popular.
Glowing compounds work due to the presence of a phosphor, which accumulates light during the day.
Features of powder coating of cast and stamped wheels
Usually, using powder paint, accessories are restored in car repair shops, which implies the presence of special equipment, since the professional technology for painting alloy wheels is called polymer and is implemented using a special gun with an electrostatic effect.
The treated discs are placed in a chamber where the temperature is maintained at +200 degrees Celsius. Under the influence of heat, the paint polymerizes, it becomes more uniform. Before the decorative layer is applied to the disc, its surface is thoroughly cleaned and then primed.
After the polymerization stage, the paint layer is coated with varnish to consolidate the result and increase the durability of the surface, which determines the appearance of this element of the wheel structure.
Useful! When painting is done in a garage with your own hands, this method is not used, but the sequence of steps is maintained.
How to paint wheels correctly
We paint wheels ourselves when we need to save on repairs. The coloring process and its complexity will depend on the type of composition chosen. Therefore, you should learn the intricacies of working with popular paints for self-use.
The coloring process and its complexity will depend on the type of composition chosen.
Painting with liquid rubber
Liquid rubber is easy to work with; it’s easy to get an even layer with it; it levels itself out. The painting process is as follows:
- The disks need to be cleaned thoroughly.
- High-quality drying is carried out.
- The surface is degreased.
- Drying again.
- Layers are applied step by step, usually 4-5 layers are done.
- Each layer must dry, the time is indicated on the packaging.
Liquid rubber is easy to work with; it’s easy to get an even layer with it; it levels itself out.
Painting with acrylic paints
Using acrylic-based paint gives a durable result that stands out for its brightness and beauty. It is necessary to carefully prepare the base; the whole process is carried out in stages:
- The old layer of paint is removed.
- The imperfections are sanded and puttied.
- A degreaser is applied and dried.
- Apply two layers of primer.
- The base is degreased again.
- After drying, the surface is painted in 1-2 layers.
- The dried surface is varnished.
Using acrylic-based paint gives a durable result that stands out for its brightness and beauty.
Preparatory stage
Preparation is necessary to get rid of old paint and remove any defects that have appeared on the discs. Sanding and applying putty are carried out to level the base. The drying time of the putty solution depends on the temperature. The packaging indicates the period at +20-25 degrees.
Sanding and applying putty are carried out to level the base.
Application of primer
Soil is necessary to ensure reliable adhesion of materials. First, the base is matted, then epoxy primer is applied. The surface is matted again, and the dried discs are covered with acrylic primer.
When the layers are dry, sand the base. First with coarse-grain sandpaper, then with medium-grain sandpaper.
Soil is necessary to ensure reliable adhesion of materials.
Painting
The surface is painted as standard. It is important to set up the spray gun correctly and shake the can well. The first jet of aerosol is applied to the side. It is advisable to practice applying the product to the surface in advance. The number of layers is 2-3. The drying time for each product is checked on the packaging of the product.
It is important to set up the spray gun correctly and shake the can well.
DIY painting: step-by-step instructions
The heterogeneity of painting technologies in garages and at car repair shops does not mean that the result will be worse, because painting wheels yourself is not only a way to save money, but also an opportunity to improve the “skill” of the car owner.
Despite the obvious advantage of powder paints, in the process of independent restoration work you will have to use acrylic analogues, which is why the algorithm of actions does not change, only the tools change. But all motorists agree that the technology of painting car wheels with powder paints does not justify itself when trying to implement it in a garage.
Materials
For painting you will not need many materials - primer, paint (acrylic, metallic, powder) and varnish. All these components must be from the same manufacturer, and you should not purchase consumables “back to back” according to the area of the surface to be treated. At the preparatory stage, you will need to remove the old coating - instead of the traditionally used sandblasting, a drill with attachments , as well as sandpaper with different grain sizes, will do.
To degrease the surface, you will need a special solution, which can be found in a specialized store, and rags to wash them thoroughly. It is important not to forget about personal protective equipment – gloves and goggles.
Preparing for DIY painting
This is the most important stage on which the positive result of the overall painting will depend.
First, the discs need to be washed with an abrasive cleaner or powder, then dried and processed with three types of sandpaper - with a grain size of 240, 400 and 600. The surface is sanded with a drill using alternating sandpaper, starting with the coarsest grain size, to process hard-to-reach areas you will have to do it manually. Periodically, the work area needs to be sprayed with water, and the most pedantic motorists can treat it with automotive putty in case there are deep scratches that were not removed during the sanding process.
Padding
When the surface of the disc is dry, it needs to be treated with a special degreasing solution; you can find such a solvent in a car store. As a last resort, you can try to replace it with technical alcohol.
They begin to apply the primer from a distance of 25-30 cm. The inner surface of the disk is treated first, the product is applied in three layers, pre-drying each previous one. After laying the third row, the disk undergoes final drying, for which available materials will be useful - a hair dryer, a fan, a heater.
Car and motorcycle wheel painting
At this stage, it will be easiest to work with aerosol paints for the car body, but you can use the coating option that is suitable for a particular case. The product should be applied from the same distance as the primer from a gun or spray can.
Expert opinion
Ilya Vyacheslavovich
Consultant for body repair at krasymavto.ru
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Start with the inner surface of the disc and be sure to wait until the previous layer has completely dried.
To speed up drying, you can use available means - a fan and a hairdryer.
You need to try to dry each layer as well as possible, and after applying the second coating, it is advisable to double the technical pause. To ensure even spraying, do not forget to shake the can periodically.
In order not to waste time and money on tire fitting, you can paint the wheels without removing the rubber! Painting wheels with liquid rubber:
Varnishing
Applying varnish is the easiest step in painting wheels. Apply it after the preliminary coat has dried, following the instructions on the package. The varnish coating is applied twice - the second coating only after the first has completely dried.
In general, varnishing is a mandatory stage of the painting process, although many motorists believe that they can do without it, but the service life of the decorating coating is significantly reduced.
In other words, without this protective layer, all aggressive environments will directly affect the paint. And after the final varnishing, the discs should dry under normal conditions for 2-3 days. These technologies can be successfully used not only for painting cast, stamped automobile or motorcycle rims, but also for bicycle rims, as well as for do-it-yourself painting of car wheel caps.
About security measures
The manufacturer prescribes safe working conditions in the instructions. The master must protect himself with gloves and a respirator. You can also wear safety glasses. Stay close to people and animals should not be allowed.
The master must protect himself with gloves and a respirator.
You can paint the wheels yourself, but it is important to choose high-quality paint. If you prepare the base carefully, the painted layer will be reliable and beautiful.
