RSWiser

I just bought a used set of 16" Rubicon Wheels for my Black Cherokee Sport.

There are a few scratches on the wheels so I thought I would paint them. Thinking Glossy Black.

What is the best procedure when painting wheels. Not sure what they are made of. After I clean them, do I need to sand or just ruff them up with a scotchbrite?

I am thinking of using either Rustoleum or Hammerite. Any particular reasons why to use one or the other, or is there something better.

RSWiser

tjwalker

If they are STEEL, I use this technique.
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I used the following procedure to paint the steel wheels on my ’99, and had great results. The cost was 2 cans of primer, 3 cans of paint, 1 can of clear coat and a few hours of my time.

1. Remove wheels from vehicle
2. Remove center caps
3. Sand all wheel surfaces throughly with 220 grit sandpaper. (you may need to choose a different grit, but finish with 220) This is CRITICALLY important!
4. Wash wheels with soap and water
5. Use alchohol or lacquer thinner for a final cleaning of all surfaces
6. Get an old deck of playing cards. Spread cards all around the wheel with slight overlap. No taping necessary!
7. Spray 2 coats of "self etching primer". Wait at least 5 minutes between coats
8. After 2nd primer coat, wait a few hours for the primer to completely set up
9. Spray at least 2 coats of wheel paint (Rustoleum, Duplicolor have a good silver) allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Check the instructions on the paint can for specifics.
10. Spray two additional (light) coats of clear coat over the paint to protect it
11. Enjoy your new wheels!

RSWiser

Thanks for the info.

RSWiser

Firestorm500

Better make sure they fit first.

Powdercoating is much more durable.

RSWiser

They fit perfectly.

RSWiser

Atmos

whoah! 220?? I used 500. I think 220 would cut it up too much yeah?
note cards also work great for this. I used tape though. took a lot of time but I trust tape more
and make sure your clear coat is compatable with your gloss! otherwise it will spiderweb (satin looks great too)
and yes powder coat is much more durable. pretty expensive tho

Firestorm500

Good. 2007 and up Wranglers have a larger bolt pattern than our XJs. You never mentioned the year model.

Also, in my area, powdercoating would run about $30-40 per wheel, after the tire is dismounted.

ehracing67

I like the powder coating myself.



Before

After



So much easier to keep up with and no chipping, flaking or paint defects. You can see how bad my wheels were.

Firestorm500

Yep. With spray bomb paint, the first time they go off-road, all that work will be for nothing.

If you have a show Jeep, then the spray bomb stuff is OK I guess.

RSWiser

The Rubicon wheels I bought were from a 2006 Rubicon.

Powder coating in my area is $50 per, I have been told.