paint or powder coat?

[WSSix]

I'm putting some new rims on my daily driver Tahoe. Currently, they are simply uncoated machined aluminum. I'm wanting to not only protect them but also change their color/look a little. This has me wondering if I should go with a powder coat or paint or both.

Due to the look I'm going for I may have to use a paint and was thinking I could put a clear powder coat on top. Is that even possible? I've only ever had factory wheels and I'm not even sure what finish is put on them. I'm just looking for a durable, easy to manage finish. Suggestions?

Thanks

[BMR Sales]

are you sure that the wheels are uncoated? If they are anodized, that would have to come off. Oven Cleaner works pretty good on that

[WSSix]

Yes, the are simple ProComp rims. I emailed them as well to verify since I thought I might have something to remove first.


Thanks

[572Camaro]

I paint and I powder coat . I recommend powder coat all the way at least for wheels. Do NOT powder coat over paint! The powder coat oven heat will approach 400F and powder does not stick to paint well. My two cents..,

[WSSix]

Thanks for the feedback. That's the type of information I was needing.

Can paint with lots of clear hold up on a daily driver? I ask because I'm not sure I can achieve the look I want with powder alone.

Thanks

[DWC]

I'm interested in the answer to WSSix's last question- how well does paint with clear hold up on an aluminum wheel?

Does anyone have any input or experience?

Daniel

[79 Camaro]

Prep is the key to make both paint and powder stick. Powder likes a sand blasted surface. Powder does not like sharp edges. If possible knock off any sharp edges that don't affect the look of the wheel. They make some pretty cool looking powder coat with clear coat

Powder isn't easy to touch up if chipped. Paint is much easier to fix if chipped if you a solid color base and clear coat.

Powder is basically melted plastic so when a rock or something hits it it has a tendency to bounce off instead chipping. Paint is just the opposite its much rigid so it chips easier.

[TheJDMan]

My biggest concern with powder coating is that it seems to expand and contract at a different rate than the base material which ultimately causes it to pop off. Take a typical aftermarket trailer hitch for example. I know all the name brand hitches are powder coated and most are nothing but rust within a few years. I have come to prefer a good quality paint over powder coating. Paint is much easier to repair when the time comes.

[DWC]

Thanks for the info guys.

Daniel

[WSSix]

Steve, that could be the quality of the powder and prep of the metal in those cases. Keep in mind rims are typically aluminum and all of the big name rim makers powder coat not paint. All factory aluminum rims are powder coated also.

[79 Camaro]

The company I used to work for started powder coating almost 30 years ago. We build packaging machines using a lot of cold rolled steel bar stock and sheet metal.

We learned a number of things over the years in regards to making powder coat stick.
1. Again prep is key. Steel stock is coated with some type of rust preventative and it has to be completely removed. We have a wash bay to clean the metal.
2. Sharp edges knocked down.
3. Don't use lock washers that bite into the powder and crack the powder. That's where the rust will start. Use flat washers and Loctite. When you install the washers most have slightly curved side and the other side has a bit of an edge. Install it with the curved side to the powder coat.

Yeah trailer hitches here in MN almost always rust due to all the salt. I guessing if the hitch was sand blasted before powder coating it would stay nice looking much much longer.

[214Chevy]

In short...powder coat is better and more durable when done right....prep work and process. Paint looks pretty, shines more and has a vast array of colors. But, isn't anywhere as close in durability as powder coat. True, it's easier to repair. But, that's the thing...you will definitely be repairing it. If you had a trailer queen and 100 point show car, go for paint. With it being a daily driver...powder coat would be my choice.

[572Camaro]

Powder coat is my vote, that is, for your application.
1. Powder coat is tough and very durable

2. Just like paint.., prep is everything.

3. When sprayed, the powder coating does not like sharp edges so please smooth them.

4. At my local powder coat shop, we:
A. Clean and clean again.
B. Power wash with detergent after we hang it.
C. Phosphate wash for max adhesion.
D. Install thermocouples and place in oven.
E. Heat the part to desired temp as referenced by thermocouples because as you know, oven temp is not part temp.
F. Monitor temps to ensure proper part "bake time" while still bare.
G. Remove and let cool, inspect surface for contaminants
H. Spray powder, cook, and let cool fully before handling.

5. Funny thing, I insisted on paint for my BBC aluminum valve covers so we powder coated them first as a "primer", then block sanded and painted the powder coat. Turned out nice.

6. My two cents..,