Got a question, who here has painted rims? I've been thinking about painting my GSR alloys gunmetal, dark graphite, or a glossy black. Anyone else got painted rims? Did you DIY? I wish i had enough money to get em powdercoated but im a little strapped for cash. Whats everyone elses thoughts on painted rims?

 

I bought my Integra last December, and don't have enough $ for nice wheels yet. My brother-in-law dropped his white Fondmetals off at a small local shop to have them painted gunmetal last summer. The shop didn't have the right kind of sandblaster or something, so they sent the wheels away for almost a month. When they came back, they were absolutely gorgeous, and look great on his red Golf. It cost him around $300, not including the original price of the wheels. If you like your wheels, then you should consider getting them painted. It's worth it.

 

I painted mine myself, and while it looks OK, you can't beat the $22 price for all 4.

I painted mine becuase the clearcoat was coming off and looked like ass. I just stripped the clearcoat, sanded them down, masked off the tires, and went apeshit with a can and a half of duplicoat graphite paint.

 

$22?! I like your solution the best!

Did you hand-sand, or use power tools? I would like to redo my wife's Civic's rims if I can get the results I want...

 

i did mine from silver to gunmetal, cost me under 15 bucks. they have held up great so far

here are some pics:

 

very nice..good mod for cheap$$$

 

I came across this diy a while ago, it may be of some help. http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=316500

 

i spray painted my shu-4s black and i love it! another plus side (besides the cost efficiency) would be that you can touch them up whenever you need to, if you ever need to rather than if they were powdercoated because powdercoating does still chip or can get curb checked, then you are outta luck. if you do it yourself and take the time to do a good job, they will turn out really nice

 

i painted mine bronze. Sanded them REALLY GOOD....taped off the tires and took my time making sure the sprak paint was nice and even. I get lots of compliments on them and even have people ask me where i bought them from hehe. Ill post pics later.

 

As long you do careful and thorough prep work, and lay down enough coats, the end result should be quite decent. Just remember that detailed prep is crucial.

Personally, I tend to favor powdercoating because of a) the durability of the finish and b) the stronger bond established between the pigment and the metal.

Also, powdercoated wheels will stand up to the corrosive effects of brake dust, in case you're the neglectful type. h:

My 2¥