can i paint aluminum rims?

[chevyguy82]

i found a deal on 2 15x10 and 2 15x12 aluminum rims. i'm running stock 15x7's and wanted something wider. can i paint the larger rims? i really want black rims but don't want it too look bad. can i just sand, primer, and paint? thanks for the help guys.

 

[badmix]

Might want to think about powdercoating them. But Im sure you can paint aluminum, not sure how it would turn out. Ive had horrible luck painting anything that is aluminum.

 

[jt512]

I have painted alot of aluminum parts, I always glassbead them first although sanding would most likely work as well. Big thing is to make sure you clean them correctly and use primer/ sealer that is recommended for your appilacation. But if the price was decent I would also consider the powder coating route.

 

[76zimmer]

Yep, just follow these instructions. prep is the key.


http://www.ronjoseph.com/painting-aluminum.htm

 

[chevyguy82]

that was a great article. i'm trying to decide on what to do. the rims are $75 for all 4. they look like old stock chevy wheels. they don't have round holes. they have 7 triangular parts. i really would like to find some black steel rockcrawler rims but found these

 

[ryoken]

zinc wash or zinc chromate is what matters.. whats on top of that, doesn't matter... use the zinnc as the only primer, than throw black on top, it'll hold up great.. it's that zinc etching into the alum that matters..

steel, not as critical, alum and galv, freakin beyond critical..... it WILL fail without it at some point...

 

[sweetk30]

i used egale 1 etching mag cleaner on my old western wheel rims. then i scrubed them with the cleaner on them and a brass brisle brush.

rinsed off with lots of water.

taped off the areas i wanted to stay aluminum. used only rustoleum gloss black no primer or clear coat. did 2 coats per rim. 10 years later still going strong. road salt/mud/dirt what ever thay are holding up fine.

i would stay away from powder coat on them. wont last as long. seen it done and didnt like the finish also.

pic posted is the rims i speek of.