Painted my rims Options

[6G96GT]

Me and two buds sanded and painted my rims yesterday. It was a long but worthwhile process. We used 60 grain sand paper, then 220, then scotchbrite for the surfacing. We had to use this etching stuff for the paint to stick to aluminum and then primed it and painted it. I like how it looks now and what a difference! I chose to go with flat black.





Also, we didn't use any files at all, just the above listed materials.

[Spider77]

Wow, that looks sooooooo much better. Good job

[6G96GT]

Thanks! It took us about 5 hours in total (mostly waiting for drying times) and only about $40 in materials. I just need new tires now to complement the rims better.

[Fastbird]

Looks really good. Nicely done!

[dustin15brown]

lookin good man

[6G96GT]

Thanks guys!

[Nartanian]

Thanks guys!

Can't wait to see pics of these on your car. Nice job.

[6G96GT]

Yep, I will post that picture up. I took these ones late at night and wasn't able to capture a good pic. I'll have to post them up tomorrow and I'll wash the tires too.

What do you guys think of the 'flat' black look over a glossy look? I'm kind of thinking now that I should've glossed them for some sort of protection?

This post has been edited by 6G96GT: May 24, 2009 - 10:41 PM

[Joe_1985]

well clear coat would have been the protection.

what was the etching stuff called?

[manphibian]

Looks great

But you need lacquer or it won't last very long You can get matt lacquer, but it's pretty expensive.....


Plus you need to clean your tyres

[6G96GT]

well clear coat would have been the protection.

what was the etching stuff called?

I think it was just called Etch Primer. I got it at a local paint/hardware shop. I also couldn't find any clear coat that was 'not' glossy. I don't want the shiny look.

Looks great

But you need lacquer or it won't last very long You can get matt lacquer, but it's pretty expensive.....


Plus you need to clean your tyres

Matt lacquer? What would that do for my rims now? Should I just wipe my rims down and then apply the matt lacquer?

[manphibian]

without clearcoat (lacquer) the paint will easily chip off....

Yeah, as long as you clean them well you can apply it any time....

It's up to you, you could just leave them as they are but you may have to redo them in a couple months....

[6G96GT]

No, I will definitely use that matt lacquer! I had no idea. Thanks for the info! I really don't want to be doing this again in a couple months...hopefully in a couple years.

By the way...can I get it in a spray can? When I think of lacquer, I think of that hardwood floor stuff people use to coat their floors and that's by a brush of some sort.

[manphibian]

i think this is the kinda stuff you need, i guess you should be able to find some at any paint shop....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1K-CLEARCOAT-MATT--4...523122002r36290

[6G96GT]

Good to know, thanks for the tip!

[Stambo]

dont forget to repaint them when you get your new tires balanced. no one wants a silver spot left over from the weights

[6G96GT]

Yeah I thought about that. Plus when I get new tires eventually, I am sure they will scuff up the outer rim edge right? By the way, here's some pics of the celica with the rims on.

[Marbledpearlceli...]

hey im a autobody painter. you did a awsome job but 2 things there is a matte clear most paint lines make it like PPG, DUPONT, BASF but it is expensive... if you redo them and it was black urethane base from a auto paint supply place ask for there hardner PPG's global system uses D888 for a activator it catalyzes it ... only thing wrong with the work was when you get new tires doubt you thought about the weights lol your gonna have to redo them

[6G96GT]

Thanks! That's great information, I will look into that. Yeah, I guess I'll have to redo those weights. I really am very happy with the outcome of these rims. It makes my car look very good compared to what it was before.