Painting rims, advice needed please

**biketimus_prime** · 25th February 2015, 20:10

Hi all,

I want to paint my rims in gold. I would rather do paint than powdercoating to save me taking the bearings out, removing tyres etc.

Can someone recommend me a place that does a good paint that will not chip? I hear 2K or something like that is the best. Where do you guys go?

Any tips from those who have done it in the past?

Thank you in advance

**bogan** · 25th February 2015, 20:21

Why not just get a rattle can on do it on the bike, save you removing the wheels even

Do the job properly and take tyres off and bearings out.

**biketimus_prime** · 25th February 2015, 20:23

Originally Posted by bogan

Why not just get a rattle can on do it on the bike, save you removing the wheels even

Do the job properly and take tyres off and bearings out.

I've seen some good jobs with paint and I figured if I got a good enamel paint and prepped it well it'd do the trick. Like the stuff they use on brake calipers but was hoping for some better stuff than that.

**bogan** · 25th February 2015, 20:25

Originally Posted by biketimus_prime

I've seen some good jobs with paint and I figured if I got a good enamel paint and prepped it well it'd do the trick. Like the stuff they use on brake calipers but was hoping for some better stuff than that.

Not saying you can't do a good job with paint, just that doing a good job with the tyre still on it is going to be tricky.

**scumdog** · 25th February 2015, 20:26

First give the rims a good wipe with Prepsol

Then a good rub-down with Scotchbrite.

Then another wipe down with Prepsol

Then a blast of etch-primer followed by the colour of your choice.

I find flouro-pink adds a touch of staunchness to a mans scoot...

**Murray** · 25th February 2015, 20:28

Originally Posted by scumdog

First give the rims a good wipe with Prepsol

Then a good rub-down with Scotchbrite.

Then another wipe down with Prepsol

Then a blast of etch-primer followed by the colour of your choice.

I find flouro-pink adds a touch of staunchness to a mans scoot...

Where do you get prepsol. Im looking at doing something similar

Flouro - pink is that like a bright pig colour???

**JimO** · 25th February 2015, 20:30

anywhere that sells car paint should sell prepsol

**mossy1200** · 25th February 2015, 20:33

I just did mine.

Took the bearings out and bought new bearings. Took tires off (made my own bead breaker because I am cheap) and bought new tires.
Gave wheels to powder coaters. $250

They looks like they have been done professionally now.

**AllanB** · 25th February 2015, 20:40

Search for paint supply companies in your City. In CHCH you can have any colour car paint mixed into a quality aerosol can.

If you prep the surface well and take care you can get a very good, durable job.

Side note - I repainted my sons scooter with this paint - it's had a couple years scooter type abuse since and holding up very well.

Tip for rattle can painting - temperature is important to get a top job. The surface temp of the object being painted and the can temp. The cans are easy to heat up in a bucket of warm water.

You want a decent paint for wheels as you will be frequently cleaning off brake dust from the front and chain oil from the rear with gold wheels.

**skippa1** · 25th February 2015, 20:47

If you paint the rims with the tyres on, you will get the paint job you deserve

**bogan** · 25th February 2015, 20:53

Originally Posted by mossy1200

They looks like they have been done professionally now.

Until you showed us the pics...

ruuuffff kahhhhnt

Although the theory is sound, couldn't you just repurpose an engine hoist like the rest of us?

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I used one like that as the angle the two lowers poke out at is excellent for poking a brake disc or whatever through (obv not an issue for repainting), and you just replace the lift ram with a long steel bar; you can even use the bolt instead of some thudfuckerous drill bit

**mossy1200** · 25th February 2015, 20:57

Originally Posted by bogan

ruuuffff kahhhhnt

At least I didn't drive over the tire with the van to break the bead. Was tempted to try it though.

**nzspokes** · 25th February 2015, 20:57

Originally Posted by AllanB

Search for paint supply companies in your City. In CHCH you can have any colour car paint mixed into a quality aerosol can.

If you prep the surface well and take care you can get a very good, durable job.

Side note - I repainted my sons scooter with this paint - it's had a couple years scooter type abuse since and holding up very well.

Tip for rattle can painting - temperature is important to get a top job. The surface temp of the object being painted and the can temp. The cans are easy to heat up in a bucket of warm water.

You want a decent paint for wheels as you will be frequently cleaning off brake dust from the front and chain oil from the rear with gold wheels.

I to want gold wheels and have been slowly looking into it. I hadnt thought of rattle canning it as I suck at painting. Not a bad idea though.

**biketimus_prime** · 25th February 2015, 21:02

I went and had a look, even if I leave the tyres on I can mask around the rim so closely that it'll paint even the outermost edge. I'm still having an internal debate as to whether to just say fuck it and get it all powdercoated but I just feel like I could paint it and get it to come out really well that way. I've rattle canned car wheels before and other things but you just need to be very patient and do thin coats so it doesn't run and ruin everything.

Would you clearcoat an enamel paintjob?