irv_usc

every paint will chip eventually. powdercoating is the strongest finish but if the shop doesn't know what they're doing you can end up with cracked/weakened wheels.

Moogle

lol, that's kinda what I was thinking. I saw their claim that it wouldn't chip because it was a specialty wheel paint and I had my doubts. I think I will just wait and get my wheels powder coated. I am way too lazy to have to repaint my wheels every couple of months

suzuka-blue-s2k

haha yeah! That would be the best! Also, body shops can paint your wheels really well with automotive paint, but I still think powdercoating would be best. Just make sure you take it to a place that has done alot of rims before. If they do it wrong, people say they can get brittle and crack on you, but that hasnt even been proven, so powdercoat is good! I powdercoat alot of my own parts including my lug nuts on my car, hasnt ever chipped and looks awesome!

Moogle

Cool, thanks for the advice suzuka! So the moral of the thread is, powder coat your wheels if you want the paint to last!

suzuka-blue-s2k

Dont forget, use something a little more sturdy than a skateboard for a wheel chock.

maluch

if you attend track days don't powdercoat...it anneals the aluminum and thus weakens it.

suzuka-blue-s2k

proof?

maluch

I'm not going to go out and look for proof. if you want to research it look up aluminum metallurgy. I have an engineering degree and can tell you that aluminum begins to anneal at 300-400 degrees F. Most powdercoats need 400, there are ones that can do with 350. A forged rim like the stock one is probably closer to the 400...so maybe you could get away with powdercoating, but I would not put my life on it. A cast wheel will be closer to 300 and should never be powdercoated...

suzuka-blue-s2k

I do understand that. Most of my powders I work with are at 350-375 degrees F. I also do beleive that it can weaken the wheel some, but I just dont see it being the cause of a broken rim. Its almost just like the rota vs volk thing, if you hit a curb hard enough, a rim can/will break. Kinda the same thing here if you look at it that way. I have never heard of anyone reporting of their rim breaking/bending because of powdercoating, so I honestly wouldnt worry to much about it. I'm not saying your wrong at all though man!

it'S2klean

The problem i have with painting ANYTHING like this, is that its so damn humid in Florida and im working in my garage with no air condition...Especially now and the next few months...
Suggestions?
Paint doesn't seem to settle right/dry right.