How to Paint and Change the Color of Car Wheels?
4 Answers
Clean the wheels thoroughly, first spray with tar remover, then wash with car shampoo, as residual tar remover can affect the adhesion of the coating. Next, stuff plastic bags into the wheels to prevent overspray from contaminating the calipers and brake discs. Newspaper can also be used for this purpose. Move the car about a quarter turn of the wheel until the valve stem position changes, then spray again to ensure even paint coverage.
Last year, I spray-painted my wheel hubs myself, and the results were quite good. The entire process was divided into seven steps: First, remove the wheel hubs and clean them thoroughly, then sand the original paint surface with sandpaper to improve adhesion. Important reminder: Always wear a protective mask when working! Surface preparation is the most critical step—apply three layers of high-temperature-resistant primer, allowing 20 minutes of drying time between each layer. Then, apply the color paint, remembering the principle of 'light coats, multiple times' to avoid runs or sags from applying too thickly. Finally, spray two coats of clear gloss varnish to protect the color. In terms of color choice, gunmetal gray is the most dirt-resistant, while glossy black shows dirt more easily but looks very cool. After the modification, let the hubs dry for 24 hours before reinstalling them, and avoid deep water areas for the first few days. If you want to save money, DIY is an option, but professional shops can extend the lifespan by two years.
From a professional perspective, wheel color modification requires attention to material compatibility. Alloy wheels must use specialized metal primer, otherwise the paint may peel easily. First, remove the wheels and clean off grease—it's recommended to use a degreaser three times. Sanding with 600-800 grit sandpaper is optimal; don't rush the process with coarse grit. The painting environment is crucial, with 15-25°C being ideal. Color-changing films on the market are also a good option, especially for forged wheels as they don't damage the original surface. Note that color modifications need to be registered; otherwise, annual inspections could be problematic. I've seen cases where spray paint peeled off within three months, primarily due to improper cleaning of grease from the wheel surface.
The key to changing wheel color lies in preparation. First remove the wheels and clean thoroughly - brake dust hidden in crevices must be brushed away. Wrap tires and brake discs with masking film. Sanding the original surface to a matte finish is crucial. When spraying paint, maintain 20cm distance and move at constant speed - don't spray stationary or paint will pool. Remember color depth is affected by wheel design - multi-spoke wheels appear darker after painting. After color change, wheel balancing is recommended, especially if thick coating affects weight distribution. For customization, try gradient spraying: dark at rim fading to light at center. Avoid overly bright colors as scratches become very noticeable later.
