Will Wheel Hub Paint Fade?
3 Answers
Wheel hub paint can fade. If the wheel hubs are simply painted using spray paint cans, the paint is prone to fading. Only by having the wheel hubs professionally painted at a specialized modification shop can the painted surface be as durable as the original factory wheel hub paint. To make the wheel hubs look more attractive, they can also be polished using a polishing machine. The wheel hub is an important component of a car, shaped like a cylinder. It is the rotating part of the wheel steel inside the tire connected by columns to the wheel core, essentially the metal component mounted on the axle that supports the center of the tire. Wheel hubs vary based on width, material, diameter, and manufacturing methods.
Last time I spray-painted my car wheels myself using a cheap spray can bought online, and the paint started peeling off after just two weeks when I washed the car. Turns out there was too much dust on the surface, and I didn’t sand it properly, so the paint adhesion was poor. Later, I went to a professional shop for a respray. The technician explained that wheel paint can indeed fade because high-temperature braking and road friction can loosen ordinary paint films. He recommended first sanding the surface carefully, then using automotive-grade high-temperature-resistant paint with a rust-proof primer. Now, my wheel paint still looks as good as new after over a year. But before DIY, make sure to clean thoroughly—otherwise, it’s prone to failure and peeling.
As an enthusiast who loves modifying cars, I've sprayed wheel paint many times. Color fading mainly depends on craftsmanship and materials: Before spraying, the wheels must be thoroughly cleaned to remove oil stains and rust, then sanded to create a rough surface for better adhesion. Use high-quality automotive wheel-specific paint, such as polyurethane paint resistant to 300°C high temperatures, apply it evenly in multiple thin layers, and let it cure for two days. Environmental factors like rainwater and car wash soap can accelerate corrosion, so avoid strong acid or alkaline cleaners after painting. If done properly, the paint won't fade for one or two years with daily use, delivering excellent results.
