Thinking of changing the look of your car’s stock wheels, perhaps from silver to black or vice versa? Well, one of the most cost-effective ways to do it is spray-painting the rims. But is spray painting rims a good idea?
Painting your rims is an excellent concept and for good reasons, including offering added protection. However, the idea is only good if you know how to apply the paint and what is the best spray paint for use.
In this article, we will look at what makes spray painting a marvelous idea and everything else you need to know.
Is Spray Painting Rims A Good Idea?
Yes, because your wheels deserve some great care like the rest of the vehicle. Here are different reasons why spray painting your car’s rims is a good idea.
1. Protects the rims
The best gloss black spray paint for cars can guard the rims against harsh conditions like high temperatures. Additionally, the spray helps protect the wheels from debris.
2. Offers a new look
If your vehicle’s rims are in bad condition or terribly worn, spray painting is a good idea. The paint will leave the wheels looking brand new. As a result, this can help increase the resale value of your car.
3. Long-lasting performance
Spray painting rims offer durable performance as long as the paint is high-quality and applied correctly. This happens when you prime the rims using at least three light coats.
4. Cost-effective
Want to make your rims look new without spending so much money? Spray painting them is a good idea instead of buying a new set of wheels. This is because you can do the painting yourself.
5. Versatility
Rims are made of different materials, including carbon fiber, steel, and aluminum alloy. You can easily find paint for all types of wheels, which makes painting them an excellent idea.
6. Does not void warranty
The best part about painting rims is that it does not void your Jeep’s manufacturer warranty. This is not unless the manufacturer can prove the custom modification did directly cause the damage.
7. Many quality spray paints available
When it comes to finding high-quality spray paints for rims, there are so many available. You just have to go through different gloss black spray paint for car review guides to find what you are looking for.
Read Also: How To Paint Car Rims Gloss Black
How To Spray Paint Rims Like a Pro
Now that you know it’s an excellent concept to spray paint rims, how do you do it? Below is a step-by-step guide to help you.
Step 1: Gather the materials
Besides the spray paint itself and primer, you need other things to get the job done, including:
- Wheel cleaner
- Wire brush
- Gloves and mask
- Sandpaper
- Jacks
Step 2: Preparation
Next, find a clean and well-ventilated work area to put your vehicle. Then, jack up your ride under the engine. Next, lay down two jack stands under each tire suspension and remove the wheels.
Step 3: Clean the rims
Using your wheel cleaner and wire brush, clean every part of your rims. Alternatively, you could use the best degreaser for car paint for the best results. Then, rinse the wheels before sanding them using 600-grit sandpaper. Lastly, rinse the rims once more.
Step 4: Cover the wheels
Using newspaper and masking tape, cover the wheels, revealing only the aluminum rims. Next, put down more newspaper and place your wheels on top.
Step 5: Start painting
While wearing your gloves and mask, apply an even coat of primer on each rim and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. For long-lasting performance, spray 2 to 3 coats of primer, including basecoat and clearcoat.
After that, paint your wheels at the recommended safe distance, at least one feet. Then, let the paint dry for 30 minutes and apply another coat. Once dry, spray another coat.
Final Step
Next, unwrap the wheels and allow them to dry overnight to the touch. Then, put your wheels back on your car.
how long does spray paint last?
While the lifespan of spray paint on car rims can vary depending on several factors, on average, you can expect the paint to last anywhere from 3-5 years with proper preparation and maintenance. However, if the rims are exposed to harsh weather conditions or frequent use, the paint job may not last as long. It’s always a good idea to monitor the condition of the rims regularly and touch up or redo the paint job as needed to ensure they continue to look their best.
How many cans of spray paint do I need for rims?
This largely depends on how many coats you plan to apply and the size of your vehicle’s wheels. Generally, 2 to 3 cans (400ml) of spray paint should be enough if applying two coats only.
One can is enough to paint two wheels. As for the other can, you can use it for touch-ups. However, if applying three coats of spray paint, you might need up to 4 cans of spray for the best results.
Is Spray Painting Rims A Good Idea-FAQs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about spray painting rims being a good idea.
How long does it take to paint rims?
It may take you at least 4 to 5 hours. This is because before applying an extra coat of primer or paint, you must wait for 20-30 minutes of drying time. But if this is your first-time spray-painting car’s wheels, you might take longer to finish the job.
Can you paint rims without taking them down?
Absolutely. However, you might end up with messy results if you don’t mask the wheels, brake system, and body trim properly. As for the wheels, you can cover them with trash bags. Then, place big boxes between the body trim and tires.
What is the cost of spray-painting rims?
If you hire a professional, the average cost to paint a single rim can be around $100 and $200. Nonetheless, if you do the job yourself, it should be cheaper where the average cost can be between $30 and $100 per rim.
Is Rustoleum spray paint good for rims?
Yes. Not only is the paint high-performance, but also rust-proof. The best part is that you can use it on aluminum or steel rims to enhance their look. Rustoleum is also safe to use on plastic hubcaps.
What color should I spray paint my rims?
If your vehicle is white in color, you should consider spray painting the rims black or chrome. On the other hand, if you want your rims to stand out, silver is the best color. That said, most cars look good with black or silver painted wheels.
Conclusion
Spray painting rims is undoubtedly a good idea and for many reasons. Not only is it cheaper compared to replacing the rims if they are worn out but also easy to apply. If you perform the application correctly, the paint can offer a durable finish resistant to chipping, corrosion, and heat.
So, knowing how to apply the spray paint on your wheels like a pro is essential. The best part about spray painting rims is that you can complete the job with 2 to 3 cans. All you need is to invest in the top-best gloss black spray paint for car.
