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[UdubBadger]

Going to paint a set of 161's tomorrow... got all my items on the shopping list but I had 1 question before I start. I chose to go Flat black but wanted to know if I need clear coat for it.

If I use clear coat won't I lose the flat look?
If i don't use clear coat what is protecting the paint on the wheels or do i not need to protect the paint?


thanks

[UdubBadger]

anyone???


also do i need to paint the interior part of the hub (the part you'd see when tires are mounted on them near the brakes) too or do most people leave that alone? I'm not painting a lip or anything, just going for an all black look

[UdubBadger]

ummm help

[VMRWheels]

You need to use high temp paint and clears. If you want a more mat look, look for a semi gloss clear.

[bluebomber]

if you want the flat black usually they powdercoat. i think if it's just paint then it better be what VMR said.

[UdubBadger]

cool thanks guys

i'll stop by napa tomorrow morning and pick up some semi gloss clear

[UdubBadger]

off to paint them now!

[darkphantom]

pics! when you're done

[VMRWheels]

Yes please. Pictures are a must when you've finished. Take your time and I recommend placing your spray paints in a warm bath of water before you use them. This helps raise the internal temp of can and the paint will spray out of the can more evenly.

[UdubBadger]

only got to the interiors/backs of them today.

didn't realize clear coat takes 3 hrs to dry.

I'll be finishing them up on sunday morning.

[roy@gambitmotorsport]

I've considered from time-to-time going to flat black on the rims, just to rid myself of the brake dust issue. Would love to see the finished product, too... Like VMRWheels said, there's semi gloss clear - had it used on a custom grill once and the end result was a flat color.

Don't go with powder coating or any heat treatment on your rims. In some ways, metal is like foodstuff, and heating it up then letting it cool doesn't return it to its original consistency. Can't think of a better metaphor right now, but the point is spot on.


Roy

[UdubBadger]

i couldn't find semi gloss clear anywhere... even called a bodyshop supply company and they were flabbergasted at the mention of a semigloss clear coat so I just used black primer, flat black paint and am only doing 2 coats of clear instead of the suggested 3


my painting skills suck but i haven't done the face of the wheels just yet, hopefully they come out a little better than the interior parts did

[scollins]

It is really hard to get good results from a rattlecan. Personally, I would have used a gravity feed or HVLP gun and sprayed on something like DuraCoat. DuraCoat is a firearms finish actually, but it includes a hardener, is very tough and resists lots of chemicals. It takes a little while to cure, but it doesn't require heat to do so. A little late now, but for future reference: http://www.lauerweaponry.com/duracoa...k&Category=220. Click on the "DuraCoat Info" link near the upper left.

Anyway, the secret to great painting results is taking your time to get the base prep 100% right. If you don't have good surface prep, which gives the paint something to stick to, then the results will look like hell.