Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Refinishing machined/clear coat aluminum wheels for paint

Q. I am a hobbyist looking to save some cash by refinishing my machined finished/clear coat aluminum wheels myself. The clear coat is coming off and I'd very much like to paint the wheels black with a new clear coat. Is this possible and also have good results? And is it worth it as opposed to buying new black wheels? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Sorry if this is a repeat but I couldn't find anything that answered my question specifically. Thanks again.

Jared Hollis
hobbyist - Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
2004

---

Q. I too, am looking for an answer to this question. I have some Eagle polished aluminum rims that came on a civic I bought. The car is black and I've made a few changes to it that make the wheels stand out in a way that doesn't match the overall appearance I'm trying to achieve. They are designed in a way that makes them look like a girl put them on the car. The finish is not bad-they look good when I clean and polish them, almost like chrome. But, the design looks like a flower (makes me want to throw up). I was also wanting to try to paint them black or gunmetal to see if I can get away with not having to buy rims right now. I also want to know how I can prepare the surface for adhesion of paint and if a primer needs to be used between the aluminum and base coat/clear coat or an acrylic enamel.

Chris Comeaux
- Lake Charles, Louisiana
2004