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I am getting cracks in the clear coat in my aluminum rims and they are corroding under it

I sanded off the clearcoat on my aluminum rims and found a paint under the clearcoat that makes the rims look highly polished.I can't seam to find a paint like it.Can you just polish the rims and clear coat them.I would rather paint them like they were they are so much brighter.

Dallas Dolan
body repair - Vesta, Minnesota, USA
April 1, 2008

What you have removed was a clear coating called "polyester powder coating". Your best bet now is to find a local "powder coater/applicator" who will strip and re-coat them correctly. If you have polished the wheels you could request that he only applies a clear coat leaving the aluminium 1st coat out. Find a company that re-coats wheels on a daily basis as there are many problems (out gassing) that can occur during the baking process.

Terry Hickling
Birmingham, United Kingdom
April 2, 2008