Refurbing/Painting Alloys

-westy-

-westy-

-westy-

Soldato
Joined
7 Nov 2002
Posts
12,671
Location
Snorbans, UK
Hey,

When I bought my new tyres (well, second hand from a member on 205gtidrivers.com) I drove around with 2 black steel wheels on the front of my car for a few days. Now, I thought they looked really good in black, so fancy a go at refurbing/painting/spraying my alloys.

1. Would it be best to get hold of an old alloy from a scrapper's first to practise on?

2. What would I need to do this? my alloys have a few scratches around the edges, what would be best to get these out? I don't earn a massive amount, so taking them to a professional to have them refurbed is out the question.

3. Would I be better off getting a set of 1.9 Speedlines? :o

Thanks :)
 
I'd be interested to hear of any advice as well, I think Malt_Vinegar did his on his Volvo (not sure if his car is RIP? :( )

Anyway, I'm doing a set of standard Honda 15" wheels.

Up to now I've jet washed them (high pressure) and I'm working two wheels at a time.

I'm using Nitromoors paint stripper and wire wool (complete with cotton lined rubber gloves, I recommend you get some elbow length ones, I now have a scar on my forearm :o).

I have to give them a final going over to get the last bits of paint etc off, by actually putting some Nitromoors onto the wire wool to dig it in a bit.

After that I'll wet and dry it to smooth things out, using a fine grade, then a slightly rougher grade to give it a matt surface. After that I'll lacquer and paint it using stuff from Halfords. I'll do probably three layers of each, sanding with a fine grade of wet and dry (say 1200) in between layers.

As for kerbing Halfords sell a kit with clear filler, might get one of those but my set of wheels aren't too bad so may use a file to get the worst off.
 
Give 'em a bit of a light sanding on the scratches as best you can, then get them powdercoated, will give you a much better finish, be harder wearing too.
Find a local powder coater and slip 'em some cash. Local place to me did mine for £20.
 
thebrasso said:
I'd be interested to hear of any advice as well, I think Malt_Vinegar did his on his Volvo (not sure if his car is RIP? :( )

Anyway, I'm doing a set of standard Honda 15" wheels.

Up to now I've jet washed them (high pressure) and I'm working two wheels at a time.

I'm using Nitromoors paint stripper and wire wool (complete with cotton lined rubber gloves, I recommend you get some elbow length ones, I now have a scar on my forearm :o).

I have to give them a final going over to get the last bits of paint etc off, by actually putting some Nitromoors onto the wire wool to dig it in a bit.

After that I'll wet and dry it to smooth things out, using a fine grade, then a slightly rougher grade to give it a matt surface. After that I'll lacquer and paint it using stuff from Halfords. I'll do probably three layers of each, sanding with a fine grade of wet and dry (say 1200) in between layers.

As for kerbing Halfords sell a kit with clear filler, might get one of those but my set of wheels aren't too bad so may use a file to get the worst off.
Click to expand...


Thats pretty much what i did.

Came out looking awesome :)
 
Muncher, is that your thread on the Vauxhall forums?

If so did you strip the paint on the alloys or just sand them then go over them?

I can't imagine the finish lasting long unless you stripped what was there already....
 
That's a VW forum and not my thread. :)

I don't see why it won't work if the alloys are prepared properly, well sanded and covered in plenty of primer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom