Refurb Wheel Finishes for Track Wheels

[Tommie38]

I ve always used powder coated wheels on track and never had an issue.

A couple of years ago I had wheels painted and I found that brake particles / dust were able to embed themselves in the wheel surface in a way that was basically impossible to get out. As I understand it, the outer layer lacquer heats up and softens enough that a very hot brake particle can get stuck. Once the wheel cools you can t really get it out.

I ve never had this happen before so I was going to get a powder coat done this time. But ChatGPT is telling me that even powder coat often uses an outer lacquer and I could get similar issues, albeit not as bad. The ChatGPT recommendation is a single stage powder coat (no lacquer) but I do have a concern it will look terrible. Apparently that is the motorsport solution.

Anybody got any experience?

[E-bmw]

Just get a "cheap powder coat" job done as advised, it will look fine, it is a track day car let's face it.

I used to use a place in Bradford that did poweder coating for £1/inch, so a 16" wheel cost £16 for a chemical strip/sand-blast and they looked just fine.

[Inlineonline]

1st world answer, carbon ceramic brakes, far less dust!

[Tommie38]

Love the range of responses.

Man in a shed vs ordering from the OPC.

Has anybody else had the same experience? Brake particles embedded in the lacquer?

[Tommie38]

E-bmw said:

Just get a "cheap powder coat" job done as advised, it will look fine, it is a track day car let's face it.

I used to use a place in Bradford that did poweder coating for £1/inch, so a 16" wheel cost £16 for a chemical strip/sand-blast and they looked just fine.

Assuming this was a basic single stage coat? Probably toughest of all.

[Tommie38]

Inlineonline said:

1st world answer, carbon ceramic brakes, far less dust!

Must remember that the next time I spec a brand new GT3. Ahem.

[mmm-five]

Is anodising an option?

[E-bmw]

Tommie38 said:

E-bmw said:

Just get a "cheap powder coat" job done as advised, it will look fine, it is a track day car let's face it.

I used to use a place in Bradford that did poweder coating for £1/inch, so a 16" wheel cost £16 for a chemical strip/sand-blast and they looked just fine.

Assuming this was a basic single stage coat? Probably toughest of all.

It was, they only (at that price) did the most basic (silver/satin black/gloss black/white) choice of colours/finishes, but I certainly had no issues in the 3 years I used them.

[Wh00sher]

E-bmw said:

Just get a "cheap powder coat" job done as advised, it will look fine, it is a track day car let's face it.

I used to use a place in Bradford that did poweder coating for £1/inch, so a 16" wheel cost £16 for a chemical strip/sand-blast and they looked just fine.

I most likely the same place. They bake them too hot, I had multiple wheels crack on track after using them.

Be aware alloy wheels need baking at a lower temp than steel.

[Kev_Mk3]

Wh00sher said:

E-bmw said:

Just get a "cheap powder coat" job done as advised, it will look fine, it is a track day car let's face it.

I used to use a place in Bradford that did poweder coating for £1/inch, so a 16" wheel cost £16 for a chemical strip/sand-blast and they looked just fine.

I most likely the same place. They bake them too hot, I had multiple wheels crack on track after using them.

Be aware alloy wheels need baking at a lower temp than steel.

Was just about to post this myself

[PRO5T]

TImely thread, my wheels were originally painted in body colour and Porsche did that simply by painting and lacquering.

I figured if it wasn't brake dust getting embedded in the finish they might even discolour due to heat.

I'd wanted to recreate this finish but I can see me being on a hiding to nothing for the few track days I do each year even with using PCCBs.