Painting my own alloys

[benjj]

Cheers.

For once in my life I actually took notice of things I've heard/seen. As such I spent ages masking them up right and getting a good sand on them. Then I did loads of thin layers so the paint didn't sit/drip. I think in the end it was 4 very thin coats of primer and 4 thin coats of paint, plus a few little touch ups.

They bare up to scrutiny at three feet and that is what I was after. The whole car is not a minter in any way but these will sit nicely on it.

Going to do the other 4 2 by 2, starting later today. Pop that spare back on and jack stand will mean I can get 2 off at the same time.

[TX1]

Looks good and time well spent.
Out of curiosity are you not putting any lacquer on ?

[benjj]

Yep, certainly will be sealing them with something, yet to decide what yet. I've got some Autoglym wheel sealer here. Wondering whether to let the paint harden, wax it and then use the sealant.

Am just taking a break. Just sanded and masked up one of the white ones, was a right bugger.

[TX1]

I meant a spray on lacquer, a transparent coat.
I am sure you will get a more durable finish and a better result however if you are happy with the way they are keep them that way as sometimes lacquer has a habit of a clouding effect and you might have to restart all over.
Let the things harden before waxing etc.

[BullMoose]

You've got to lacquer them mate, the basecoat won't last if you don't. One dose of a wheel cleaner and pressure wash and the colour will pretty much fade and eventually disappear without a clearcoat! After lacquering, NO waxing the wheels for 60-90 days, paint needs to 'gas off'.

[benjj]

Ok guys, thanks, will nip out for some laquer then

Just got primer onto two more, these are the real ones so want to do it right.

Really happy with the colour. This is the spare on the car while other 2 are off and in the garage. Suspension isn't really like that, got an axle stand on the front...



My masking skills are getting better too!

[JulesB]

Nice work with the wheels but I have to ask, WHY IS THE CAR NOT CLEAN????

[benjj]

It will be, once the wheels are sorted. Only so many hours in the day

[Arbathnot]

benjj said:

My masking skills are getting better too!

I've done my own wheels before and like you pleased with finish (not perfect but not a show car who looks that closely) and masking a complete pain.

A masking tip (untried by me but supposed to work) a deck of cards (no seriousley) each card wedged between the tyre and rim.

[williredale]

+1 on the lacquer.

What's the deal on the centre caps? Are they painted like the rest of the wheel or are you going to touch in the Porsche colours?

[benjj]

The centre caps are finished in the same colour.

Not going to touch them in, I'm really not that talented.

[TX1]

Just noticed the colour you used is the same as my car wondered why it looked so familiar.

[Wheelrepairit]

2k lacquer is the way to go pal, 1k wont last long on alloys with all the salt and chemicals we chuck at our alloys.

[TX1]

Have you finished them Benjj ?
Hope the lacquer came up ok.

[benjj]

Yep, finished about 20 mins ago. The lacquer has made no descernible difference which is good. Did 2 coats.

Overall I'm very pleased. The whole job has cost me:

Sander - 19.99
Primer - 8.99
Paint - 12.90
Lacquer - 9.99
Sanding pads - 2.50
Copy of the Craven Herald - 75p
Masking tape - 1.99
Time - around 7 hours all in

They're not perfect but are better than I'd hoped for and, most importantly, better than I would have settled for.

Just waiting on last 2 to dry, will post up a pic tomorrow.

Its been tiring and emotional. Thanks for all the support

[benjj]

Wheels finished an on now. Just infor a quick balance and then I'm going to hit Buttertubs Pass and take the tyres down to canvas. Bye

[TX1]

Looks good, very satisfactory when you do something yourself for the first time and it turns out well, saying that I see you still haven't washed it ;-)

[benjj]

Thanks, I'm really pleased. Even my tyre guy commented on how good they looked

Not had time for a wash, planned for tomorrow. Between Cinderella panto and kids parties I only had 2 hours free today, I used it driving!

[Tc24]

Very nice, especially for a rattle can job.

Done something similar on one of my old cars, and apart from looking a bit flat, they turned out quite well. Saw it parked up recently and they still looked the same, so a durable finish too.

[littlemel]

williredale said:

I tried doing the rostyles from my MGB so steel rather than alloy but I'll share my experience anyway. I spent hours on the first wheel with various grades of wire wool and sandpaper. After a lot of elbow grease I sprayed it and it looked st. Well, not maybe not st but not to the standard I wanted or that I should have had after the effort I put in. I'd also spent a fair bit on paint. In the end I took them to a local blasting company which cleaned them and powder coated them for £40 a corner.
Wish I'd done that in the first place and spent the time on something more rewarding!

I am so glad that i have just read this - i purchased an MG BGT (Anniversary Edition) this weekend as my first restoration job and was going to do the wheels myself.......was it really that bad, or would a sand blaster thing be easier, and then re paint?