8th Generation Honda Civic Forum - View Single Post - Is it better to paint rims or powdercoat?

aki · 10-31-2007, 07:46 PM

$50-200 per wheel, depending on place and quality. Mine cost $90/wheel plus an additional $66 for a custom color.

As for durability, it depends on:
1) Type of wheel
2) Powdercoat process

If done wrong, powercoating can compromise the integrity of the wheel. Baking too long, or at too high of a temperature can be bad, esp. for forged wheels. Also, if the shop sandblasts incorrectly (using media that's too coarse or too big), the media can create little cuts in the metal that compromise the integrity. Which is why reputable places can get away with charging more. You want a place that

1) Uses good media (type shouldn't matter as much as how fine the media is). Glass beading is supposedly the safest, but I don't think it's that important
2) Temp-regulated oven for curing. Temp should be consistent, around 300-ish degrees Fahrenheit.
3) Outgassing. If you don't outgas on porous surfaces such as aluminum alloy, you get unpleasant bubbles in the finish.
4) Lower temp baking, if the wheel is forged. Forged wheels are temperamental (pun not intended), and will stress a lot easier than cast wheels. Make sure the place has experience with forged wheels, else your pricey wheel may crack.

10-31-2007, 07:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
aki Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: tehインターウェブ Age: 32 Posts: 8,707 Semi-Si Sedan Hater	$50-200 per wheel, depending on place and quality. Mine cost $90/wheel plus an additional $66 for a custom color. As for durability, it depends on: 1) Type of wheel 2) Powdercoat process If done wrong, powercoating can compromise the integrity of the wheel. Baking too long, or at too high of a temperature can be bad, esp. for forged wheels. Also, if the shop sandblasts incorrectly (using media that's too coarse or too big), the media can create little cuts in the metal that compromise the integrity. Which is why reputable places can get away with charging more. You want a place that 1) Uses good media (type shouldn't matter as much as how fine the media is). Glass beading is supposedly the safest, but I don't think it's that important 2) Temp-regulated oven for curing. Temp should be consistent, around 300-ish degrees Fahrenheit. 3) Outgassing. If you don't outgas on porous surfaces such as aluminum alloy, you get unpleasant bubbles in the finish. 4) Lower temp baking, if the wheel is forged. Forged wheels are temperamental (pun not intended), and will stress a lot easier than cast wheels. Make sure the place has experience with forged wheels, else your pricey wheel may crack. Last edited by aki; 10-31-2007 at 07:52 PM.