Need Help! Painting Wheels Myself!

Discussion in 'Detailing Tips and Tricks' started by SRTLUVR, Sep 14, 2010.

  1. SRTLUVR

    SRTLUVR Detailing "Go-to" Guy

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    Hey Gang -
    In an effort to save some money, as I've EXHAUSTED my budget on the new 300, I've decided to paint the pockets on my new Option5 wheels myself. That's right, gonna "Legmaker" these bitches on my own!! I'll probably get a little help from my good buddy Walker, but I wanted to do a little homework myself. :)

    Other than basic painters tape (the blue stuff) to cover the big areas, is there a "sharper" tape I can use to MAKE SURE the edges and contours of my taping is clean, accurate, and won't bleed?? Do you guys know of a tape that will yield perfect edging around the corners??

    Also. I'll be using good ol' rattle can products. I'm not concerned with the end result, as I'm as neat as a serial killer, and the wheels will be well cared for. But what spray can products do you guys recommend?? Primer, paint, and clear?? Also, what grits of sandpaper will I need??

    ANY HELP YOU GUYS CAN PROVIDE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!! :thanks:
     
  2. 1bad4dr

    1bad4dr Mr. Meany

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    I don't recommend a home job on such a fine wheel, but I certainly understand. Hope you don't spend MORE money due to not liking your DIY painting.


    Use pinstripe tape to go around the edges, THEN, use the painters tape for the large area's.

    Will the rims come coated? If so, you want to ensure you get the coating off completely. This will take a LOT of time.

    If not, you might be able to scuff the area to paint with a course scouring pad (Green)?

    Good luck, Chase.
     
  3. LegMaker

    LegMaker LMI - LegMakerIntakes

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    chase - when i first did the original "legmaker" mod to my stock srt wheels, i did the following

    - wipe with thinner to clean
    - tape large flat spoke surface with painters tape
    - scotch brite pad to the grey pocket areas to be painted (do this before final tape so as to not damage tape edge and have a crappy finish)
    - used blue pinstripe tape (do not know the actual name...... real thin stuff) to finish tape the edges
    - carefully wiped with thinner
    - lightly spray the color
    - wait...........
    - lightly spray the color
    - wait...........
    - do final coat of caliper paint in gloss black
    - let dry for 24hrs.....

    untape, waxed, and installed!!!

    i painted inside the barrels as well. the caliper paint is because at the time i wanted to make sure to have a paint that would hold up to heat AND the massive brake dust the stock pads threw off. careful not to lay down too much paint and primer.... it will end up leaving a very noticeable "edge" to the paint at the tape line.

    this tape is similar to what i used for the finished edges....... just remember, too much paint is a bad thing for the edges!

    http://www.shop3m.com/3m-smooth-transition-tape-xg9z5281d9.html
     
  4. SRTLUVR

    SRTLUVR Detailing "Go-to" Guy

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    I hear ya Ron, loud and clear. I'm gonna gather some info, and then make a final decision. I've also asked my painter for some help, hoping he'll cut me a deal, lol. :) I haven't COMPLETELY decided yet.

    THANKS CHRIS!! I KNEW I COULD COUNT ON YA BUDDY!! :)
     
  5. BigAl470

    BigAl470 So Long Gay Boys!

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    to get good edges you want to do thin coats start from the tape toward the area to be painted this will help stop bleeding... you can also look for edge tape its green and comes in a plastic case think its called frog tape or something like that suppose to have better adhesive on the edge plus since its in a case the edge will not be dicked up and full of lint
     
  6. SRTLUVR

    SRTLUVR Detailing "Go-to" Guy

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    Thanks Alex! I know that stuff! Good advice!
     
  7. DRKNE55

    DRKNE55 The Badguy

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    exactly
     
  8. Quick

    Quick Mgmt. - I can't help you

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    This sounds like the critical/impossible part.
    You got to scuff all the way to the edge so it doesn't chip/lift at the edge.
    But if you scuff past the edge it's going to show right?

    Or do you end up clear coating the whole wheel at the end?
     
  9. LegMaker

    LegMaker LMI - LegMakerIntakes

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    critical yes, impossible no.....

    either have a steady hand when scuffing but you have to trust your hand skills not to scuff the painted/polished parts not being painted.

    or....

    tape entire wheel, scuff up the taped edge, then go back and retape just the edges with the good tape i listed. this is more work, but if you do not trust you hand skills, it will prevent bad things from happening......

    seeing as i make my living working with my hands on somewhat delicate pieces, i went the first route! lol
     
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2010
  10. Dookie

    Dookie Foe twenny sics

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    Chris, you're like an Allstate agent.
     
  11. LegMaker

    LegMaker LMI - LegMakerIntakes

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    that right brother.............. like a good neighbor.....lol
     
  12. DRKNE55

    DRKNE55 The Badguy

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  13. LegMaker

    LegMaker LMI - LegMakerIntakes

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    oh yeah..........that other one........ "your in good hands" peeps...lol

    either way, i got mad skillz with my hands........rotglmao............