Refurbing a set of wheels
 

What is the preferred method of restoring a set of wheels, paint or powdercoat? I'm torn as to which method would be best. Paint has some pro's as it is cheap, and easy to do. Powdercoating needs to be done by a professional.

Re: Refurbing a set of wheels
 

I believe that the finish is more controlled with a solvent based product and sprayed. PC is kind of "what you get is what you got" and also I believe a solvent based product would be much easier to match if the need arises.

I don't believe you could class a solvent based sprayed finish as "CHEAP" or even cheaper than PC.

Re: Refurbing a set of wheels
 

PC as its more resistant to chips than paint.

Re: Refurbing a set of wheels
 

I'd powder coat. As GC said, much tougher than paint.

Re: Refurbing a set of wheels
 

I believe that tougher could be debated. Yes it's "generally assumed". Always? It would depend upon the quality of the product and of course the prep etc.

I've had several wheels done by "Ye Ole Wheel Shop" and all were painted. I had a couple sets done by other wheel refinishers/repair facilities and both times it was suggested by them to do paint. Both of them offer PC or paint.

Re: Refurbing a set of wheels
 

IMHO, I think it depends on the design and material of the wheel. I have PC'd my factory 90 wheels and CCW Classic centers, but painted my Dymags by Ye Ole Wheel (awesome work by the way). When I took my 90 wheels to get PC'd, the company was not sure if it was a good candidate for PC. They told me they would blast and bake first to see what kind of outgassing reaction before commitment (I liked that). Once that was done they determined no problem and I did the prep work of special heat tape (green) to save on labor as it was very tedious for that wheel since I wanted to keep the lip uncoated. For my CCW 3 piece wheel it was easy to separate and PC the center piece so I did that for durability as mentioned by others (6 years later still looks like new). For the Dymag I had no choice due to the magnesium material and outgassing so it was painted. It has proven pretty durable, but the design of the wheel with deep set lugs, I did make a chip around a lug nut quite easily with the lock key for the type of lug used (will change). I think PC would not have chipped so easily (just my guess). If I were doing my A molds I would ship to Ye Ole Wheel Shop and have them painted. Just sharing my experience and nothing more. Best wishes in your wheel refurb.

Re: Refurbing a set of wheels
 

I bought emmevette's a molds that were for sale. They are in rough shape that need to be sandblasted then either painted or powder coated. I would like to have the centers be a gloss black and the lip raw aluminum like the Grand Sport wheels are.

Re: Refurbing a set of wheels
 

NO TO THE SANDBLASTING you might seek some local advice from a refinisher/repair facility. A professional restoration would include the machining of the flange of "ALL FOUR" wheels so that when on the car you have a matched set of four. There's no short-cut to this.

Talk to a few and base your decision based on the conversations.

Just be sure to have the wheels spun and checked for being true before you start and mark the wheels in some fashion so that you can ID them when they're returned to you. Your location I'd think should offer you several facilities that can accomplish it. Check with the "higher end dealers" and see who they use for their customers BUT talk to a few. Look at some of their work.

Re: Refurbing a set of wheels
 

Sandblasting or Sodablasting something that won't hurt the aluminum.