Wheels , how do you paint them?

[Want to be]

I am considering painting my wheels black. The current style has polished metal showing and black. I would rather just have them all black. (looking more like late 80's wheels)

What type of paint do i apply before i actual put the color on it.

I believe my mechanic said zinc oxide but that is not available anymore.

Thanks for any help.

jpc

[grant lyon]

suggest you search on painting fuchs as in
Masking Fuchs
Plenty of threads to guide you. There are several different threads with discussions of paint brands, finish (satin v glossy), etc. I went with the original anodized petals look, but didn't bother to completely strip the original black areas before repainting. Just be tidy by feathering edges with very fine finishing (sand) paper, and prep with a good cleaner. Use blue painters tape or electrical tape for areas you don't want to coat. PP has the Wuerth Satin Black paint if you are finicky.

[JackT]

Good article on this in Classic Motorsports this month.

[Want to be]

Ok that's some good info but i am still searching for help on painting on surfaces that are chrome like.

My mechanic said i needed to use something first to ensure it does not peel. He said that zinc oxide was good but is not available anymore.

thanks

jpc

[ubiquity0]

self-etching primer

[Want to be]

where do you buy? pep boys auto zone ???

thanks

jpc

[89911]

From experience painting at least 4 sets of fuchs, you MUST prepare the polished metal surfaces to accept paint. Bead blasting is by far the best method. Using 400 wet/dry paper is ok. Depending on a self-etching primer to bite into those hard forged aluminum surfaces is wishfull thinking. The paint will bond to the areas that are polished, but all it will take is a flying stone or an accidental bump with a lug wrench the the paint will chip. I tried the self etching primer the first time around and they chipped severly after about 6 months. Next time, I masked and bead blasted and they are on there like iron. Same paint.