Painting aluminum wheels

[guido5526]

Just purchased some locked up rc aluminum wheels the other day. Would have loved to buy the vp methods but wasn't in the cards right now. So my thought was paint the locked up ones the color I want. Is painting these pretty straight forward or is there special paint I should be looking for. I want them red and still wanna have that glossy aluminum finish when done. I don't want that thick paint look. Your input is much appreciated.

[gdb85]

You will need a good etching primer before paint or it just won't adhere to the aluminum.

There is also a fella on here that will anodize your wheels for you and is really reasonable too.

Just need to search a little, I'd do it and post a link but have only had one cup of coffee so far this morning, lol.



I finished my coffee....Custom Anodizing by Lattice Innovations

[coldfire]

You will need a etch primer. Scuff the surface with an SOS pad or a grey 3m scuff pad you might be able to find at Lowes. Don't dig at it with a scuff pad, just enough pressure that your scratching the surface for good adhesion. You could also go with a direct to metal paint with etch primer mixed into it.

Paint & Accessories | Aerosol Paint | Krylon Rust Preventative Enamel Gloss Classic Red 12oz. Aerosol Can K06900600 - Pkg Qty 6 | B1372268 - GlobalIndustrial.com

Still scuff the wheels before applying.Im not sure how glossy this will be. But you can also find a aerosol clear coat.

[guido5526]

Might do the anodizing sometime. Starting to like the locked up wheels more since I have more options on rings and hardware.

[BC-Brian]

I do the anodizing, drop me a line if it is something you want to talk about. If not hope they come out sweet anyway

[P.A.Myers]

Anodizing is way way better than paint. I didn't know I could get it done. Hmmmm