Powder coating wheels is an innovative and cost-effective method for coloring your wheels, and rejuvenating old or damaged wheels without having to buy new ones.
Once baked to cure and cool, the wheels can then be handled again.
Powder Coat Preparation
No matter if you plan to powder coat your wheels or just keep them looking like new, preparation is key for success. Start by cleaning them thoroughly; this ensures that powder adheres properly.
Wheels will then be sandblasted to achieve an SSPC 5/NACE clean white metal finish, to remove any rust or old paint while simultaneously prepping their surface for powder coating.
Once sandblasting has been completed, wheels must be carefully cleaned once more to eliminate contamination that may affect the final product. Lug holes and valve stems must then be covered to avoid powder adhering to them during transportation.
Masked parts are then suspended with hooks made of various sizes and types of wire, larger parts being provided with more appropriate hooks. Finally, all hooks must be grounded against bare metal in order to conduct electricity through them safely during curing processes without damaging components during production.
Spraying
Powder coating can be an ideal way to add some customization without investing in new wheels. Not only is powder much stronger than conventional paints, it’s also much friendlier to the environment!
At first, it is necessary to clean your wheels thoroughly – this may involve taking steps such as removing tires, degreasing, cleaning with solvent and then rinsing your rims – this process may take up to an hour, depending on their current state.
Next, a dual-voltage powder gun is employed to spray a basecoat onto the metal surface of the wheel, even those hard-to-reach areas.
After preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the rims are placed into an oven preheated to force powder onto them and create an impenetrable finish that resists chips and scratches. Once they have cooled down, the rims return to be given another clear powder coat application and baked again for good measure.
Curing
Powder coating offers a durable and attractive alternative to wet painting. Unlike wet paint, which uses harmful solvents for application, powder coating uses electrostatically charged powder that can be easily applied using a spray gun – and this process is much quicker.
Once a wheel has been sprayed with powder pigments, it is put into an industrial oven to cure them and allow any trapped gasses to escape, producing an even surface that requires only minor touch ups over time. This process typically takes up to ten minutes depending on which powder manufacturer produces your powder pigments.
When curing wheels, film tape is key. This helps mask off areas which should not be coated such as lug holes and valve stems from being covered in powder coat. Once your wheels have set up, they’re ready to be collected and put back on your car – though experts recommend professional service at a specialized facility instead of doing it at home yourself.
Powder Coat Drying
Powder coating your wheels can be an excellent way to make them look great while increasing their lifespan. This process provides a durable layer that can withstand even extreme environments – but there are a few key considerations you need to keep in mind before choosing this option.
First, your alloy rims must be cleaned as thoroughly as possible using an abrasive blaster and metal prep solution. Once they’re spotless they are ready for powder coating. An electrostatic spray gun sprays powder onto wheels with positive electric charges which bind with negative charges on wheels to create an invisible coat that adheres to them firmly.
Wheels are then placed in an oven to bake and cure their powder coating, creating a much quicker process without VOCs that results in strong, durable finishes that are friendlier on the environment.