
Can you paint over clear coat wheels? You don't have to remove all the clear coat, but you want to make sure you get it scuffed good. Also, if you are going to paint over the clear coat you want to make sure the sanding is done evenly. If you get down to the base coat at any part, then you will have to remove all the clear coat or it won't look good.
Full Answer
How do you clear coat the inside of wheels?
You can either use a paintbrush to apply the clear coat or spray it over the wheels. If you want to make the surface durable, you can apply two or three coats of clear coat. After each coat of clear coat, you have to let the surface dry for an adequate amount of time.
Can you spray paint alloy wheels?
Wash the wheels regularly with soap and water and a wheel brush to maintain the finish. For the best results, it is recommended to use one of the high-quality spray paints made specifically for painting alloy wheels. These are available at most large auto parts stores.
How many coats of clear coat do you put on Wheels?
Apply two to three coats of clear coat, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Allow the clear coat to dry overnight before attempting to reinstall the tires or reinstall the wheels back on the vehicle. Wash the wheels regularly with soap and water and a wheel brush to maintain the finish.
Can you paint over a clear coat?
Before you start painting over a clear coat, be sure to clean the surface thoroughly. Remove all dirt, dust, and grease with a cloth that has been dampened with a solvent. You can also use an oil-based paint cleaner, but be sure to let it sit before wiping it off. When painting over a clear coat, you need to use enamel paint.

Steps in Painting Alloy Wheels
The gentlemen who showed up was well-equipped with a small cargo trailer loaded with air compressors, lights, and floor jacks. The bulk of the sanding was completed with an air sander, while the harder to get areas were completed by hand. The sanding and preparation took most of the time.
How Much Does Wheel Repair Cost?
You would probably think having the wheels restored and painted on your vehicle would be close to a grand or so. Much to our surprise, it only cost $360 to have all four wheels completely restored. This price included parts, labor, and tax.
How Long Does Wheel Repair Take?
Wheel repair and restoration is a lot of work. I would have gladly paid more than $360 to have the job completed by a professional like we did. Our wheel medic showed up at 9am and left around 4pm. I think he took a short lunch break, but for the most part, it took a good six hours or so to complete the job.
Paint on the Vehicle or Floor?
The wheel medic that restored our wheels did so with by jacking up the vehicle and leaving the wheels on. The vehicle and floor were not taped off which caused me some concern thinking there was going to be overspray all over the vehicle paint or our warehouse floor. Much to my surprise, there was none.
Conclusion
The experience we had with our local Wheel Medic company was a good one. Everything was delivered exactly as promised in a professional manner. We would recommend them to anyone. I can’t say the same for a wheel restoration company in your area, but Google reviews go a long way in ensuring you hire the right company for the job.
How to dry paint on a wheel?
Wet sand the wheels with 220-grit, 320-grit, 400-grit and then 600-grit sandpaper. Ensure that they surface of the wheel is smooth in all areas. Wipe the wheel down with the mineral spirits and a clean, dry rag. Apply two to three coats of clear coat, allowing sufficient drying time between coats.
How to get rid of old paint on a car?
Spray on the stripper using an aerosol-type stripper, or apply it with a paint brush if using a gel-type stripper. Allow the stripper to soak into the paint until it bubbles up, then wipe it off with a rag. Repeat until all of the old clear coat, paint and primer is removed.
How to get a full color paint coat?
Spray on a light dusting of the color of your choice. Allow the paint to dry for a minute, then apply a solid coat, spraying smoothly back and forth to avoid runs. Apply two to three coats or as many as give full color coverage, allowing sufficient drying time between coats.
How to remove a wheel from a car?
Remove the wheels from the vehicle if they are still installed. Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Lift the vehicle with a floor jack, support it on jack stands and then remove the wheels.
How to apply primer to a can?
Let the primer dry for a minute or so, and then apply a heavy coat. Hold the can eight to 10 inches from the wheel, and move it back and forth in a smooth motion. To avoid runs, do not hold the can in one area. Allow the primer to dry according to the directions, then apply one or two more coats.
Can you refinish aluminum wheels with clear coat?
How to Refinish Aluminum Wheels With Clear Coat. Alloy wheels are stronger than steel wheels, and most receive a clear coat on top of the paint of natural finish that protects the wheels and gives them a more glossy appearance. Over time, the clear coat on a set of wheels begins to flake, fade or become scratched, ...
Can you paint wheels without tires?
Painting the wheels without the tires installed will produce better results since the tires will not have to be taped off while the wheels are painted. Skip steps 1 and 2 if there are no tires installed on the wheels.
Quick Information
Powder coating has been around since the 1950s but has gained more popularity because of the advanced processes used to apply them.
Powder Coated Wheels vs. Painted: Detailed Comparison
Getting new wheels is expensive and sometimes unnecessary. Unless your wheels are chipped, broken, or otherwise damaged, it is an unnecessary expenditure. Painting and Powder Coating are two budget-friendly ways you can improve your car’s aesthetics.
How Much Does Powder Coating Cost ?
The cost of powder coating differs based on the coat of supplies in the market. Furthermore, other cost factors include the model of the vehicle, the size of the wheels, and the quality of the job. That said, the average cost of powder coating a four-wheelset varies from $350 – $700.
Final Thought
It is, therefore, clear from this painted and powder coated wheels review that the best, long-lasting solution for your car rims is a powder coating.
PaulasaurusREX Well-Known Member
I'm going to be painting my summer wheels and am planing on going with a self etching primer then a low gloss engine enamel for the final coat. Is it really necessary to do a clear coat of sorts over the enamel paint? Just seems that it'd be much easier to touch up a wheel chip if it didn't have a clear coat layer.
readymix ...Lest ye be trod upon... Staff Member
Just put a few more color coats down in place of teh clear. You should be fine.
Shibbs The Daywalker
I didn't use any clear with mine. Guy at work still has them on his DD and they're holding up very well, even after over a year of being beaten and bruised. Like Mix said, extra coats of paint. I used exactly the same thing you did - green self-etching, and then low gloss engine enamel.
Ctracey218 Playpen Wrangler Staff Member
To answer your question though, from some interweb research I did when I did mine, clear coat is not needed. Like stated above me, one or two more coats will suffice!
PaulasaurusREX Well-Known Member
I didn't use any clear with mine. Guy at work still has them on his DD and they're holding up very well, even after over a year of being beaten and bruised. Like Mix said, extra coats of paint. I used exactly the same thing you did - green self-etching, and then low gloss engine enamel.
Tim the Plumber Well-Known Member
should have left them primer green shibbs! They only benefit i can see of doing the clear coat would be if you want a more glossed finished it will help out a lot.
errorcode3 Member
should have left them primer green shibbs! They only benefit i can see of doing the clear coat would be if you want a more glossed finished it will help out a lot.
