Car owners love to decorate their cars; one way to make a car stand out from others is to create original rims. For this purpose, you can resort to coloring them. Wheels attract attention if they look unusual and stylish. Details about the paint products that can be chosen for wheels and the rules for painting wheels will be discussed below.
Why do you need to paint alloy wheels?
Painting the casting has not only a decorative function; the paint also helps to protect the wheels from negative factors. Therefore, when painting car or motorcycle rims, it is necessary to choose a suitable composition that will withstand constant loads so that the layer does not crack or fall off. If the layer falls off, then rust will appear in this place over time, and the external design will no longer be beautiful.
The following are important reasons to paint wheels:
- Salty material that road services sprinkle on the road during the cold season. When sand, salt and snow are mixed, the conditions for the wheels become negative. Discs are in a special risk zone; sometimes noticeable changes on their surface appear after two winter seasons. At the moment there is no effective remedy for protection against this factor;
- Country roads are expensive, such coatings also have a bad effect on the integrity of the disc surface. The presence of small particles and stones in the soil base leads to damage to the material, which contributes to the formation of rust and oxidation of the metal base. As a result, scratches appear and the appearance of the painted layer becomes unsightly;
- Significant temperature changes. Coloring allows you to avoid distortion of the disc size under the influence of temperature changes; this phenomenon is not uncommon in our country. As a result, the paint will fall off.
Alloy wheels also require painting.
These reasons explain the need to paint the disk elements. Specialists will cope with the task without any problems, but their services are not cheap. For this reason, you can learn how to paint alloy wheels yourself. If you adhere to technology, you can carry out the process correctly at home.
Painting the casting has not only a decorative function; the paint also helps to protect the wheels from negative factors.
How to make tuning for stamped wheels
The stamps look simple. But they can be painted in a bright color or made into welds. This type of car wheel tuning is suitable for street racers or those who want to imitate them. And the main thing is that you can do all this yourself.
Unwelding
Unwelding is an increase in the width of a wheel rim by cutting individual elements and welding additional ones. Such tuning of the wheels of a domestic car or a foreign car allows you to make brutal wide wheels that will change the appearance of the car. It looks especially cool when combined with other skin changes.
What it gives, advantages and disadvantages
In addition to changing the appearance, welding reduces the likelihood of the car turning over during a skid and increases its grip on the surface. This is the main advantage of this type of tuning.
Auto tuning of wheels: welding of disks
But it also has disadvantages:
- increase in vehicle weight;
- increased load on the suspension, rapid wear of its elements;
- buying wide tires;
- ordinary narrow tires with a house mounting can fly off during a sharp maneuver;
- lack of specialists in installing and repairing wide tires in many cities and regions;
- complexity of self-production, high cost of ready-made ones.
Such tuning will certainly cause unwanted attention from traffic police officers; it may be necessary to register changes to the design of the car.
Materials and tools
To make such tuning wheels for cars, you will need the following tools and materials:
- two sets of stampings or one set and strips of metal for welding;
- cutting tool with different attachments;
- drill with drills;
- sealant;
- welding machine.
You need to prepare everything in advance so as not to be distracted while working.
How to cook it yourself
Such tuning of car wheels will require skills in working with metal and welding experience. It will be necessary to take precautions and use protective equipment such as a welding mask and gloves.
Unwelding (or connecting) disks
For welding, old metal or unnecessary stamps are used. Therefore, you need to make sure that they are not rusty.
You can increase the width of the disk in two ways:
- welding two disks;
- by welding a metal strip to the disk.
In the first method, one disk will become the basis for the product, and the second will be used for the rim. And the work is performed in the following sequence:
- Mark cutting lines on each of the stampings.
- Using a grinder, cut the parts along the marked line.
- Place the remainder of the first disc onto the rear axle hub and secure it.
- Put on the second part and align.
- Use a welding machine to weld products reliably.
- Cover the resulting seam with sealant.
- After the sealant has dried, remove any excess.
- Decorate the welds. You can paint them or decorate them in any other accessible way.
In the second case, the products are made like this:
- Take a strip of metal about 3 mm wide.
- Mark a cutting line closer to the rim of the disc.
- Cut it with a grinder.
- Cut off the excess from the strip so that its dimensions are equal to the circumference of the disk.
- Using special equipment, bend a metal strip.
- Take the stamping part with the hub and attach the prepared metal to it.
- Weld the correctly bent strip.
- Apply sealant and remove excess after drying.
All that remains is to paint the resulting product or decorate it using another method.
Which paint to choose
Choosing what to paint your rims with is an important stage of work. Automotive painting is initially required to protect the material. A magnesium-aluminum alloy is often used, which is subject to oxidation from environmental influences. Another reason to get an improvement in the appearance of the product.
In the construction market, the following types of paint and varnish materials are usually chosen for painting discs:
- Based on acrylic, this type is available in a variety of shades. There are different forms of release: in cans, jars. The first type can be used without purchasing additional accessories. For the second you will need to use a spray bottle;
- Powder type. You can use other types, but this one is the most optimal. However, it is difficult to use them under normal conditions. For proper drying, you need a drying chamber, where the slightest particles will not fall on the surface, and polymerization will take place effectively, and the necessary temperature indicators will be created. In an ordinary garage, creating the necessary working conditions is problematic;
- Liquid rubber is an unusual material that gives a beautiful result, but car owners are often confused by its high cost.
Aerosol products for automotive repair have become popular due to their ease of use. They cover the surface of the body, small parts, disks and other elements.
Aerosol products for automotive repair have become popular due to their ease of use.
Silver, white, marsh, black matte paint for car rims
On a note.
One way or another, wheel rims periodically get scratched and hit curbs, so experts recommend covering the parts with matte enamel for protective purposes.
To give the wheels a stylish look, you can use silver, white, black or marsh paint. It is worth noting that some motorists prefer to replace the painting procedure by simply polishing aluminum wheels, since this usually costs several times less.
You might be interested in About forged and cast wheels Enkei (Enkei)
To paint car wheels, it is best to choose matte rubber paint “Plasti Dip”, which is sold in aerosol cans. Before applying the product, parts must undergo a washing and degreasing procedure. After the paint has been applied, the process of forming a highly elastic, sealed film begins on the discs, which can be easily removed if necessary.
If you want to radically change the color of the wheels on your car, it is advisable to first decide on the color of the paintwork.
Experts say that the most optimal shade is silver and white, as they help reflect the sun's rays, thereby protecting the wheels from overheating.
Consumables and tools
To carry out the painting process efficiently, you need to prepare the necessary equipment and materials in advance. Then the process will not be disrupted and it will be easier to distribute the paint evenly. The list includes:
- Base degreaser;
- Sander;
- Soft cloth and detergent;
- Sandpaper, size 200-600;
- Putty solution, paints and varnish;
- Paper, masking tape;
- The master must wear protective equipment - clothing and a respirator.
To carry out the painting process efficiently, you need to prepare the necessary equipment and materials in advance.
Painting and varnishing
Before using varnish and paint, carefully read the instructions for use of these materials, as drying time for liquids may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Dried and primed diks must be placed on polyethylene so that during painting, dust and dirt do not stick to them. The technology for applying paint is the same as for primer - we start from the inside of the product and then move to the outside. Apply 2-3 layers of paint, leaving the surface to dry for 15 minutes after each procedure. After that, wait 20-25 minutes and use the varnish. After the first application of varnish, it is necessary to check the surface of the discs for unevenness. If you find them, then go over them with fine sandpaper. Next, all that remains is to apply the final layer of varnish and wait until the product is completely dry (6-7 days). This completes the restoration of the discs.
Pros and cons of painting castings and spray stamping
The use of aerosol paint is becoming more popular when repairing cars. The reason is that there is no need to purchase a spray bottle, which you also need to know how to use correctly. In addition to setting up the tool, you need to maintain the required distance to the surface and apply the product evenly at the desired angle. You also need to dilute the paint to the required consistency for the spray gun.
The can is immediately ready for use; it only needs to be shaken well first. However, only expensive compounds can give high-quality results. Cheap types usually don't do the job up to par.
In addition to the quality of the paint, the release of the composition from the aerosol also plays a role, so that the paint is distributed evenly and without smudges. A reusable coating is made; the layers must dry well before applying a second one. The spray pressure is low, which is not the case when working with a spray gun. Also, the pressure level during operation will change.
Covering all wheels may require more spray. As a result, savings may become insignificant.
The can is immediately ready for use; it only needs to be shaken well first.
Dyeing process
Do-it-yourself painting is a simple task, but at the same time time-consuming. This is due to the fact that careful surface preparation is required. And, if the motorist is not sure how to handle the equipment, it is better to seek help from specialists.
Preparing for work
To begin with, the wheels of the car need to be washed; tires are removed from them as standard. Many motorists do not want to do this and therefore wonder whether it is possible to paint without removing the rubber. Theoretically, it is possible, but then it will have to be sealed with masking tape or other similar material, which can be easily removed later.
So, you need to remove the tire and check the integrity of the rims. They are cleaned of the old paint coating using a brush or power tool. Hard-to-reach places are processed manually using sandpaper, local rust and contamination are removed. Then the products are thoroughly washed with water, their surface is degreased using a solvent. It is recommended to dry them afterwards in a drying cabinet heated to 40°C.
Then the metal surface is covered with primer to remove minor defects and scratches. The primer is applied in 2-3 layers, carefully so that there are no drips.
The discs are dried again in a special cabinet (since a polymer product is used as standard) or using an industrial hair dryer. When they cool to normal temperature, the treated surface is cleaned with sandpaper. This should be done in a crisscross motion to avoid damaging the disc. It is recommended that a minimum layer of primer be left on it.
It is advisable to blow off the surface after operating the compressor to get rid of any debris and see if there are any damages that were previously invisible. If they are present, apply the primer again and repeat the above procedure.
Types of paints and technologies for tuning/restoring wheels
Before painting the wheels, a suitable composition is selected. There are several types of paint and varnish products that can cope with the task of protecting and giving a beautiful appearance to the discs.
Before painting the wheels, a suitable composition is selected.
Acrylic paint
Acrylic-based products can be used with different substrates; they can also paint over aluminum with high quality. There are options in cans and cylinders. The variety of colors makes acrylic paint popular. There are other advantages of the product:
- Possibility to combine shades;
- Surface protection;
- The durability of the discs themselves increases;
- Fast drying time, approximately 20 minutes;
- Reasonable price.
Acrylic-based products can be used with different substrates; they can also paint over aluminum with high quality.
Rubber paint
This type is suitable for different substrates and can give a matte or glossy finish. It is distinguished by its quick-drying properties, high level of strength and it is easy to remove the layer. The disadvantages are high consumption and low level of resistance to mechanical shocks compared to the acrylic type.
It is distinguished by its quick-drying properties, high level of strength and it is easy to remove the layer.
Powder paint
Powder paint is characterized by the complexity of polymerization; it is necessary to create the desired temperature regime, usually drying is carried out in a special chamber. In everyday life, this option is difficult to implement. But the protective functions of the product are high. The layer withstands most negative environmental factors.
Powder paint is characterized by the difficulty of polymerization; it is necessary to create the desired temperature regime.
Glowing paint
Luminous compositions work due to the presence of a phosphor, which accumulates light during the day; the duration of the glow depends on the size of the fractions. The smaller size ensures the glow lasts longer.
There are ready-made paints, or you can add a phosphor to the varnish, the amount is 1 to 5. To get the desired shade, you can resort to dyes.
In addition to the type of paint, it is important to choose what color to paint the wheels. The black version is universal and looks stylish. But for unusualness, you can use bright shades, or resort to multi-color dyeing. Chrome parts are popular.
Glowing compounds work due to the presence of a phosphor, which accumulates light during the day.
How to paint wheels correctly
We paint wheels ourselves when we need to save on repairs. The coloring process and its complexity will depend on the type of composition chosen. Therefore, you should learn the intricacies of working with popular paints for self-use.
The coloring process and its complexity will depend on the type of composition chosen.
Painting with liquid rubber
Liquid rubber is easy to work with; it’s easy to get an even layer with it; it levels itself out. The painting process is as follows:
- The disks need to be cleaned thoroughly.
- High-quality drying is carried out.
- The surface is degreased.
- Drying again.
- Layers are applied step by step, usually 4-5 layers are done.
- Each layer must dry, the time is indicated on the packaging.
Liquid rubber is easy to work with; it’s easy to get an even layer with it; it levels itself out.
Painting with acrylic paints
Using acrylic-based paint gives a durable result that stands out for its brightness and beauty. It is necessary to carefully prepare the base; the whole process is carried out in stages:
- The old layer of paint is removed.
- The imperfections are sanded and puttied.
- A degreaser is applied and dried.
- Apply two layers of primer.
- The base is degreased again.
- After drying, the surface is painted in 1-2 layers.
- The dried surface is varnished.
Using acrylic-based paint gives a durable result that stands out for its brightness and beauty.
Preparatory stage
Preparation is necessary to get rid of old paint and remove any defects that have appeared on the discs. Sanding and applying putty are carried out to level the base. The drying time of the putty solution depends on the temperature. The packaging indicates the period at +20-25 degrees.
Sanding and applying putty are carried out to level the base.
Application of primer
Soil is necessary to ensure reliable adhesion of materials. First, the base is matted, then epoxy primer is applied. The surface is matted again, and the dried discs are covered with acrylic primer.
When the layers are dry, sand the base. First with coarse-grain sandpaper, then with medium-grain sandpaper.
Soil is necessary to ensure reliable adhesion of materials.
Painting
The surface is painted as standard. It is important to set up the spray gun correctly and shake the can well. The first jet of aerosol is applied to the side. It is advisable to practice applying the product to the surface in advance. The number of layers is 2-3. The drying time for each product is checked on the packaging of the product.
It is important to set up the spray gun correctly and shake the can well.
Wheel rim lights
Wheel illumination is a way to stand out in traffic. You can do it yourself. To make it, neon tubes or LED strip are used. The first method is more expensive and more complicated.
Wheel rim lights
Therefore, diodes are more often used. Such lighting can be wired and connected to a car battery. But you can also make it wireless, which will be charged from solar energy.
Materials and tools for self-installation of lighting
To make the backlight, you will need the following materials and tools:
- jack and wheel wrench;
- drill;
- sealant, glue or double-sided tape;
- clamps;
- corrugation for wiring (if it will be used);
- current stabilizers (if the backlight will not be powered by the sun);
- toggle switch (if the product will not operate on solar energy);
- wires (if needed);
- metal strips (if the brake discs do not have a protective casing).
You will also need the LED strips themselves.
Backlight tuning process
The luminous tape is installed in the protective casing of the brake discs, if the machine is equipped with them. If they are not there, you will have to make the protection yourself.
If there is a casing, then the lighting is done in this order:
- Remove the wheel.
- Wash and degrease the casing, removing all dirt.
- Wrap the casing with tape to measure the desired length.
- Cut the tape. You need to cut strictly in sectors, otherwise its integrity will be compromised.
- Apply sealant or glue to the tape from the inside and attach it to the casing.
- Additionally secure with clamps.
- Apply glue or sealant to one end of the LED strip.
- To the second end, on which there are wires, solder the wires for connecting to the battery. This is done if it is powered by a battery and not by the sun.
- Place the wiring in the corrugation for protection.
If the machine is not equipped with casings, then the second method of making the backlight will come in handy:
- Remove the wheel.
- Take a perforated metal strip and bend it to the shape of the car part.
- Install the frame on the car and secure it.
Then repeat all operations from the first method.
About security measures
The manufacturer prescribes safe working conditions in the instructions. The master must protect himself with gloves and a respirator. You can also wear safety glasses. Stay close to people and animals should not be allowed.
The master must protect himself with gloves and a respirator.
You can paint the wheels yourself, but it is important to choose high-quality paint. If you prepare the base carefully, the painted layer will be reliable and beautiful.
