Powder Coating Rims: Options, Colors, and What to Avoid

If you fell in love with a new or used vehicle to buy but not the rims, try powder coating. Powder coating your rims is a great way to improve your wheels’ appearance at a reduced cost compared to buying all new wheels.

The process involves coating the surface of your rims with a dry powder that is applied electrostatically and then heat-cured. The powder is polymer-based with a mix of curing additives, leveling agents, pigments, resin, and flow modifiers. The blended powder bonds to the electrically excited surface, and the wheels are then baked in an oven or kiln. The powder melts, coating the wheels with an even surface. It cures to an extremely hard, even, smooth surface as the coating cools.

This method saves you the cost of acquiring custom rims when the old ones start to look tired. Powder coating makes your wheels more durable than painting them, and it is resistant to flaking and chipping. The powder-coated surface strongly bonds with the metallic surface on your rims and it gives your rims a brand new look.

Pros and Cons of Powder Coating Rims

If you are considering using other methods to improve your rims’ overall appearance and durability, you’ll want to know the pros and cons of powder coating first before buying the car.

Pros:

1. High Level of Resistance

Powder coating provides resistance from chipping, flaking, or corrosion caused by debris, salt, road grime, and other elements. It creates a non-porous surface that protects the rims better than regular paint.

2. Improved Durability

The powder-coating process involves the rims baking in an oven at high temperatures. Heat makes the coating tightly fuse with the rim forming an added level of durability. The coating provides a thicker layer with consistent coverage and can last up to three times longer than standard paint.

3. Environmentally Friendly

The application process doesn’t emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like some automotive paint. The air you breathe will be less harmful and doesn’t damage the ozone layer. Excess powder can be immediately recycled for future use and has a long shelf life, unlike leftover paint and overspray.

4. Better Overall Coverage

Powder coating, unlike regular paint, can be applied on any design of rim regardless of the intricacy of its features without impacting other areas of the vehicle. The electrostatic application method and the curing process ensure that you can reach the rim’s most challenging nooks and crannies.

5. Cost-Efficient

The initial cost of the powder coating is comparable to painting, but the long-term durability of coatings is where the savings happen.

6. Faster Curing

Powder coating has a shorter curing time than paint, achieving maximum durability in minutes instead of weeks.

7. Works With Any Metal

You can apply powder coating to any metal material, including brass, steel, aluminum, or stainless steel.

8. Less Waste

There is less wasted product during the powder coating process than paint since the overspray doesn’t evaporate like paint because of the lack of solvents.

Cons:

1. Challenges With Color

Getting the desired final hue or tone is not easy. Special paint effects like gradients or stripes can be highly challenging, if not impossible, with the powder-coating process. Recycled powder may have cross-contamination from other colors previously used in the coating booth.

2. Surface Thickness Problems for Some Wheels

The powder-coating process is not ideal if you want to create a thin surface for a specific appearance. Powder coating produces a thick finish that can withstand harsh conditions.

3. You Need to Grind the Rims

The process requires you to grind your rims so that the coating can bond effectively. It can be a small task if your rims need a retouch on an existing powder coat.

4. Less Control Over Smoothness of Coating

Sometimes the heat during the baking process can cause surface inconsistencies due to the failure of the electrostatic process to create a strong bond.

5. Problems With Thicker parts

Large parts take longer to cure as they require adequate heating and cooling time. They take additional time to complete, which can impact the pricing.

Is it Better to Powder Coat or Paint Rims?

Powder coating provides a superior finish that is durable and easy to apply.

If you opt to paint your rims instead of powder coating, you will only provide a temporary surface treatment solution. Here are some reasons why paint is inferior to powder coat:

• Paint is susceptible to chipping, peeling, and scratching
• It is not durable
• Road conditions cause premature corrosion
• It is a short-term solution
• It is hard to offer total coverage on some complex rims
• It is not cost-efficient

Powder coating provides a superior finish that is durable and easy to apply. It might cost more than regular paint, but it will protect your rims for many years, offering a great return on investment. If you clean the rims regularly with water and soap, they will remain in pristine condition and have good value when it’s time to sell.

Powder Coating Colors

You can choose from hundreds of colors and shades to powder coat your rims.

Powder coatings come in a wide selection of colors: black, white, silver, red, yellow, gold, orange, and more. You can choose from hundreds of colors and shades. Reliable powder-coating experts will provide charts to help find your preferred color.

Brighter colors are challenging to clean as they might collect tar from the road and other substances that can darken their appearance when cleaned. Regular washing with water and soap should keep your rims in good shape. Avoid using acid wheel cleaners and other cleaners with strong chemicals.

Black is a favorite color for many vehicle owners. It comes in various finishes, including candy, wrinkle, high gloss, satin, and flat. It is a good choice due to its durable high gloss color consistency, and it conceals minor surface flaws.

Matte vs. Gloss

The difference between matte and gloss powder coating is that matte finishes seem rough and don’t reflect light but rather scatter it. Matte is harder to keep clean and often looks dirty, something to keep in mind for resale.

How Much Does it Cost to Powder Coat Rims?

The exact price of the service often fluctuates depending on the demand and cost of supplies. On average, powder coating rims will cost between $400 to $1200 for a set of four wheels. Large wheels or wheels with curb rash require extra work to refinish and raise the cost of powder coating.

How Long Will Quality Powder Coating Last?

Your provider choice will determine how the finishes will be applied and how long your coatings will last. Expect expert-level powder coating work to last between 15 to 20 years. This predicted lifespan is subject to various factors such as wear/tear, exposure to corrosive agents, and how you generally use your vehicle. If the coating finishes are expertly applied, you stand a better chance of having good resale value.

Can Aluminum Wheels Be Powder Coated?

Powder coating works on many metal wheel materials, including aluminum. Since aluminum is generally smooth, the surface will require roughening for the coating to adhere correctly. Aluminum surfaces contain a thin layer of aluminum oxide you must also remove. Once you’ve applied powder coating to aluminum, it can last for 20 years.

Should I Powder Coat My Rims at Home?

Applying powder coating at home might not produce the best results unless you have the required equipment and expertise. You may not produce a perfect powder-coating finish’s exact color and texture. Experienced providers have the know-how and facilities to carry out the task correctly and use the appropriate procedures.

Powder Coating Process

Base Spray – The wheel is suspended in the paint booth, electrically charged, and sprayed with a base layer that forms a smooth foundation coat.

The Quick Bake – The wheel is then put in an industrial oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). The heat forces the coating to adhere.

Cool Down & Clear Coat – The wheel is removed from the oven and allowed to cool down to room temperature. Once cool, it returns to the coating booth for a clear coat. Clear powder coats are white before being baked.

The Big Bake – After applying the clearcoat, the wheel is returned to the oven to bake for 35 to 45 minutes.

Rubber & Rest – The wheel is left to cool completely, and the powder coater removes any hooks, tape, and center plugs.

What You Should Avoid

Various issues can affect the quality of your powder-coated finish. First, you should adequately remove any contaminants and prepare the surface before applying the powder. Ensure you do not use too much or too little powder, and adjust your equipment settings to the correct levels. Follow your powder coating cure procedure properly. Failure to do so may result in an under or over-cure.

Conclusion

Powder coating has many advantages, and even though it might set you back a little financially, it is worthwhile. It gives your vehicle a spectacular appearance and ensures that you have durable rims to go with it. A strong temptation to reduce costs may lead you to a DIY powder coat, but employing the services of an expert will yield the best result.