Painting rim question?

John Mc

John Mc

Senior Member
I'm painting my rims - they will not be powdered coated. What is the best primer to use? I've been told to use a epoxy primer, but isn't that stuff a hassle to work with? Does it make a difference? Top coat will be acrylic enamel. Thanks for all the insight.
 
I would use the 2K epoxy primer, it's a primer with a hardner. easy to use and spray, wear a face mask. many different brands available get the sandable type. the brand I use is PCL your dealer may not have it. laquer primer is no longer available in Ca. at least not where I live.
 
Any paint you have to mix with a hardener requires much more than a simple mask. It requires a forced-air breathing supply to a mask that covers the entire face (including eyes). Many spray can epoxy paints aren't really "hardened" with isocyanates and don't require such precautions (but do wear a mask).

I'd ask a paint shop what primer is best for your situation and with the top coat you intend to use. Much more important that the two are compatible.
 
One recommendation I would make is that you mount the tires before painting the outside of the rims. It is a bit of a hassle taping off the tire, but you will be pleased when there are no tire mount scratches in your new paint. Lowes and HomeDepot both sell paint masks that have filters appropriate for spraying paints with hardeners. They also have filters for particles, so be certain you get the correct filters for what you are doing. I believe they are made by 3M. Coupled with safety goggles to protect my eyes, I have used them for years.
 
I sandblasted & used por 15 and a brush, por 15 is tough and if the tire shop has the right changer they will not mar the rims, however I wanted black so it worked for me. This was on my 34 ford pickup. On my 19 in. chevy wheels I sprayed por 15, hard to spray wire wheels.
 

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A trick my son told me about is using playing cards to mask the tire from the rim, just release all the pressure, pry back the tire, and stick them in around the bead.
 
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