I'm painting my wheels today and was wondering what grit sandpaper would be best to remove the polished look on my stockers. Also, if you have experience using a how-to on this site, please post it here. I've searched through the how-to's I found on the site, however, I'm kind of pondering which one to follow. Thanks.

Anyone?

 

ur painting polished ones? im sure someone with gun metals will trade u to make it easier/someone else happy

and as for ur question its gonna be a real fine grit u dont want to take chunks out u just wanna scuff it out a bit

 

220 - 1500 starting at 220

 

Use some paint remover to strip the clearcoat so you don't damage the aluminum and then prime and paint.

Sanding takes tooooooo long and can damage the wheel, the best way is to strip it with paint remover. Go to Advance Auto and in the body working isle they sell a product called Aircraft Aluminum Paint Remover, its spray can with the picture of a plane, 737?, on it. One can SHOULD do all 4 no problem, make sure you barly push the spray nozzle so as it just trickles out cause the tires are still on. Now when I used the stuff to do the few sets I did it never hurt the rubber but why risk it? Use a brush like you'd use to scrub your tires to help get the clear coat off and wash it down with plenty of water. Then follow it up with another product called Total Prep, wipe them down with clean paper towls alow to air dry and now you can start painting.

 

They're polished 17's. Not too many people would want to buy 17's and I've been looking to get rid of them for quite some time. I've had a for sale thread for them since spring so I'm just going to use them as winter beaters.

 

DO NOT USE SAND PAPER!!!!!!!!! Why bother risking damaging the aluminum? Use the paint striper! It will not hurt the aluminum, or the tires and takes a fraction of the time!!!

 

Sounds a lot easier. What will happen if the paint remover touches the tires?

Do you have a recommendation as to what type of paint I should use?

 

I've never had it do anything but I always prefer the better safe then sorry approach to things. If your worried aboutt he tires that baddly then just trickle some water on them as water dilutes the stripper to the point that its harmless.

NOTE: Use that **** in a WELL ventilated area! Do NOT breath in the fumes as they can/WILL burn your nose/mouth! Also do NOT get it on your skin! If you do wash it off right away with plenty of water. This stuff stripes paint off in seconds use a little caution while you use it!


As for the paint I used Epoxy paint cause its damn near impossible to scratch off. But if you can't find any then just get the best you can find, best = most expensive.

 

Thanks man, you're always there willing to help fellow members. I appreciate it.

 

I try to anyway. Being an old guy I've already done all the trial and error **** that you guys are now struggling thru.

 

Great Thread! Thanks a lot jackalope I'll be doing this over winter as well.

 

i painted my stockers black and they were polished... i used a 3 inch cup brush instead of sanding paper cuz sanding just took too long... then after your done with the cup brush use paint thinner to take off all the residue and then primer the wheel. i used 3 light coats of primer then after its dry get a terry cloth to remove any paint residue. then youre ready to paint em. and the number of coats of paint that you use is really up to you.

 

Would it still be best to prime the wheels before painting?

 

Yeah. I'd use a primer that says it self etching that way it'll stick good and provide a good surface for the paint to adhear to.