Alright fellas, long story short, I got my rims powder coated a few weeks ago. Since then, first rim was found to be warped within 100 miles. Rim number is now found to be warped 300 miles later. Both rims and tires show no signs of me hitting a pot hole or curb rash. I need some information on the process of proper powder coating when it comes to rims. So far, I saw on a SRT forum that the rims should be baked no higher than 350F. 400F seems to be pushing it. Anything higher and the rims will warp. I'm going to go and ask the paint place tomorrow what temp they bake the wheels. Might help answer some questions.

So, if this forum would be so kind, help me gather more information into this thread about properly powder coating rims. I'd really appreciate it as well as it could help others out there that might be considering about getting their rims powder coated.

 

sounds like over baked or rapid temp change

 

I need a little bit more detailed than that. Define over baked (temp/cook time?)

 

I can ask my buddy who does this as a hobby/sidejob if you dont get an answer

 

Would be much appreciated kind sir!

 

NP!
Powder coating can most definitely damage aluminum alloys. The best powder coatings require a bake in the 400 degree range, which is also the stress relieve temperature for many aluminums. There are lower bake temperature powder coatings, but you need a good shop to guarantee not getting screwed. Stress relieving will remove the temper and lower the yield strength of the material. In aluminums, the loss of temper can easily halve the strength. I led an automotive engineering project where powder coating temperatures were an issue, so I know about this issue.

from post 9 of Power coat rims - AcuraZine Community

 

and post 29 from Do not powder coat OE rims! - Page 2 - Genesis Forum: GenCoupe Hyundai Genesis Forums
That said, our shop generally recommends against powdercoating any wheels that will have a low profile tire on them or be used for any serious driving/off-roading. Most of the powder we use will cure at 400 degrees over a half hour or more dependant on wheel thickness. This heat can partially heat treat the wheel. Next time you hit a pothole, instead of bending the rim, it might crack. In extreme cases, the wheel's spokes could crack, causing the outer part of the wheel to break free. The other issue, is that alot of shops use burn-off oven to remove old paint to save time, our shop uses one for various jobs as well. These ovens run at 750 degrees or higher and will heat treat the wheel completely. If anyone does plan on getting this done, find out the shop's cure temperatures, and what process they will use to get the old paint off.

 

Hmm. Interesting. As well as one of my rims already has a chip in it and the rest of the spoke looks crappy where it got chipped. And it's near the center of the wheel. I find that surprising as well seeing as I've never had this happened before.

If you haven't noticed, I'm O.C.D. when it comes to my vehicle. I literally walk around my car every day to see if there is any scratches, dings, dents, chips, etc.

 

Im the same way man, Theres not a spot I dont know about on my car lol

 

Some good information!