Best DIY process for painting stock rims black?

[mike523]

I just bought a 98 4 Runner and I'd like to paint the stock rims black. They are obviously old and peeling. I was wondering who has done this before, what paint they used, what steps they followed, and what sort of results they had. I'm also probably gonna paint the emblems black while I'm at it.

 

[hearno]

So many threads if you search here, google other forums, and youtube.
it all boils down to the same three things. Prep, prime, paint.

 

[nkershaw3]

Plasti-Dip. Pull the wheels off, clean and paint. Check out you tube for videos with tips

 

[gshadow325]

easiest?

arm and hammer powder landry detergent with bleach
scotchbrite pan scubbing pad

use the scotchbrite and laundry detergent to clean off the wheels while you are scuffing them up a little bit so the paint has something to bite on.

rinse and repeat with the others

 

[mike523]

any reason to plasti-dip instead of paint?

 

[gshadow325]

dip is plastic coating that can be removed if desired
paint much more permanent

 

[mike523]

ok so if a person was afraid they might want to go back to their original color they would use plasti-dip... in this case though the original rim is pretty rough looking so i am not concerned with undoing my paint later. i'm mostly concerned with finding the easiest/cheapest way to do a nice job on these rims.

 

[gshadow325]

ok so if a person was afraid they might want to go back to their original color they would use plasti-dip... in this case though the original rim is pretty rough looking so i am not concerned with undoing my paint later. i'm mostly concerned with finding the easiest/cheapest way to do a nice job on these rims.

plastic dip is easy to apply and looks decent. you tube some plastic dip videos

 

[TheDurk]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/87633-official-wheel-paint-thread.html

See post #14 for my approach. They still look great, by the way.

To each his own, but I would never PlastiDip wheels.

 

[jij0226]

I just painted mine with a 3/4 can of duplicator wheel paint. I didn't even remove the wheel just cleaned it with a cloth a painted. Took about 15 mins.

 

[raven1911]

I have used plastidip on my wheels for about a year. My rims are exactly as the OP spoke of and I painted them black. I prepped them really well and even used a wire brush on a drill to scuff them up. Bottom line....they peel. I have fixed all four tires from peeling multiple times with paint thinner and repainted and put plastidip clear coat over them as well. Plus, I have taken them into the tire store for multiple rotations and puncture fixes and they come back out messed up from the impact wrench and handling. I think paint will work better for the long term rather than plastidip. I am glad I used plastidip only for knowing the paint color will look good. I will stick with paint or powder coating.

I also plastidipped my SR5 fender chrome strips and they are collecting dirt stains. I have scrubbed them and cannot get it off. I clear coated them too! I think I will just reprint them in black or use truck bed liner for durability.

 

[mike523]

thanks raven that's very helpful

 

[Kanger328]

One issue I ran into with rattle cans is that they get a bit splotchy when the paint runs low. I'd recommend not using the entire can of paint. Maybe use only about 3/4 of it and switch to a new can. The remaining amount can be used for touch ups later on. Just my .02.

 

[PeteOB]

This is what I did [plastidip]. Left the wheels on, stuck index cards in front of the tire behind the rim; done in a 1/2 hr. I think I did it in 2 cans. Just hold the can about 8-10 in away so you get an even coat. I'm actually thinking about going over the chrome bumpers with the stuff.