Disappointed in Powder Coat Rims...durability

[kruegs]

As the title states, I am disappointed by the quality of my rims that I had professionally powder coated this summer. Maybe my expectations are too high, but after driving on them this fall/winter in the few snow storms we've had, they are already showing some wear from the gravel that is put down in Colorado after a snow.

Specifically they are showing lots of little pit marks from where the gravel is being kicked up from other cars etc on the roads. I've put maybe 1,000 miles on the rims since they were powder coated.

Again, maybe my expectations are too high. I know my other vehicles with just standard OEM alloy rims also show signs of wear after a few winter seasons because of all of the rocks / gravel... but I was hoping that the durability of the powder coat would help keep them looking nice year long. Perhaps the key is a clear coat after the powder... dunno. Any thoughts?

 

[Mellow77]

It's possible the powdercoat didn't adhear very well. I had a the same problem with my alloys on an Audi and after a discussion with the shop owner about it and showing him the current state he switched companies he was using and took care of it.

They looked great and stayed looking that way once it was done right.

 

[kruegs]

Yeah, what a bummer. I will likely have to fight to do the same. I got mine coated through Discount Tire, who in turn sent them out to a local company to coat them... so I will be dealing through Discount, which may or may not help matters. I did a lot of searching on the net and some folks say that gravel will do this, others do not. I will also try to get a good pic of them. It is pretty evident when you see them up close in direct sunlight.

 

[SIKHILUXSURF]

improper sandblasting of wheels before powder coating them. keep in mind powder coating is a process in which the powder is electrically charged to the metal.

 

[Big John]

This is why I don't powder coat my bumpers or sliders. Too much crap thrown up on these CO roads. Now I go over all my tube work a couple times a year with a rattle can and it's good as new. Colorado textured finish and all.:jump:

 

[Stick Figure]

improper sandblasting of wheels before powder coating them. keep in mind powder coating is a process in which the powder is electrically charged to the metal.

I've seen people be pretty lazy with this, the worse case was them trying to powder over the factory clear coat lol ... powder pealed off in big chunks the same shape as the wheel.

Some pieces I have even had to blast, heat and re-blast. That is usually parts that have direct contact with oil or had been greasy in the past, but basically if there was anything that could have been soaked in to the metal it can often come out when the powder is baked on and ruin the adhesion.

 

[kruegs]

This is why I don't powder coat my bumpers or sliders. Too much crap thrown up on these CO roads. Now I go over all my tube work a couple times a year with a rattle can and it's good as new. Colorado textured finish and all.:jump:

Yeah, I can see that on bumpers (front facing for sure) which will get pummeled by rocks/gravel from winter roads all day long. I am shocked by the little marks/pits in the rims from literally driving 2 weeks after the last snow storm with it.

I can't "feel" the pits with my fingernail... and they are microscopic in size, but I would suspect will get worse with time.

About the only thing I can think is that it is possible that instead of rock pits/marks etc, this is something that sprayed on the rims (from the road/etc) and left specs that need cleaning beyond what I did with soap and water. Going to try a small section with some good quality wax, and or Klasse All in One to see if that has any affect on it. Wish me luck! :hatsoff:

 

[kruegs]

Ok, here are a few pics. These are close up (obviously) and the marks almost look like dust to the eye, but they are perfectly clean, I just wiped this one with a microfiber cloth, so they are perfectly clean.

Thoughts? Should I be pressing to have these re-done at this point, or is this the norm for places like Colorado with lots of gravel used on roads in the winter?

 

[VA4runnerchic]

uhh yeah thats crappy sandblasting work! I use to work at a powder coating company!
if the sandblasting isnt done properly or the booth is dirty ie. not swept or cleaned after each job then the final product will look like sh*t and wont coat correctly! Powder coating is 'suppose' to be lifetime. The work should of been warrantied...atleast my shop warrantied it! If I was you I would be returning those to be re-done!

 

[kruegs]

A couple more quick pics from not such a close distance. Can't really notice the specs in these, but I sure can when I wash the wheels or get close enough.