Re-finishing Alloy Wheels

[DesertTortoise]

Anybody out there refinish alloy wheels with the OEM finish, Machined Silver?

Wondering what the best paint match (brand) would be for this project.

Currently looking at Dupli-Color Silver

 

[Parks Junkie]

Not a big fan of Duplicolor, but whatever. Be aware there are a ton of different silvers out there. At best you'll be walking back and forth trying to get a cap to match as close as you can, expect that.

It's getting harder and harder to get, but in AZ you might be able to, I'd go for real auto paint. Yeah, it's a pain, it's 2K so you have to mix it, or at least the clear and single stage is really hard to find, let alone match. There's an assortment of options to spray it, you don't need a compressor, Preval is one. But it's going to be a PITA, just be aware. I've got bad paint on mine too and I'm reviewing options, I'm probably going to go to a darker gray on my silver truck, just for a little contrast. That machined aluminum finish is going to be real hard to find let alone duplicate.

 

[ArthurKotb]

Have you checked locally for a wheel refinisher? There are several in my city. No idea what the price is but I think you should at least get a quote and learn what their methods are.

 

[DesertTortoise]

Not a big fan of Duplicolor, but whatever. Be aware there are a ton of different silvers out there. At best you'll be walking back and forth trying to get a cap to match as close as you can, expect that.

It's getting harder and harder to get, but in AZ you might be able to, I'd go for real auto paint. Yeah, it's a pain, it's 2K so you have to mix it, or at least the clear and single stage is really hard to find, let alone match. There's an assortment of options to spray it, you don't need a compressor, Preval is one. But it's going to be a PITA, just be aware. I've got bad paint on mine too and I'm reviewing options, I'm probably going to go to a darker gray on my silver truck, just for a little contrast. That machined aluminum finish is going to be real hard to find let alone duplicate.

You are right. I did the two front wheels this morning and it took me 8hr with all the cleaning and prep work and moving the wheels out of the sun's path, etc, etc.

Didn't really like the Duplicolor metallic paint. Was hard to see it go on and I ended up laying down too much in my haste to get the wheels done so I could get my ride up and going for the afternoon.

I'm not so happy with the improvement given all the effort, but they are a bit cleaner looking overall. I wish the wheels had been worse so the change was more dramatic. Wouldn't do that again.

 

[DesertTortoise]

Have you checked locally for a wheel refinisher? There are several in my city. No idea what the price is but I think you should at least get a quote and learn what their methods are.

That's a good idea.
I'm not in love with this 2003 Limited V8, although it has grown on me a bit. Galactic Gray is starting to have a nice classic look to it.
It was barely driveable when I bought it and now I'm in the beautification stage before putting it up for sale. First V8 4runner. I really like it.
But after my 5th gen, I don't like how the seating feels in this 4th gen. Feels more like a Highlander than a 4runner.