How to spray paint alloy wheels

You see, nowadays all the cars come with full shiny alloy wheels. But, after a few years, due to the setting sun and sun rays, they lose the shine of the new ones and look old and dull.

You can spray paint alloy wheels by yourself and you can achieve those desired results without making any mistakes.

This guide of mine on the topic of how to spray paint alloy wheels will help you to get the results that you want after completing the whole paint job on the alloy wheels.


How to spray paint alloy wheels?

Now carefully read all the steps which I am gonna share with you guys in the next paragraphs.

Especially if you are a newbie then it must be that you follow all the steps which I will be mentioning here.

I have also written a guide on painting steering wheel if you might wanna have a look at that too.

Tools for spray painting allow wheels

  • Spray paint
  • Allow wheels
  • Gloves
  • Paint suit
  • Goggles
  • Respirator mask
  • Newspaper/old rags/towels
  • Masking Tape/painters tape
  • Sponge for cleaning
  • Soapy water/detergent/rubbing alcohol
  • Degreaser
  • Sandpaper/sanding block/sander
  • Primer
  • Old cardboard
  • Clear coat

Wear protective gear

When you are ready to spray paint your alloy wheels, it is important to first put on some protective gear. This will help to keep you safe from the fumes and the paint itself.

You will need to wear a respirator or a mask that covers your nose and mouth. You will also need to wear gloves and protective eyewear.

It is also a good idea to wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on.

Once you have your protective gear on, you can begin to spray paint your wheels. Always wear protective gear when you paint scooter wheels or car rims.

Because paint can cause irritation on your skin if you have allergies or skin issues.

Prepare the area around for painting

Spray-painting alloy wheels are a great way to give them a new lease on life and make them look amazing.

But before you start spraying, you need to make sure the area around the wheels is prepared properly. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Make sure the area is well-ventilated.
  2. Cover any areas you don’t want to be painted with masking tape or newspaper.
  3. Clean the wheels with a degreaser and a brush to remove any dirt and grime.
  4. Use sandpaper to rough up the surface of the wheels. This will help the paint stick.
  5. Now you’re ready to start spray painting!

I will explain these steps in detail so don’t worry I will try my best to explain all the steps so you guys who are not professionals don’t get stuck in between the process just stick to this post.

Clean the wheels

It’s important to clean the wheels before spray painting them. You can do this by degreasing them with a degreaser and then washing them with soapy water.

This will remove any dirt and grime that could prevent the paint from adhering properly.

Sand the surface

Now do the sanding process by following my guidance. This will help to create a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to. You can use a sanding block or sandpaper to do this.

Spray paint alloy wheels

Just make sure to sand in the direction of the grain to avoid creating any scratches. Once you’re finished sanding, you can then proceed to the next step which is applying primer.

Apply primer

To properly apply primer before spray painting alloy wheels, first, clean the wheels with soap and water to remove any dirt or grime.

Next, sand the wheels with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Once the wheels are sanded, apply a thin layer of primer evenly over the surface of the wheels.

Allow the primer to dry for the recommended amount of time which could be 30-45 minutes or when you feel it’s not sticking to the finger when touching before spray painting the wheels.

Spray paint alloy wheels

Once the primer is dry, it’s time to start spraying on the paint. Use light, even strokes, and be sure to cover all areas evenly.

Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a clear coat. This will help protect the paint and keep it from chipping. Enjoy your newly painted wheels!

Apply clear coat

It is important to apply a clear coat after spray painting your alloy wheels. This will protect the paint from chipping and fading. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Make sure the wheels are clean and free of any dirt or debris.
  • Apply a thin layer of clear coat to the wheels using a paintbrush or roller.
  • Allow the clear coat to dry for 24 hours before driving the vehicle.

Clean the area around

After you have finished spray painting your alloy wheels, it is important to clean the painting area properly. Here are some tips on how to do this:

  1. Remove all the paint cans and other materials that you used for painting.
  2. Take a brush and sweep the floor to remove any loose paint particles.
  3. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the surfaces of the painting area.
  4. Finally, use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any remaining paint particles.

Do you need primer for alloy wheels?

Alloy wheels are made of an alloy of aluminum or magnesium and are used on many vehicles instead of traditional steel wheels.

Primer is a type of paint that is used as a base coat on metal surfaces before applying the final finish.

It is designed to help the finish adhere better to the surface and to protect the metal from corrosion.

In some cases, it may be recommended to apply a primer to alloy wheels before painting them. This can help to ensure that the paint adheres properly and lasts longer.

However, it is not always necessary to use primer on alloy wheels, as the wheels may already have a coating that provides sufficient protection and adhesion for the paint.

It is always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparing and painting alloy wheels.

Can I paint my alloys myself?

Yes, it is possible to paint your own alloy wheels. However, it is important to follow the proper steps to ensure that the paint adheres properly and looks good.

Here are some steps to follow if you want to paint your alloy wheels:

  • Clean the wheels thoroughly using a degreaser and a scrub brush. This will help remove any dirt, grime, or brake dust from the surface of the wheels.
  • Sand the wheels with fine-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface and create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Be sure to sand evenly and pay particular attention to any areas that are damaged or have flaking paint.
  • Wipe the wheels down with a clean cloth to remove any dust or debris that was created during the sanding process.
  • Mask off any areas of the wheels that you do not want to paint, such as the tires or the brake calipers.
  • Apply a coat of primer to the wheels, following the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.
  • Once the primer is dry, apply the paint to the wheels in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
  • Once you have applied the desired number of coats, allow the paint to dry completely before removing the masking tape and reassembling the wheels.

It is important to use good-quality paint and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure the best results.

What spray paint to use on alloy wheels?

There are several types of spray paint that can be used on alloy wheels.

But it is important to choose a paint that is specifically designed for use on automotive surfaces. Some options include:

  • Acrylic enamel: This type of paint is a good choice for alloy wheels because it is durable and resistant to chipping and scratching. It also has a good range of colors available.
  • Synthetic enamel: This type of paint is also durable and resistant to chipping and scratching, and it has a wide range of colors available. It is more expensive than acrylic enamel, but it may provide a slightly higher-quality finish.
  • Acrylic lacquer: This type of paint is very durable and provides a high-quality finish, but it can be difficult to work with and may require special equipment and techniques to apply.
  • Urethane: This type of paint is extremely durable and resistant to chipping and scratching, and it provides a high-quality finish. It is also more expensive than other types of paint.

When choosing spray paint for your alloy wheels, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow them to ensure the best results.

It is also a good idea to test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area of the wheel before applying it to the entire surface to make sure you are happy with the color and finish.

Do you have to sand alloy wheels before painting?

Yes, it is generally recommended to sand alloy wheels before painting them.

Sanding the wheels helps to rough up the surface and create a rough, uneven texture that allows the paint to adhere better.

This is especially important if the wheels are brand new or have been previously painted.

As the surface of the wheels may be smooth and glossy, which can make it difficult for the paint to adhere properly.

To sand the wheels, you will need to use fine-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface of the wheels evenly.

Be sure to pay particular attention to any areas that are damaged or have flaking paint, as these areas may require more sanding to create a suitable surface for the paint to adhere to.

After sanding, be sure to wipe the wheels down with a clean cloth to remove any dust or debris that was created during the sanding process.

This will help to ensure that the paint adheres properly and gives the best possible finish.


FAQ’s of How to spray paint alloy wheels

It is possible to spray paint alloy wheels. However, it is important to follow the proper steps and use the right products to ensure that the paint adheres properly and does not damage the wheels.

The best type of paint for alloy wheels is spray paint designed specifically for automotive wheels. This type of paint is formulated to resist brake dust and road grime, and it will adhere to the wheel surface without peeling or flaking.

When painting wheels, it is important to sand them beforehand. This will help to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.

Painted alloys can last anywhere from 1-2 years if they are properly taken care of. This means that you should avoid scratching or chipping the paint, and you should also wax the alloy periodically to help protect the paint.

To prep, your aluminum wheels for painting, first start by giving them a thorough cleaning. This will help the paint to adhere better and create a smooth finish. Next, use sandpaper to rough up the surface of the wheels. This will help the paint to stick better. Once you’ve sanded the wheels, wipe them down with a clean cloth to remove any dust or debris.

Now you’re ready to start painting! Begin by applying a primer to the wheels. This will help the paint to adhere better and create a more even finish. Once the primer is dry, start applying the paint evenly to the wheels. Make sure to use several thin coats, rather than one thick coat. This will help to prevent runs and create a smoother finish. Allow the paint to dry completely between each coat.

Once you’ve applied the final coat of paint, allow the wheels to dry completely. Once they’re dry, you can reinstall them on your vehicle and enjoy your new look!

If you’re planning on painting your alloy wheels, it’s important to prime them first. This will help the paint to stick better and last longer. You can use a primer specifically designed for metal, or a general-purpose primer.


Conclusion of how to spray paint allow wheels

Now you have known the complete guide on how to spray paint alloy wheels with spray cans and get excellent results after completing the paint job which you desired.

I hope it was useful for you. If yes, please share this post on your social media accounts and with your friends.

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Matthew Edward

Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.

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