Painting Aluminum Forged Rims

[bubbatrucklover]

I have been doing research on painting my Weld Racing aluminum forged rims. I'm a little un clear on my findings.

With them being forged, would I need to clean with dawn, use 320 grit sand paper,then 50/50 water/white vinegar, dry and then use self etching primer?

(I also think I read using laquer thinner to assure all grease and crap is removed)

If so do I still need to use the Duplicolor aluminum paint over it or any paint (such as engine or brake caliper paint) I already have the aluminum paint, just asking.

OR can I just do the same prep, but with leaving out the self etching primer and use the aluminum paint?

I'm NOT going "drastic" just the complete inside rim and then the inside of the small slots,the triangular(ish) slots and prob the lugnut holes. These areas are a bitch to keep clean epecially from the brake dust and since it will be awhile before I get ceramic pads I want to make the shiz less noticable PLUS it will make my rims more unique.

Down the road I MIGHT take the time to paint the indentations near the lip of the rim.

I have a set of black flat dome center caps which I painted the Weld lettering and other accents red. This all will be incorporated into the red/black color scheme I have been going with for the lower part of the truck. I will be doing the rotor hub surface brake caliper black and the calipers red.

I would LIKE to complete one side per day(weather permiting dry time etc. and leaving it parked for the 2 days),but would settle for one rim,hub,caliper per day then do the other side next week. Taking them big fwonkin' tires off and on is a PITA.

And finally once doing this and all paint is cured can I still use the Eagle One cleaner I currently us(Eagle One All wheel cleaner A-Z)

Thanks in advance.

 

[Zembonez]

I think I'd have them powdercoated if they were mine.

 

[daddy]

 

[buRRp]

+ 1

 

[MR Redneck]

Looks good the way they are to me.
Painting them will be a mistake. If you simply have to change the color, powder coat is tuffer. Then again, anything shinny on those rims will get scratched if you get muddy or sandy. Powder coat is tuff stuff but it scratches just like paint.

 

[bubbatrucklover]

I think I'd have them powdercoated if they were mine.

+ 1

Looks good the way they are to me.
Painting them will be a mistake. If you simply have to change the color, powder coat is tuffer. Then again, anything shinny on those rims will get scratched if you get muddy or sandy. Powder coat is tuff stuff but it scratches just like paint.

I agree if I had enough $$ and could afford to take off all 4 rims/tires have the tires removed powdercoat the rims then reverse the process and be without the truck for a week(depending on the schedule of the powdercoating shop.)

Down the road this WILL be an option and it will be powdercoated clear plus I will have ceramic pads(which if I understand will cause little or no black brake dust).

Thanks for ya'lls opinion(s) This was kind of a thought I was kicking around to do as I had the tires off. I'm tired of looking at the dirty ass inside of the rims through the spokes(for lack of a better term) and taking the tires off periodically to clean is NOT appealing.

I might be able to get the Mother's power cone in there while lieing underneath. I just bought it so idk.