Coconut

I've been meaning to fix the curb rash on my stock 18"s. Might as well give them a more aggressive look by painting/powdercoating them gloss black while I'm at it.

Which is better, powdercoating or painting?

Powdercoat would be around $400. It probably is way more durable than painting but I've heard that the powdercoating process (heat treating) will weaken the rim, is this true?

A GOOD paint job with PROPER setup will cost $300. It'll probably give a smoother finish but I'm concerned about it durability (chipping, flaking, etc).

350ISRYDER

More durable and can won't chip/flake! Don't paint your rims, its NOT gonna last! Just think of your front bumper without any clear bra, all those pits, chips, etc...will be on your rims after awhile!

Coconut

I'm also leaning towards powdercoating, but I've heard the heat treat process will weaken the rims?

350ISRYDER

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sincityIS

Hell if you can powder coat lift kits, spindles, and all sorts of suspension parts. You are more than good to go with your wheels. No it does not weaken them that is a falocy.

yodeixmall

heres my powdercoated wheels...it costed me about $400 and i personally love it... sorry for the horrible pics

inLine4

that looks sick!

Coconut

Thats exactly the look I'm after! Looks so much more aggressive.

Is that gloss or semi-gloss black and did you lower your car?

BLe92

Powder coat em for sure. I'm considering powder coating my v710s matte black.

DaWhole9

Either...but if its a high temp powder coat it WILL weaken the wheels....I had my Carrera wheels painted and in 2 years and 75k miles, NO chipping. What I liked about painting was the ability to PERFECTLY match my car color....but if you use a low temp powder coat it will be the same.....You wont be able to tell the difference between painting (if done properly) and powder coating and both are just as durable. I didnt want to weaken the wheel and painting was cheaper and faster, cost me $50 a wheel from a high end body shop...they were also painting my body kit at the same time, so that may have made the price cheaper...but the key is the have to be properly prepped....

javyLSU

iTrader: (21)

^Holy bejesus, that's HOT.

Javier

ExTrEmE99

iTrader: (6)

Get it powder coated and check wheel techniques in Santa clara. I did a search in the norcal section and looks like they got a great rep for the quality of work they do.

javyLSU

iTrader: (21)

+1 for Wheel Techniques. I've been to their shop and the work they do is fantastic.

Javier

Brian231

I also wanted to say "Powdercoating" as I am from Chicago an salts on the roads wreak havoc on exposed paint and wheels. Looks like you are in the San Francisco/San Jose area, so salt is in the air as you are close to the ocean.

dainese954

iTrader: (1)

u do know that factory finish on the rims are painted on right? i painted mine dark dark graphite and love it