Wheel painting DIY

This only the second time I've painted wheels so I'm no expert but here's how I do it:

The wheel will need repairing for the primer, I removed all the casting letters etc and completely rubbed the wheel down.

It's worth fitting new bearings before you start painting as you don't want to mess up all you're hard work changing them if they go bad 2 months after refitting the wheel.


You will need a stand of some kind to rotate the wheel while the painting takes place.

You will need special primer called "self etching primer" make sure all the dust is removed from the wheel after rubbing down and apply a coat of primer and allow to dry.


Next mask up the areas that don't require paint and place the wheel on you're stand, use proper wheel paint as it will dry harder and resist chipping and brake dust discolouration etc.

I purchased Subaru gold


Use one complete can per wheel but only spray light coats leaving 10 minutes between coats till the can is finished then let the wheel dry for 24 hours


Next apply wheel clear coat in the same way as the colour


Here is the wheel with a full can of clear, let the wheel dry for 72 hours


Here's the rear wheel I painted 4 days ago, I've "T" cut it smooth and added some rim art stickers


After two coats of polish and ready for a new tyre


I'm no painter but the wheel looks good and a lot cheaper than having it done by a pro.

Another excellent post mate, will be doing my VTR wheel the same colour once all the salt has gone from the roads, about May!

Last job is a 90deg valve and blue dust cap

nice job i'll be doing mine when i get the 17'' wheel sorted