So I decided to paint my rims a light silver color(somewhat like factory) on my 18inch stock rims. Everything went well except when it came to the clearcoat process. I applied two coats and it still isn't giving off that shine that it should. In fact, its very "dry" and rough looking as if I didn't use any at all. Am I suppose to drench my rims with this stuff or what? I watched some videos and it doesn't seem like anyone else had to use an excessive amount. The weird thing is, if I run my finger along my rims, this "dusty" type stuff rubs off. Not sure if that's normal either or maybe it's just the type of paint. I used a basic silver rustoleum brand. What would you guys do? Thanks in advance!

Did you use a glossy clear coat?

It's just the rustoleum clear coat spray can.

sounds like it's "drying/curing" before it's hitting the wheel. how far are you spraying away from them? it should look wet when it goes on. if it's not glossy when you are done spraying, you aren't getting enough on.

if it IS glossy when you are spraying, then it might be a curing problem. where are you doing your work?

and pics are worth a thousand words...

I remember clear coat comes in Satin and Glossy. I haven't painted anything in ages. I'm guessing you got Satin.

Here is what it looks like on my car. I'm doing the fronts tomorrow but would like to know how to perfect it before I start.

This was taken about 30 min. after the last clear coat application.

Here is an up close pic


The rustoleum doesn't specify whether its satin or not. All it says is "high performance wheel clear coat"

Is this the stuff?

cause it says it's gloss. i would say if it's not glossy...then you are probably too far away when spraying.

This is what it is...
http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=376

I'm thinking I may have held it slightly too far away and didn't get it "wet" enough or apply enough. I'll give it another go tomorrow.

lol yea you beat me to it. That's the stuff.


One more thing.. I mentioned how my rims have somewhat of a dusty coating.. should I spray them off before re-applying another couple coats of this clear coat stuff?

mmmmmm....i would get some green scotchbrite pads and get them wet and give them a good rub down. not like with the force of 10,000 men, but with some pressure. just be careful on any sharp radius, you might scuff thru.

read the can and see how far it says to be away, and what the "optimal" temperature is to spray in. if you are hotter, then you might wanna get a little closer. like i said, it should look wet and clear immediately.

What does the scotch pad exactly do for my circumstance? I know some people prep with them before priming. You sure that won't mess up the paint? I was just thinking of wiping them down with a wet cloth but if you are sure about this I will give it a shot. Thanks man

Well, you wanna get the little pieces of clear that are just "kinda stuck" off. Cause down the road your good coat will stick to your "kinda stuck" paint and it will start to flake.

So some mild abrasion will help get the old clear particles off. Just be gentle enough that you aren't getting into the paint. If you do sand thru, just hit it with a bit of paint.

Its kinda hard to advise without being able to see and feel the surface. I'm kinda just going on imagination.

Ok cool thanks for the tip! I'll post some pics tomorrow after it's all done. Thanks agan

i remember when i was getting my Wheels done, when he F***ed up on my wheels on the clear coat he had to strip it all off again and redo it. You might need to do that as well. I am just saying what the guy did to me.

There's an important process when painting anything, preperation is the key to the best results. Scotch pad the wheel first, wash and then go over with a tac rag which will remove all dust. Place the wheel and paint in the sun, follow the instruction on the can....12" away while spraying. Check the can for drying time, make sure the wheels are dry/clean before you shoot the clear. I've even painted Harley frames with rattle cans (when you could buy the good stuff) and prep is the key!
Gary

Thanks man. I'm actually in the middle of painting the front rims then I'm going to do the clear coat again on the back wheels. Hopefully it works out. The back wheels are actually smooth now, I guess since it's completely dried. Still want more shine to them. I'll post pics by the end of the day. Thanks for all the help guys!