Ok, so I'm in the process of refinishing some OEM 20" GTR wheels I'm in the process of buying. They're in overall good shape, but they have a couple scratches and scoffs here and there. They're currently a stock gunmetal color, and I want to make them a bit lighter. I'm torn between powder coat and taking it to a body shop to get them painted and cleared coated. A rattle spray paint can is not an option. Tell me what's better based on the following:

1) go from gunmetal to a bright silver "OEM" color
2) have that OEM look (glossiness)
3) easy to clean and smooth to the touch (wipes clean easily)
4) cost effective
5) durable

 

Have you considered other alternatives, like Plasti Dip?

 

If you are looking for durable and easy to clean and maintain, go for powdercoat. OEM wheels are powdercoated.

Paint would be cheaper to do but it won't be as durable.

Forget that plasti-dip crap unless you only temporarily want a color.

 

Thanks guys.

My understanding was that the majority of OEM wheels these days where painted.

 

They might be paint. The wheel manufacturer I used to work for powdercoated their wheels. If you get them painted, get them painted by a custom wheel shop, not any bodyshop. The clearcoats for bodywork is not going to last on your wheels.

 

Good luck. I am in the process of painting my OEM rays. (2 sets)

Powder coat may be better , I have G37 sport wheels powder coated, but it is more fun having a DIY.

I wish I had the GTR wheels . Whatever you decide they will look good.

 

Good info. Anyone else care to chime in?

 

The 20" GTR wheels are very cool, the only way to achieve the above goals is to have them powder coated! P/C makes them bullet proof, just be aware of curbs....very aware!
Gary

 

Yep, I can't wait. Trust me, I'm VERY careful.

 

I called my local dealership, and they said they have a wheel guy that swings by on Mondays. He refinishes wheels for $80 a pop. I'll swing by next week to see what he says.

 

That's a good deal. Well at least better than in my area.

 

Well, I'm pretty sure he'll do paint only. If the dealer trusts him, then he's probably good. I'll see if he gives me a nice discount for the set of 4.

 

I've powder coated all my wheels and other parts for years! My 19" Rays are powder coated and I wouldn't have them any other way. They match the car paint very well, easy to clean and worth it.

 

Does powder coating allow you to have some flake, or
is it just a solid color?

 

Powder Coat comes in multiple color choices; solids, gloss, flakes, fluorescent, etc. I love Rosey’s Powder Coating web page as they really break down the choices for you. Check out their link and click on Epoxy, Candy, Hi-Temp, Metallic, Wrinkle and so forth up top to get an idea of all the possibilities.

They’re many web pages online to browse through. I just so happen to purchase powder through Rosey’s. I do buy from DuPont and PPG as well, but they don’t carry the range that Rosey’s provide.

http://www.roseyspowdercoating.com/