Hey members,

I read on some posts that the curing process may/will compromise the structual integrity of the rim.

1) What are my options if I have to color match my white rims to my Graphite Grey IX MR? Spray can paint is not an option.

2) Advantages & disadvantages of powdercoating & painting.

Thanks for your inputs.

 

not advantages or disadvanges, just do it

 

I would have them powdercoated personally. And I have never heard of it making the wheel weaker....

Advantages, powdercoating holds up better and looks better IMO.

Disadvantages, none that I am aware of.

 

powdercoat might weigh more and it costs more

 

 

I had my stockers powder coated glossy black. They came out great, plus my friend did them so there was no charge. I can show some pics if wanted.

 

Oh, some disadvantages to coating IMO are you need to dismount the tires, and the center caps can't be coated cause they will melt. Other than that, I think they will hold up better than paint.

 

Advantages:

Hardness and Abrasion Resistance
Powder coating surfaces are resistant to chipping, cracking, and peeling. Its hardness and scratch resistance make powder coating an excellent option for "high-touch" products such as handrails, entrances, store racks, and balconies.

Versatility
The options and applications for powder coating are virtually endless. Color selection is nearly unlimited with high and low gloss, specialty, and clear finishes available. Texture selections range from smooth, to wrinkled, to matte, to a rough finish.

Disadvantages:

Metallic Coating
Powder coating cannot provide as brilliant of a metallic look that is found with liquid paints. Powder physically can hold about 30% of the metallic flake content that liquid paint can hold.

Touch-Up
Touch-up and field repair of powder coatings are a challenge. A matching air-dry liquid paint must be purchased , and exact match with powder finish can sometimes be an issue.

Orange Peel
Powder coatings can be more prone to orange peel than liquid paints.

 

powdercoating looks better

 

I remember there was a big argument about how the oven used to bake them can weaken the rim.



As for me i'd still powder over paint.

 

Post Pics... I have wondered how that would look. Thanks in advance.

 

Powder coat them man, I just got mine done ( the center piece in a 2 piece wheel ) and it looks great, cant wait to slap them on my car for the spring time! It was cheap, tons of colors to choose from, and I think the finish came out great...dont think there is any weaking of the rim..

 

I don't believe the oven gets hot enough to warp the wheel during the powdercoat process, but I could be wrong.

 

Thats due to this process known as annealing which softens metal. To anneal alluminium for example you'd need an oven at least 600F and then bake the metal for 30 to 3 hours until the entire load has reached that temperature. After that cooling naturally it will be softer and more workable.

Fortunately for you guys powder coating ovens are slightly below the required minimum temperate maxing out around 500F which means your safe and the metal will not fatigue.

 

^^^^^^^^^^
That's why I thought it didn't get hot enough. I'll be damned I was right.