Interest? Powder Coating for Wheels?

[Dean]

Originally Posted by MattR

I'm thinking T009-BL01 is the bomb...

It is pretty bright... You should see the "Lollypop Purple" job they did on some kid's bike...

[MattR]

I think I may try Postal Blue, It looks darker.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by MattR

I think I may try Postal Blue, It looks darker.

That's the color I was thinking of for ya too, the only thing is, at 80% gloss, that color is *very* shinny... like near-blingin'.

[MattR]

I'm okay with the bling. It should be okay right? All the blues appear to be high gloss. hmm.

[Dean]

OK, it is my contention that neither the mating surface(The flat part on the back of the wheel that presses against the rotor), nor the lug seats should be powdercoated/painted. I only found one supporting article in a quick search, but recomend others do the same.

The reasons for this is that both of these surfaces are under pressure and may get quite hot at times, and you do not want the material bonding, or getting slipery, or expanding/conmtraccting and causeing a wheel to be come loose, or stuck, depending on circumstances.

I don't think I have ever seen a OE aluminum wheel with a painted mating surface, and I belive the lug seats are bare as well, but don't recall ever looking at them prior to putting them on a car. Anybody bought new non-silver wheels, and looked.

[MattR]

I would agree with you there Dean. I seem to recall reading that that is imortant to keep clear. Are they able to tape over those areas? Also, When they're PC'd, the inside of the wheel is done too correct?

[Nick Koan]

Originally Posted by MattR

I'm okay with the bling. It should be okay right? All the blues appear to be high gloss. hmm.

When its race wheels, anything is okay (except for the neon wheels that those Wheels America spec miatas have)

[cody]

I'm hoping they can match the black of the roof rails on my wagon pretty close.

[MattR]

Don't forget teh WA BMW's!

[MattR]

Originally Posted by cody

I'm hoping they can match the black of the roof rails on my wagon pretty close.

What are you trying to match to the roof rails?

[sperry]

Originally Posted by MattR

What are you trying to match to the roof rails?

Since this is a thread on powder coating wheels, I'm gonna guess, "his wheels".

[MattR]

Well, I didn't know the roof rails had a bronze finish, so I thought he might be matching something else. Didn't he go with Bronze rims. gosh.

[Dean]

Originally Posted by MattR

I would agree with you there Dean. I seem to recall reading that that is imortant to keep clear. Are they able to tape over those areas? Also, When they're PC'd, the inside of the wheel is done too correct?

Yes, the entire wheel is sand blasted and then PCed except as specified. I noticed Pat's had been done with the mating and lug holes and asked mine not to be, and reccomended he have his fixed. They plugged the lug holes and masked the mating surface. My only thought/concern now is the hubcentric area... Maybe I'll test fit one tonight.

[cody]

Originally Posted by Dean

Anybody bought new non-silver wheels, and looked.

I know the lug nut seat was painted on my Rota's, but I don't recall if the mating surface is painted...I don't think it was though. But they are Rotas...

[Nick Koan]

Originally Posted by Dean

OK, it is my contention that neither the mating surface(The flat part on the back of the wheel that presses against the rotor), nor the lug seats should be powdercoated/painted. I only found one supporting article in a quick search, but recomend others do the same.

The reasons for this is that both of these surfaces are under pressure and may get quite hot at times, and you do not want the material bonding, or getting slipery, or expanding/conmtraccting and causeing a wheel to be come loose, or stuck, depending on circumstances.

I don't think I have ever seen a OE aluminum wheel with a painted mating surface, and I belive the lug seats are bare as well, but don't recall ever looking at them prior to putting them on a car. Anybody bought new non-silver wheels, and looked.

My gram lights are only silver in the lug seats where the pressure has flaked away the finish. The mating surface, on the other hand, is not finished.

[cody]

Originally Posted by MattR

Well, I didn't know the roof rails had a bronze finish, so I thought he might be matching something else. Didn't he go with Bronze rims. gosh.

I never said a thing about bronze. I mentioned going with 30% gloss black.

[cody]

The stock WRX wheels are an aluminum alloy, so leaving parts un-powder coated, I won't have to worry about corrosion will I? I'm pretty sure the mating surface of the stockers is bare too, but not sure.

[sperry]

My Rotas have been painted in the lug mating area. The paint comes off the 1st time you put 'em on the car. I never thought it was a problem...

The hub mating area on the other hand, I believe have always been raw aluminum, IIRC.

[sybir]

Originally Posted by MattR

I think I may try Postal Blue, It looks darker.

Do it. You know you want to. That's gonna look mean.

[Nick Koan]

Originally Posted by cody

The stock WRX wheels are an aluminum alloy, so leaving parts un-powder coated, I won't have to worry about corrosion will I? I'm pretty sure the mating surface of the stockers is bare too, but not sure.

you shouldn't have to worry about it more then any other wheel. I believe all wheels have a bare hub mating surface.

[cody]

Okay, thanks Nick.

[Kevin M]

Originally Posted by nKoan

you shouldn't have to worry about it more then any other wheel. I believe all wheels have a bare hub mating surface.

They will after you torque lug nuts down ont hem a couple times, regardless of whether they started that way.

[Pat R.]

Originally Posted by Dean

OK, here is one of the color pallets... I got BK08, and Scott is thinking WH08. Some colors are not available in formula approriate for wheel use (High UV and corosion resistance) And as the page says, color rendering is not accurate on most monitors, so look at a real color chart, or preferably, an actual piece of material done in that color...

Cardinal

they also carry Dupont, Spraylat, and Tiger/Drylac, but I couldn't easily find any swatches for those, and didn't care since it wasn't what I picked...

And also Rohm & Haas.

[Dean]

First, and foremost, my wheels are beautiful. The finish is great, and I really like the black. The flash makes them look more grey than black, but here are some pics anyway. I may take more in natural light.

[Pat R.]

I'd like to see how much weight is added by the powdercoat so if someone has the time, please stop by and I'll weigh your wheels before and after they're coated.