So, this summer I am planning on painting a set of 17in rims that I got for free to a glossy black, but I am having trouble deciding to do it myself or pay for a professional to do it for me.

Any suggestions?

Pros to doing myself:
Won't have to remove tires from the wheel.
Save money.
Cons:
Uneven coats or missed spots.

Pros to professional:
Done well and clean.
Cons:
Costs more.
Have to pay to have tires removed and then installed after.


So far its looking like I should just do it myself, but I need some help.

 

If I were ever to paint my rims, I would get them professionally powdercoated. The only wheels I would take a spray can to are steelies.

It seems that everytime I use a spray can, it seems like a good idea at first, but then once i'm halfway done I realize my work sucks. lol

 

if you want to paint your rims and ahve them look good.the best paint to use is the one at walmart that cost 94cents.ive used it on many set of rims,i paint rims like a pro when i do it.if you got a lip on the rim that you dont want painted,just get the paint tape and cover it well.

 

mist the paint dont hold the nozzle down constantly

 

Yeah, I heard about powder coating but i don't want it to end up costing me the same price it would be to buy brand new wheels lol.

I will probably try doing it myself, then if I fail take it to a professional. These are spares so I am not risking too much haha. Thanks for all the input guys.

 

Dont buy any walmart dollar cans. I have painted a few sets of wheels do aerosol art. The best paint to buy for wheels is Duplicolor Wheel Paint which can be found at Auto Zone of Pepboys and stores like that. Just sand the wheels good, clean well, primer, color, and then clear. The wheels on my car I bought red, sanded, polished, and painted.

 

highly recommend the duplicolor wheel paint or the engine enamel paint which i used. i painted my set of HX rims with them. your prep job and the location you paint them in is important to have a set of quality looking rims. but basically wash the rims good with soap, sand and wet sand, primer, base paint and end with clear coat. take your time and dont rush through it and it will come out good, might not be as durable as powder coated wheels but they last me 2 years already.