Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Aesthetics painting wheels with polished lip

i'm going to paint my wheels a dark shade of grey. like a gunmetal probably (open to suggestions i just dont like how the silver color of my wheels goes with my paint.. see photo)

my question is referring to the clear coated polished lip. There are a few spots that have problems in the clear or the clear has been rubbed through. Can i simply strip the clear, polish the lip, then reclear? anyone done this?

stylin'

although i can not answer you from experience, i can give you an opinion based upon a project i have in mind for my (non-contique) daily driver (info from another web site forum).

yes, you should be able to simply strip the offending clearcoat, polish the lip, and re-apply new clear. you might want to (after polishing) tape off the lip, paint the spokes, un-tape and then clear all.

slightly scuff with a scotchbright pad to provide a good surface for your dark spoke paint to adhere to. use an airgun to blow off dust, residue before painting too.

advice i got was be sure to de-grease.....and then de-grease again. no finger prints. careful cleaning will help ensure successful paint and clear adhesion.

also might be helpful/informative to google- "painted wheels" for example should provide you with some good insights and clues as to what it will take.

good luck with your project! lakeside

thanks lakeside.

im probably going to attempt this when i go to replace my front tires because i'm going to sand/grind my wheel lip smooth again. i purchased the rims used for a good price and they have some curb rash. nothing excessive but i figure i might as well work on that too. I'll keep CEG posted of my results and possibly write a how to if i'm feeling motivated. lol

MAKE SURE IF YOU USE DEGREASER TO WASH IT OFF WITH ALCOHOL.

Otherwise your paint will not stick - degreaser is diesel/oil based!

ill be washing it with paint thinner for sure

Stylin', your CSVT is one of the nicest lookin' cars I've ever seen! The amount of work that went into is truely amazing, hope to see more of it in the future