Himalaya

I got my car back in december. I hated the stock rims so i painted them black with plasti dip. this week its going to be in the 70s all week so im thinking of redoing my rims this time sanding them down, then coating them gunmetal. I have a black G and rims are the stock ones (non-sport)

What grit sandpaper should I use to sand my rims down? I was looking online and everyone uses different grits but I want to make it smooth and do it right the first time. So, what grit should I use? I was thinking starting out with like 220, then 400, then wetsanding it with 600.. does that sound right?

I also read people using aircraft stripper. It removes everythign down to the metal. Should i use this method vs the sanding? I would be keeping the rim out doing this whole job by the way....

If use the aircraft stripper, do i have to sand afterwards or do i just put the primer on then paint..

Also, i was going to use dupli-color self-etching primer, and then rustoleum graphite (which would give it a gunmetal look) and then clear coat.

does this sound right? what clear coat should I use? also, if there is a better gunmetal looking spray paint, please let me know.

G_STYLIN

I would just use aircraft remover. If you sand down the wheels, it will create more work. 220, 400, and 600 grit sandpaper are too rough. Unless you want to polish your wheels then go with aircraft remover and start with 1500 or 2000 grit and finish off with 2500 or 3000 grit. Then polish the wheels, this will create a chrome look. I was planning on doing this on my G37S sport wheels. LMK how it goes! OH and if you use aircraft remover, just primer afterwards and paint. Good Luck!

Himalaya

I read a lot more, and i read i should just wetsand 800 and then 1000...

I dont want to use aircraft remover because i did my research and if the old paint is still on there, it would reduce the chances of it chipping in the future.

if i dont use the aircraft remover, would I still put primer? or just spray over the sanded paint?

sharkey

iTrader: (1)

Chipping whether you use a sanding process or aircraft will depend on your prep.

if your going to sand, i would wetsand with 400 then to 600, prime.... wetsand and paint.

if yiour going to use aircraft, make sure all the paint is removed. And then scuff the surface up for the paint to adhere

adam

Post pics of the progresss!!!

Way2flyy

How'd the plastic dipped black rims go?, thinkin bout doin that 2 my stocks post pics

Himalaya

they were really nice the first 2 months... Now they are really dirty and I cant even get them clean! you can see brown spots and the you are able to see the dirt right through them! A lot of people also like the matte look but I want the glossy look. So we will see how it turns out

I also took the lime green off... I am murdering it out.


Shot at 2012-03-24


Shot at 2012-03-24

I am also going to try to post the progress... I don't think anyone did yet on this forum. If they did and someone knows, can you please give me a link.

BlancoG37

Looking good.

G_STYLIN

I would first primer and then paint. But regardless of how you do it, it will still eventually chip, unless you powdercoat the wheels.

PeTeToTe

iTrader: (1)

Or just roll w/ some brake dust, that gives them rims a nice color. LOL