Quick question looking for those who have perhaps tried both ways or the studied opinions of those who would know why or why not. I want to paint my stockers before removing the winter wheels & tires shortly and replacing with the OEM's and summer rubber. While looking through a number of posts here, there seem to be those who do and those who don't prime the wheels before painting. Duplicolor has a video tutorial on their Web site and the fellow there specifically mentioned that it is not necessary to prime - proper abrasion and then cleaning/degreasing of the surface is all that is needed.

Anyone care to offer examples one way or the other?

Thanks much!

 

I cant say which way is better but I have painted my OEM stockers and wrote a tutorial here: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-painting-your-oem-rims-207978/

I did decide to use a primer and can say from experience that using the primer the wheel coat has stayed very resilient through the winter months. I have absolutely no flaking and only a few scratches from rocks etc.

Of course, the paint you are looking to use may not need a primer, but most do at least suggest it. Maybe the duplicolor paint you are looking into has a built in priming agent? Either way, if it were me, I would use a primer just in case. It really cant hurt, and it will be a pain in the *** if you have to go back and redo them.

 

Better to prime it. Your paint will stick longer.

 

Thanks very much, the tutorial was great and since I'm thinking gunmetal it gives me a great preview of the finished product.

Thanks again!

 

^ Good luck.

Post pictures when your done.

 

I have seen many painted wheels and most seem to get rock chips very easy. If you dont mind spending alittle extra cash for long term use get them powdercoated. If you must paint them yourself i would prime them after sanding and a good degreaser.