painting wheels

[damo1970]

as it says realy, whats the best way to paint the wheel rims and the hubs..is it rattle cans,send them to a pro? can i do it myself?

[Devo McDuff]

I dont my hubs myself with some cans from Halfords, turned out pretty well. Can't remember what I used exactly but think was just a couple of coats of spray-paint and some lacquer. Just remember to put plenty of masking tape on everything!

[Robjack]

I did it as well. Dead easy if you take your time. Make sure to give the hubs a thorough degreasing, then a couple of coats of primer. Then just build up layers of paint with the rattle can. Finish it with coats of clear lacquer. Patience is the key, give it a light coat then walk away, then another light coat and so on until it's done. Don't be tempted to lay it on thick or it will run and look awful.

I cut some cardboard and slotted it between the hub and the forks for the front and just tied a big plazzy bag around the wheel leaving only the hub exposed for the back. Don't forget to wrap masking tape around the threaded studs.

I got powder coated rims cos it's tougher than paint. I thought that they would scratch easy if painted when changing tyres etc.

[bryno]

yeh, do it yourself, I use Halfords 'aluminium' as it is a bright silver, if you use a darker one, it will go very grey when you lacquer it.

Dont go to heavy on the paint, you'll only rip into it first time you put the nuts on!

[damo1970]

thanks for the replys guys,just nearly stripped my pk50 for a rebuild,just looking for colours at the mo for the frame..original colour is i believe "VERDI GREEN" any ideas more than welcome,also while the engine is out is it worth a rebuild?

[Rudi]

There is a spray paint in a can especially for rims. Its way better than the ordinary spray paints and has a nice finish and its very resistant to fuel etc. I used it on my fuel tank.