Powder coating steel wheels?

Reese_D90

Well-known member
I got lucky and found some LR steel wheels on craigslist. Is powder coating the finish of choice? I was considering hitting them with a wire brush and a can of spray paint but I am reconsidering that. Now would be the time before I get the tires mounted. Any concerns with powder coating?
 

JimC

Super Moderator
Staff member
I’ve done both, I like powder coating just because bead blasting is superior prep and i think wheels coat more evenly and nicer with powder. You can still touch it up unlike some say.
 

Noyac40

Well-known member
I have the Turkish version of ANR1534's and they were not in great shape when I got them. Its all in the prep - I sanded, then wetsanded, then primed, then wetsanded, then painted with a rattlecan (Rustoleum), then wetsanded with finer grit, then finish coated using same rattle can. They look great and all in cost was 3 cans of paint and a few sheets of 200-400+ wet sandpaper.
 

mgreenspan

Founding Member
I’ve done both. Had some wolfs powder coated in 06 and it lasted up until I sold the wheels. Maybe Jason rose will chime in on how it’s held up the last 5 years, but I imagine they’re doing well still.
 

erover82

Well-known member
Powder is durable, but once penetrated often holds moisture and rust behind the thick coating. Powder also exhibits undesirable orange peel finish, low gloss, and is more difficult to match to factory colors. Automotive grade polyurethane paints are easy to color match to Alpine, Chawton, Fuji, etc white, and exhibit excellent finish quality.
 

mgreenspan

Founding Member
Ok... I’m going to disagree with ^^^^^^ Find a powder coating shop that knows what they’re doing and you won’t end up with an “undesirable” finish. I used powder barons in Delaware in 2006. No idea if they’re still around as that was 7 moves ago, but a competent shop will not mess up your finish and can match just about any color of paint.
 

JimC

Super Moderator
Staff member
I’ve used big and small powder coating shops. The one I use now does mainly big industrial jobs. They’ve got the equipment to get the prep right. I think the few times I‘ve been dissatisfied it was due to weak prep. I’m usually less satisfied with painted results though.
 
will have to agree with erover82. i just went down this route and having my black wheels painted this week in fuji white and clear coated by a paint shop. looked to powder coat but they couldnt match the colour, as powder coat colours are fairly standard.. Also a shop told me that when chipped and left like mentioned above can create rust pools.
One personal note... I cant stand white wheels or any colour wheels that are slightly off colour when they are supposed to match bodywork!
 

JimC

Super Moderator
Staff member
will have to agree with erover82. i just went down this route and having my black wheels painted this week in fuji white and clear coated by a paint shop. looked to powder coat but they couldnt match the colour, as powder coat colours are fairly standard.. Also a shop told me that when chipped and left like mentioned above can create rust pools.
One personal note... I cant stand white wheels or any colour wheels that are slightly off colour when they are supposed to match bodywork!

Some LR colors are RAL standard tones. I can get perfect AA yellow color match as well as the Cornish Cream color that’s on my 110.

not that anyone wants AA yellow wheels...
 

jymmiejamz

Founding Member
Callsign: KN4JHI
I especially don’t like powder coat on steel wheels because it chips off when you install hammer on wheel weights. Once that happens, moisture has a way in.
 

1of40

Well-known member
I think it boils down to how you plan to use them. I have PC'd steel wheels on a 110 that match my limestone bodywork but they don't see any serious off-road use. They've held up really well so far for 8+ years. I'm happy with them but they'd never hold up through what my 90's wolfs have endured.
 

rlynch356

Well-known member
my thoughts..
good quality paint is best.. if your on a budget, blast them and rattle can them.. Powder coat if not done right flakes off, or if you use them off road.

I have white wheels on my white truck currently, love the look, but they look like shit 95% of the time, because I use the truck a lot. YMMV with use, mud, general cleaning, etc..

If its for the street mostly, go for it.. I personally love the 90's look of white wheels on a white truck (or color matched as the case may be with you truck)

My next wheels will probably be black
 

DLOne

Member
I’m in the process of buying a white D90. It will come with alloy boost wheels. I’d love to see a picture of your white wheels on your white truck.
 

rlynch356

Well-known member
Not a glamor shot but it’s what I have on my phone right now
 

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