Chrome Stripping

[Mossback]

I found some really nice 18" wheels for a smoking deal but they're chromed.

I've seen a couple of posts saying its not likely but can they be made paintable with a bead blaster or dip? (the deal is that good)

[Chilled man]

I found some really nice 18" wheels for a smoking deal but they're chromed.

I've seen a couple of posts saying its not likely but can they be made paintable with a bead blaster or dip? (the deal is that good)

sand and paint or take them to someone to get them sand blasted

[BEJinFBK]

Or look into powder coating.

[Shaun Oriold1]

sand and paint or take them to someone to get them sand blasted

Or look into powder coating.

I've yet to see a place that does one and not the other.

[Che'_Moderator]

......

Shakes head.

How were the chromed? I assume there is a nickel substrate. If there is not muriatic acid will make quick work of the coating for just a couple dollars. If there is a nickel substrate you need nickel remover. You should NEVER sand blast rims unless you want to paint them and plan to do a lot of filling.

[t5jim]

......

Shakes head.

How were the chromed? I assume there is a nickel substrate. If there is not muriatic acid will make quick work of the coating for just a couple dollars. If there is a nickel substrate you need nickel remover. You should NEVER sand blast rims unless you want to paint them and plan to do a lot of filling.

Also shakes head.

sandblasting prior to paint or powdercoating is the ideal way to go. Different grades of sand can be bought and a fine grade such as 000 jersey sand is ideal.Etch-prime,prime and paint then clear.This is,however,second to powdercoating. A quality industrial paint such as dupont imron 5000(single stage) or 6000 (two stage) will net you outstanding results. Regular automotive clear is just not tough enough IMO to withstand the rigors a wheel can be subjected to. Search out a reputable powder coating company who can mix colors for you and go that route...tough like bull!

[Wagoneer855]

I was scared when I opened this thread. I thought the OP was talking about putting chrome strips on his C70 :lol:

[Che'_Moderator]

Also shakes head.

sandblasting prior to paint or powdercoating is the ideal way to go. Different grades of sand can be bought and a fine grade such as 000 jersey sand is ideal.Etch-prime,prime and paint then clear.This is,however,second to powdercoating. A quality industrial paint such as dupont imron 5000(single stage) or 6000 (two stage) will net you outstanding results. Regular automotive clear is just not tough enough IMO to withstand the rigors a wheel can be subjected to. Search out a reputable powder coating company who can mix colors for you and go that route...tough like bull!

You should not sand blast aluminum

and

Paints tougher than powder coat but whatever.

[Wagoneer855]

Paints tougher than powder coat but whatever.

It's true, I work security for a company that makes armoured vehicles for the US/CAN army. I asked the owner why they painted instead of powder coated (since I thought powder coat was more durable) and he said if you prep it correctly, paint is much more durable and they get less tanks coming back for resprays.

They still powdercoat some pieces, but the shells are all painted.

[t5jim]

It's true, I work security for a company that makes armoured vehicles for the US/CAN army. I asked the owner why they painted instead of powder coated (since I thought powder coat was more durable) and he said if you prep it correctly, paint is much more durable and they get less tanks coming back for resprays.

They still powdercoat some pieces, but the shells are all painted.

Cant touch up powdercoat easily or practically....gotta have a pretty big oven to bake a powdercoated tank! Ive been in the restoration business many many years. You powdercoat engine components for the durability,as you do wheels.The advancements in both processes has made them both suitable for high stress applications,i.e.,wheels,chassis components.Most people will go with paint simply for the cost savings and availability of a wider color palet....not trying to be difficult here Che,but this is how I make my living and Im good at it.

[Wagoneer855]

Cant touch up powdercoat easily or practically....gotta have a pretty big oven to bake a powdercoated tank!

They can fit 3 in one of theirs ;)

[Che'_Moderator]

They can fit 3 in one of theirs

Yup. PCer here has a HUGE oven. Plus you can use IR lamps.

Cant touch up powdercoat easily or practically....gotta have a pretty big oven to bake a powdercoated tank! Ive been in the restoration business many many years. You powdercoat engine components for the durability,as you do wheels.The advancements in both processes has made them both suitable for high stress applications,i.e.,wheels,chassis components.Most people will go with paint simply for the cost savings and availability of a wider color palet....not trying to be difficult here Che,but this is how I make my living and Im good at it.

Your on crack if you think that. Helicopter paint is imron so it the paint on the turbine housings of jets. Paint is way way harder and more crack resistant than PC. And PC is way way cheaper. Its all marketing hype. PC is about the cheapest finish you can do short of rattle can.