Paint for Wheels

[mailman221]

Has anyone come across wheel paint that will match the original OZ wheels on 91'? I have some scuffs that I need to touch up.

[johnbenk]

Hi

If you go to a trade Paint supplier to the Motor trade they will match up the paint Colour from a "CHIP".

They will make you up an aerosol can of "Base Coat" for about £10.

You will need to buy a can of clear Lacquer though .

You could try "Chips Away" they will do alloy wheels for you they are not to expensive.

[discovery]

paint lacquer?
why?

[PaulN]

I agree Chips away are great from my last few uses. They might even mix you up a pot for £5-£10.

Discovery are you joking? Any Metallic Paint needs Lacquer

Cheers

PaulN

[discovery]

Not joking just not familiar with paintwork . any info explaining would be grateful. Any websites available with info?

[PaulN]

Hi,

Well its a Top coat which protects a base coat of paint. It gives the Paint the shine and toughness.

Metallic paint tends to be matt or becomes matt if smoothed after spraying.

Plenty of info around, maybe search for a paint shop and see if they have a detailed process.

Cheers

PaulN

[mailman221]

I should have made myself clear as this is a US M100 and I'm looking for something across the ocean from you folks. I was hoping for a branded stock areosol but I suppose I can experiment with various brands. Anyone in the US done any repair on their wheels?

[ailwyn]

I should have made myself clear as this is a US M100

Might be worth adding your location to your profile.

Ailwyn

[stevo]

its sometimes worth haveing the wheels powder coated, usually around £100 for 4 wheels.

[algirdas]

Dear All:

A cheap and easy way out is to go down to your local BMW dealer and get a spray can (I think you call them "bombs") of their silver wheel paint as well as a can of their clear wheel lacquer. Make sure your tires are off. Loose the valve stems. Make sure the wheels are spotless. Wipe them down with a clean rag soaked in lacquer thinner and spray away! I think a couple of spray cans will do four rims no problem. Plain gloss gray on the backsides will do just fine.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Algirdas

[algirdas]

Dear Mailman:

Sorry. I did not see that you are on this side of the pond. "Spray can" not "spray bomb".

Also, Spec Wheels of America (I think it is a chain. (877) 329-4335) will restore your wheels back to original for about $100 each. That includes truing the wheel, getting rid of curb rash and then either silver powdercoat or silver paint with clear powdercoat (on the off chance that they cannot get the powdercoat to match the original finish).

They will be doing my wheels this winter.

Sincerely,

Algirdas

[mailman221]

Sounds like the BMW wheels must be the same color and their paint a good match. Appreciate the help

[algirdas]

Dear Mailman:

I think it is close enough. I think the same paint is available through Griot's Garage as well.

In applying the color, you may want to consider two coats with a light wet sanding (fine grit and water, clean with soap and water, wipe down with a rag very wet with lacquer thinner) between coats.

I would paint the backsides first and then use blue masking tape to mask off the freshly painted surfaces. I would also use a mean wheel cleaner (Mother's I have found is real good and is available in cheap three packs at Sam's club) to get the wheels clean before starting this.

If the previous owner has allowed brake pad dust to eat into the wheels, you may want to consider a light wet sanding and then a coat of primer then a wet sanding and then the color and then a wet sanding and then another coat of color and then the clear coat.

Whem you are all done, slap on a coat of wax. I have tried wheel wax and I don't think it is worth the effort. Any decent modern day wax (I think) will work just fine.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Algirdas

[mailman221]

Apreciate all the suggestions. My wheels will be like new in no time. Thanks again.