To paint or powder coat mag rims?
 

I got a great deal on some 16 in phone dials, they are magnesium, which some powder coaters say is hard to work with. Should I just shoot them myself (with paint)? What do you guys think? JR

Painting would be the least problems. The magnesium can be time consuming to powder coat. The main problem is "pinholes" that show up during the baking process. The magnesium is very porous, and traps gases under the powder. Then, when you apply heat to cure, "pop" you get pin holes. It takes many coats and color sanding to get it close to perfect, but most don't want to do it. I've had some success with pre-heating the parts for a cycle, then cool down, and then heat again to 200 deg., and apply powder while still hot. This way the powder fills the pinholes a little better, and fewer coats needed...

wrenchnride,

Long time no talk.... just a little off topic, do you use a professional built oven, or have a home baked one(pardon the pun!!). I dont want to highjack the thread, so can you PM me? Cheers!

You have a PM Zero...

Thanks wrenchnride, I will get back to you soon :D

What type of paint works best, I'm not looking for show quality but I would like some sort of quality. Thanks JR

1 Vote for powder coating
I did mine, and I'm very happy with the result.
They were winter wheels from a guy in Calgary so they came with pits and a couple scrapes.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...a/ee994909.jpg

Looks sweet Bullyboy. Is that the "almost chrome" powder? I've used the "almost chrome" on some small parts, and it looked kinda like your "dials".

Yep... eastwoods single stage almost chrome.
it takes about 45 minutes for the wheels to get up to temp though:eek:

those do look good, enough to make me think about it. JR

Anyone have any luck with paint? pics would be good. Thanks JR

I want to go glossy black, what would be a good type of paint to try. Thx JR

An epoxy paint (like for appliances) would be durable (sand bare wheels with 400 grit paper) no primer should be needed (read directions on can of course). Or a single stage catalyzed automotive paint works ok (will have to prime with this). To get a high gloss, spray a light coat, let it "flash" for about ten minutes (depending on type of conditions and paint). Then, spray a good medium coat, and let sit for 24 hours. Come back with wet 400 grit, and just dull the wheel till no gloss, or dimples are left. Now do another light coat, let "flash", then put TWO medium coats on (alowing "flash" between coats again). You should have a pretty slick coating on there. Make sure and wipe down wheels with good pre-cleaner before first layer of color. Then after that use a "tack rag" before spraying. The "tack rag" is a good idea before any painting. Ok, I'll stop rambeling now... :rolleyes:

I like epoxy also and thanks for all the tips and steps..JR

I was quoted $165 to powder coat each rim, and thats not including blasting the rim! I didn't even pay that for all four to my door! Is this alittle steep? Thanks JR