Best way to paint aluminum wheels?

[Tgreer]

Looking for the best advice on painting aluminum wheels. Prep, primer, paint ect.???

 

[Meatwad]

For alum my usual process is scuff, clean with alcohol, prime and paint. The prime and paints are preference/needs. I usually do krylon primer and appliance paint.

If you do any kinda crawling, it'll get nicked.

 

[kmoore]

When we painted aluminum tanks on the big rigs, we'd wipe down with vinegar. I don't know why or how it worked but it never flaked or came off.

 

[SlickRockSpider]

When we painted aluminum tanks on the big rigs, we'd wipe down with vinegar. I don't know why or how it worked but it never flaked or came off.

Awesome advice. I have never thought about it but vinegar etches the aluminum just enough for the paint to stick. Very cool info. I will try it.


Evan

 

[Ernie W]

You can also clean and scuff aluminum and use Bulldog adhesion promoter. Then paint over it. You can pick it up at auto parts stores. I've had good luck with it on other rc stuff.

 

[Tgreer]

When we painted aluminum tanks on the big rigs, we'd wipe down with vinegar. I don't know why or how it worked but it never flaked or came off.

Did you still use a primer after cleaning with vinegar, or just painted it?

 

[Stormin2u]

When we painted aluminum tanks on the big rigs, we'd wipe down with vinegar. I don't know why or how it worked but it never flaked or came off.

Very cool tip. "thumbsup"

You can also clean and scuff aluminum and use Bulldog adhesion promoter. Then paint over it. You can pick it up at auto parts stores. I've had good luck with it on other rc stuff.

This is how I have done it in the past on Aluminum and with good results, it's a bit spendy I bought the spray can it was about $25 for a large can, but it works great but that doesn't mean it won't scratch. You can also coat your lexan bodies with it, and paint with any paint, Duplicolor touch up if you want. It's cool stuff.

 

[kmoore]

Did you still use a primer after cleaning with vinegar, or just painted it?

Yes primer and all the regular steps just vinegar first.