Has anyone out there tried painting the factory alloy wheels? What type of paint? Any special prep? How did they turn out? I would like to paint mine black and put the chrome caps back on.

 

annodizing or powder coating is probably the only hting thats gonna last very long.

 

I agree, although if you run them through a course media blaster the pain might stick?

 

Steve, I did it. I took them to a local powdercoater place. They sandblasted and then painted.

I like them alot and they have held up well. I used to run the center caps all the time, but I decided I like them better now without the caps.

 

If you are going to spray paint them, i'd sand them a lil to scuff up the surface (scuff, not scratch) Clean them real good with some rubbing alchohol, and spray some Bullydog adhesion promoter (Wallyworld, etc.) then lay a coat of black, let dry, and atleast one more coat, maybe 2. then lay a couple coats of clear. I did that to some steelies I got, even did the chrome caps, and it is holding up really well. No peeling, or chipping yet. I went with a semi flat black, a little shine, but not over shined!

 

I agree with the powder coating comment. Not just because I do it for a living either, lol. I'm also a painter and I can tell you this. There is a HUGE difference in adhesion between paint and powder coating. I work with some of the toughest paints on a commercial scale at work. I still would choose powder coating over paint. It won't chip as easy, it won't fade from the UV rays, and it will last the life of the truck.

If you decide to paint. Yes sand blast the wheel first. That will assure a good mechanical adhesion of the paint.