G'day
I'm looking at getting some FZR Rims but they seem to come in all colours and you cannot be fussy with what you find (there ain't many round)
What is the best way to prepare and paint? The ones I've seen seem to have chips off and look as if they have already been painted.
I'm not that good with a can (of paint)
Cheers Alan
Powder coat, unless you're on a tight budget, then good epoxy rattle can paint.
Or if you're not on a tight budget, some shops that powder coat will also do ceramic coatings. Don't know if there is any advantage over powder coating, other than it would be a harder surface, and probably more expensive.
Quote from: PaulG on March 22, 2017, 07:29:30 AM
Or if you're not on a tight budget, some shops that powder coat will also do ceramic coatings. Don't know if there is any advantage over powder coating, other than it would be a harder surface, and probably more expensive.
Never heard of ceramic coat for wheels, so I called a local coater, and asked some questions.
According to the coater:
Ceramic is a thinner coating, and is suited for higher temperature environments. Ceramic coating costs more too. $75/wheel vs. $50/wheel for powder coat.
Powder coat, will have a clear coat also applied, and is thicker. It holds up better, and will be shiney. All the time. Ceramic's shininess, is dependent on application and will vary.
Powder coat is more commonly done with a polyester base formula or acrylic. The best for wheels is the acrylic. It is not as common but it provides a better surface finish (smooth and glossy) that is easier to keep clean than a polyester finish. It can also be done in a clear so a polished wheel can be coated and keep the blinding bling with lower maintenance.
This is the best stuff I have found, it's even used by restorers on expensive builds, it what it's made for.
(https://media.autobarn.com.au/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/500x500/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/D/I/DI00885_1.jpg)
Single pack, proper wheel colour (not too silver), impervious to fuel, oil and brake dust, DIY, can be touched up, just the right gloss level and easy to clean. Being polyurethane paint, it won't chip.
Personally, I would never powder coat wheels, they chip just like the ones you have now and need to be clear coated with something that won't yellow and has all of the above qualities.
Don't make any more complicated or expensive than it needs to be and still end up with the best looking finish.
IMO
Noel
Powder coat vs. DIY rattle can? Tough call. I've done a lot of cleaning, prepping, and painting of parts over the years. Mostly (hell, all) by hand, and much elbow grease.
For $50/wheel, and all the nooks and crannies on wheels, one might lean towards having the powder coater prep and coat the wheels. If they value their personal time.
Mis dos centavos.
Powder coating is my suggestion. Prices in the USA generally run close to $70.00-$100.00 a wheel. The paint ends up extremely hard and very smooth. In most cases, it only takes a dry cotton rag to clean the wheels.
Here is a before and after of my FZR750R wheel.
Fred
I've done several sets of wheels, both car and bike, with a rattle can wheel paint. Three years later, it still looks good. Powder coat is nice, but add to the cost a set of new wheel bearings.
Quote from: aviationfred on March 22, 2017, 09:47:28 AM
Here is a before and after of my FZR750R wheel.
Fred
Mate that looks unreal,
What did they do to get rid of all the chipped paint? Sandblasted?
Looks like powder coated wheels might be the go!
Are the FZR wheels good to buff back to alloy and make super shiny? Just thinking out aloud.
A mate says use a can but I'm know I'm no good at that.
Cheers Alan
Some do a chemical dip. But most just blast. Have had several powder coated. Best way to go. Prices vary widely around here. So have to shop around.
Quote from: giantkiller on March 23, 2017, 06:47:31 AM
Some do a chemical dip. But most just blast. Have had several powder coated. Best way to go. Prices vary widely around here. So have to shop around.
How does the powder coat go with tyre changes?
Do the get chipped or marked?
Just a note: no matter who does the paint, powder coat, et c., make sure that none of it gets into the bearing recesses. The new bearings won't fit, if it does.
Quote from: Sparky84 on March 23, 2017, 06:59:16 AM
Quote from: giantkiller on March 23, 2017, 06:47:31 AM
Some do a chemical dip. But most just blast. Have had several powder coated. Best way to go. Prices vary widely around here. So have to shop around.
How does the powder coat go with tyre changes?
Do the get chipped or marked?
My experience with powdercoat shows it to be more resistant to chips and small impacts than most wet paints. Tire changes will affect all finishes. The quality of tools and labor come into play on preserving the finish.
If you do your own wheels then you know that tire irons do the most damage to the finish when prying the tire off of the rim.
To avoid this, after breaking the bead on both sides of the tire, make a radial cut through the sidewall all the way around the tire. After accomplishing this on both sides you can simply remove the center tread and peel the sidewalls off the rim without any prying.
I use the snap on plastic rim protectors. They come in packs of 2 but I always use 3. So I don't have to worry about moving one. While you are in the middle of working the tire irons.
So far I haven't had to worry about the powder coater not masking off the threads, and bearing recesses. But you can make sure when you drop them off. I'm sure there are some idiots out there in the powder coating business.
If they do coat a bearing surface, Aircraft Paint Stripper works just as well on powder coating.
I painted my rims with a spray can in a charcoal grafite colour. Seems to be holding up well so far with no chips and easy to keep clean. How I did it was mask bits off I didn't want painted mount on axle stands and spin slowly while spraying. Easy to do and in my opinion turned out pretty good.
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/DSC_1067_zps7f2zunex.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/DSC_1066_zpsjpfrhdar.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/DSC_0853_zpseobstqoh.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/DSC_0886_zpsuum2mec2.jpg)
Quote from: Bones on March 25, 2017, 03:48:13 PM
I painted my rims with a spray can in a charcoal grafite colour. Seems to be holding up well so far with no chips and easy to keep clean. How I did it was mask bits off I didn't want painted mount on axle stands and spin slowly while spraying. Easy to do and in my opinion turned out pretty good.
Looks good Bones,
but I do know that I am crap with a can of paint with the exception of gal spray which gets used regularly at work (but it doesn't have to be good just rust protection)
Quote from: Sparky84 on March 25, 2017, 04:29:55 PM
but I do know that I am crap with a can of paint with the exception of gal spray which gets used regularly at work (but it doesn't have to be good just rust protection)
Now son you'll never get far in life without some self confidence :praising:.... Sorry, the cranky old man inside me is coming out.
Just practice on some scrap, or better yet go to a wreckers. Get yourself any banged up cast wheel cheap so you can trial on prepping , masking, painting, etc. If you're still crap you're only out a few bucks. If it turns out ok then you're a pro!
There's tons of instructions on YouTube. Just view as much as possible, as some can be very good and some should be smacked up side the head.
https://youtu.be/gUV6SfVV7Kw (https://youtu.be/gUV6SfVV7Kw)
Then post some before and after pics of your trial and bask in the comments you will get. Then go for the real thing. :good2: Get to it laddie! :drinks:
Quote from: Sparky84 on March 25, 2017, 04:29:55 PM
Quote from: Bones on March 25, 2017, 03:48:13 PM
I painted my rims with a spray can in a charcoal grafite colour. Seems to be holding up well so far with no chips and easy to keep clean. How I did it was mask bits off I didn't want painted mount on axle stands and spin slowly while spraying. Easy to do and in my opinion turned out pretty good.
Looks good Bones,
but I do know that I am crap with a can of paint with the exception of gal spray which gets used regularly at work (but it doesn't have to be good just rust protection)
Sparky, time to learn, it 'aint that hard.
The decision may be made for you though. I get a lot of sandblasting and powder coating done and I would be surprised if by the time you have them blasted, coated, new bearings and tyres on and off, you had any change from $400 - $500. Does the rest of your bike warrant that expense?
You were blown away by how good Fred's powder coated wheels looked, well, painted ones look just as good (IMO even better)
There is a distinction between rattle can paint and VHT wheel paint. Despite being called paint, it is a specially formulated polyurethane coating deveoped just for that application.
The underslung caliper below has probably done 100k. It's low to the road and cops all the rubbish thrown up by the front wheel and oncoming vehicles. It has no chips. It is painted with VHT wheel paint.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/305/19778884743_1344b3283a_c.jpg)
You can see a couple of dents where it's been hit hard but it doesn't chip. Being paint, it can also be touched up.
My bike is very original and pretty clean and I've spent a fortune on it but I wouldn't even consider dropping that sort of money just to refinish the wheels.
Just a thought.
IMO
Noel
Also - not wanting to sound redundant - but it's the prepping that's as important (if not more so) than the painting. If a paint job looks like crap it's most likely due to a lacklustre prepping. It's not uncommon to take at least 2-3 times as long prepping as it does to paint. No rush-no pressure. Just take your time.
Good luck if you decide to go this route. :good:
Quote from: PaulG on March 25, 2017, 08:06:18 PM
Now son you'll never get far in life without some self confidence :praising:.... Sorry, the cranky old man inside me is coming out.
Dad, I'm not lacking in self confidence.......I don't think so, am I?
I just know my boundaries :dash2:
Quote from: ribbert on March 26, 2017, 08:21:17 AM
There is a distinction between rattle can paint and VHT wheel paint. Despite being called paint, it is a specially formulated polyurethane coating deveoped just for that application.
That's good to know that it's a bit tougher than normal.
Quote from: PaulG on March 26, 2017, 04:44:16 PM
Also - not wanting to sound redundant - but it's the prepping that's as important (if not more so) than the painting. If a paint job looks like crap it's most likely due to a lacklustre prepping. It's not uncommon to take at least 2-3 times as long prepping as it does to paint. No rush-no pressure.
That's what scares me, the Prepping, as you said it's everything and it does take the most time.
I hate painting at home due to the Prepping, so long, so boring.
No pressure from anyone does make it easier. :wacko3:
Ok when I get the wheels I will post pre painted with chips and all
Cheers Alan
Prepping, yes forgot about that. Front wheel didn't take much just a rub down with some fine wet and dry paper and water to remove any dirt etc... The rear took a lot more because it was white when I got it so painted the whole thing with paint stripper and got to it with a scraper etc to get it all off. I wanted the polished edges so the most tedious is masking everything up before painting. Beer helps too.
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/DSC_0818_zpsa4b11a1c.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/DSC_0823_zpsbfdd64a6.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/DSC_0833_zps4ae0b067.jpg)
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/DSC_0849_zpstqnynrt7.jpg)
You didn't replace the valve stem? :Facepalm:
A steel 90 deg stem was fitted with the new tyre Bill.
Quote from: Bones on March 27, 2017, 01:13:33 AM
A steel 90 deg stem was fitted with the new tyre Bill.
Good choice Tony.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2934/33071318840_58ab781b18_c.jpg)
Fully inflated to dead flat in less than 20 seconds.
Noel
Quote from: Bones on March 26, 2017, 08:44:30 PM
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/DSC_0849_zpstqnynrt7.jpg~original)
Nice Tony!! Must be a QL thing, no shiny rims down this way.
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on March 27, 2017, 06:45:26 AM
Quote from: Bones on March 26, 2017, 08:44:30 PM
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/DSC_0849_zpstqnynrt7.jpg~original)
Nice Tony!! Must be a QL thing, no shiny rims down this way.
Noel
If you want to go all the way, I sell a raw, uncoated aluminum 90* valve stem that can be polished as well.
10mm Aluminum Valve Stem 90* (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3A10mmAVS)
(http://www.rpmracingca.com/prodimages/large/M%20C%2010mmAVS-1.jpg)
They also come in black too.
Randy - RPM
Mmmm, Powdercoating vs Paint? If you get a top quality powdercoater who knows what they are doing, how to prep, and doesn't do industrial type jobs like fence panels etc, then go for it. The guy I used last time does custom bikes/cars etc, and his prep work, attention to detail is simply amazing, as is the finish. On my wheels I don't have the rough casting of the rims anymore, its been filled, so nearly smooth, makes cleaning as easy as pie. I paid a lot more than $50.00 per wheel to get done, ($250.00 per wheel with the hub) but the results I am extremely happy with. For my newest FJ, I will probably do as Bones and Noel have done and paint, I really can't afford to powdercoat at this stage.
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Fuji%20F550-18595.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Fuji%20F550-18594.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18661.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18663.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18692.jpg)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Panasonic%20G7-18694.jpg)
Heres my wheel rebuild pic gallery http://s367.photobucket.com/user/raywise_2008/library/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres?sort=2&page=1 (http://s367.photobucket.com/user/raywise_2008/library/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres?sort=2&page=1) has some gory bearing removal pics etc :) But yes, I am glad I did it. These bikes are deserving of some dollars being thrown at them.
Quote from: X-Ray on March 28, 2017, 03:10:46 AM
Mmmm, Powdercoating vs Paint?........ paid a lot more than $50.00 per wheel to get done, ($250.00 per wheel with the hub)
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo115/raywise_2008/FJ1200%20Powdercoating%20Wheels%20and%20New%20Tyres/Fuji%20F550-18595.jpg)
Bloody Hell Ray, for that sort of money I'd want gold too!
Noel
Yeah, when he told me his pricing I nearly fell over, but when I saw just what he had done when I picked them up, wow. I didn't give what I paid a second thought then. ( But the next set of rims off the '94 will be a spray can job, not as flush with money these days :good2: )
G'day Al, the FZR rim on Yummy looks similar to Bones' one & I'll be learning with rattle can.
It looks ok in this pic, but is pretty chipped and scratched. Plus someone put a lot of hate into a tyre doing a burnout that must have wrapped a lot of wire around the hub.
Are you keeping that tyre Troy? If not, get it removed and sand down the rim/paint it with a good spray can paint like Bones and Noel have done, should look great. I spent days spray painting the 4 wheels off our Navara a few years back, sanding /priming/topcoat/clearcoat, and they turned out alright. Stay away from the $2.00 a can supercheap export paint whatever you do, and I find a good clearcoat over the finished colour coat really helps. Looks like a fun project :good2:
Quote from: Troyskie on March 31, 2017, 12:05:17 AM
G'day Al, the FZR rim on Yummy looks similar to Bones' one & I'll be learning with rattle can.
G'day Troy
I'm hoping to have both front and rear FZR rims this week, and I might wait to hear how you went with the rattler.
Or tips you might have like "get it Powdercoated".
The thing that worries me is it's a finished product on show for all to see and if it don't look good I'll keep on noticing it always,
Mate I don't even like getting my vehicles repaired as I think a all dent is better than some idiot spraying a slightly different colour and buffing half a existing panel and changing the colour look so it's more noticeable than a small dent.
Cheers Alan
Sparky, I don't think anyone will get on their hands and knees to inspect your handiwork anyway, a passing glance maybe but nothing more. Who gives a shit what anybody else thinks anyway, it's you bike modify it your way. My rims aren't perfect and I know it, but from a distance they look passable and that's OK by me.
Sparky, Bones nailed it, no one looks that closely. It's like guys stripping their bikes completely to paint the frame, how much of the frame do you see when it's back together? Hardly any.
It's time to get the monkey off your back, man up and have a crack at it, it's only paint. If you muck it up, sand it off and do it again and when the jobs done how good will you feel knowing you've done it yourself, let alone the the $500 you didn't spend!
The principles of spray painting are simple, there must be a gazillion how to videos on You Tube. Before you waste the proper wheel paint, practice with a can of cheap stuff. Don't over complicate it. You don't need primer and you don't need clear coat over the top. Just make sure the wheels are clean, as in grease free. If you don't have any prepsol, dishwashing liquid will get rid of any grease, just make sure to rinse thoroughly.
Buy one of these from any hardware shop, makes it easier, it just snaps onto the top of the can.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2889/33387568640_f067269749_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2942/32929174744_65973c1bf1_c.jpg)
Turns any spray can into a spray gun.
A story for another day but I have sprayed literally hundreds of used and damaged wheels. As you are obliged to move at a certain speed when spraying, each wheel should take no longer than a couple of minutes to paint once prepared. It's that quick and easy.
If it doesn't work out as well as you hoped, just lift some shots from the net and post them as the finished job. No one's ever going to look closely enough to know and by the time the next rally rolls around, everyone will have forgotten this thread and won't even look at your wheels. I can't even imagine a spray job so bad peoples eyes will be drawn to it.
IMO
Noel
I do like those spray can adaptors in your photos Noel, never seen them before but they are now on my "to get" list.