Wheel powder coating

Powder coat or wrap?

Wheels take heat, brake dust and curb hits. Film doesn't hold up well there. Powder coating does, which is why we coat wheels instead of wrapping them.

Powder coat wheels cost: what changes the price

The cost to powder coat wheels depends on the wheel size, how many wheels you do, the finish and how much repair they need. Larger wheels and deep, complex spoke designs take more prep time and more powder. A single solid color costs less than a two-tone finish or a color with a clear coat over it. Heavy curb rash, corrosion, or an old coating that has to be stripped all add prep time. Wheels that were painted or refinished before can take longer to strip than wheels with their factory finish. The tires have to come off, so dismounting, remounting and balancing are part of the job. Text photos of the face of each wheel, the size and the finish you want, and we will price the set.

How wheel powder coating works

Powder coating is a dry powder sprayed onto bare metal with an electrostatic charge, then baked so it melts and flows into a hard, even shell. Because the wheel goes into an oven, the tires, valve stems and tire pressure sensors come off first. The old finish is stripped down to metal, light curb rash is repaired, and the wheel is cleaned so nothing bubbles up during the bake. The surfaces that touch the hub and the lug nut seats are masked, so the wheel sits flat and the lug nuts hold their torque. After curing, the tires are remounted and the wheels balanced. We confirm timing when we book you.

Black powder coat rims and other finishes

Black is the classic choice for powder coated rims, and the finish changes how it looks day to day. Gloss black looks deep and wet but shows brake dust and fine wash marks. Satin black is the easy one to live with: it hides dust better and still has a soft sheen. Matte black is flat and aggressive, but it needs gentle cleaning to stay even. Gunmetal and bronze hide brake dust well too. One catch: wheels with a bright machined face lose that look when powder coated, because the coating covers the whole face. Getting it back means re-cutting the face on a lathe, which is specialist work. Bring a photo of the car so the wheel color is chosen against the body, not on its own.

After you get your wheels back

Powder coat is fully cured when it comes out of the oven, so you can drive on it right away. Have the lug nuts checked after the first 50 to 100 miles, as with any wheel that has been off the car. Wash the wheels with pH-neutral soap and a soft brush, and skip acid-based wheel cleaners, which dull the finish over time. When you need new tires, point out the fresh finish so the tire shop takes care with its machine. A ceramic coating on the wheels makes brake dust rinse off faster. If you are looking for powder coating in Downey, Whittier, Norwalk or Santa Fe Springs, our shop on Secura Way is a short drive from all of them.

What's included

• Color and finish choice: gloss, satin or matte
• Old finish stripped and wheels prepped
• Powder coat and cure
• Remount and balance arranged with the job