Mag Wheel Refinishing

Duck749

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I am looking at picking up a ‘70s Triumph which has what I will call two tone mag wheels. These are very similar to my ‘78 Special which had chrome / silver strip and black color. When I rebuilt the Special I powder coated entire rim satin black for the style build I did. The Triumph I am looking to leave original two tone. Question is have any of you been able to polish the chrome / silver piece and refinish rest? I like the durability of powder coat but think my only option is painting. Curious how others have done this, here is the style from Special I am referring to:
 

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I am looking at picking up a ‘70s Triumph which has what I will call two tone mag wheels. These are very similar to my ‘78 Special which had chrome / silver strip and black color. When I rebuilt the Special I powder coated entire rim satin black for the style build I did. The Triumph I am looking to leave original two tone. Question is have any of you been able to polish the chrome / silver piece and refinish rest? I like the durability of powder coat but think my only option is painting. Curious how others have done this, here is the style from Special I am referring to:
Talk to your P.C. guy, but I think he may be able to use high heat tape and be able to mask off the bare area. If not, scuff the black area for paint, sand and polish bare aluminum to desired finish, wash and dry wheel, mask off and paint black, then clear coat entire wheel with a 2k automotive clear.
 
You can two tone powder coat if you want.
If the one color will cover the other or you desire the effect of the overlay you can do it this way.
Lay your first color but don't fully cure it.
Check with the powder specs / provider for the correct temp and time when used as a basecoat.
Allow the first coat to cool and mask with high heat temp tape and or use
alum foil for large areas as you would masking paper when painting.
Alternatively you can choose to wipe the powder away from areas you want to remain the first coat color.
Sometimes a combination of all those techniques.
Then when satisfied, cook the rim again; this time fully curing to the second color's specs.
If it isn't possible to get the results you desire by overlaying the colors you will have to mask it twice.
Attention to detail as the masking much match exactly.
The first method is easier and can be done if the colors are carefully selected.
I would recommend trying a test piece prior to doing the rims themselves.
Obviously painting will work also.
Good luck whichever method you decide on and I look forward to seeing the rims.
 
I refurbished this mag a few months ago. The ribs and side walls were hit with a nylon fibre wheel to remove the dents/damage then polished. I didn't spend too much time polishing as I'm selling the wheel. The paint is wheel paint. I blasted the wheel with garnet before painting.
 

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You can two tone powder coat if you want.
If the one color will cover the other or you desire the effect of the overlay you can do it this way.
Lay your first color but don't fully cure it.
Check with the powder specs / provider for the correct temp and time when used as a basecoat.
Allow the first coat to cool and mask with high heat temp tape and or use
alum foil for large areas as you would masking paper when painting.
Alternatively you can choose to wipe the powder away from areas you want to remain the first coat color.
Sometimes a combination of all those techniques.
Then when satisfied, cook the rim again; this time fully curing to the second color's specs.
If it isn't possible to get the results you desire by overlaying the colors you will have to mask it twice.
Attention to detail as the masking much match exactly.
The first method is easier and can be done if the colors are carefully selected.
I would recommend trying a test piece prior to doing the rims themselves.
Obviously painting will work also.
Good luck whichever method you decide on and I look forward to seeing the rims.
Cool. I did not know that you could partially cure PC.
 
Cool. I did not know that you could partially cure PC.
Yes you can. That is how you get multiple coats.
Depending on your gun and ground you can typically get to 3 coats if desired.
Attention should be paid to mill thickness.
Density or (mil thickness) guns are available.
Different powders have different requirements, sometimes even from a single manufacturer.
Always check the specs or contact the manufacturer for the information.
I have been using Prismatic Powders with great results and have had good experiences with their customer support.
 
Masking and painting the wheels is a PITA. It`s probably easier to mask off the outer rim and just wipe the edges of the spokes before the paint dries. Painting the rotors to match isn`t as time consuming to mask off. The sad part is you spend all that time and money to mask and when the job is done it all winds up in the trash can. (Tape and paper that is). I always outline the finished edge with 1/4" tape and fold the end of the tape into a tab that can be pulled while the paint is still wet to avoid a sharp paint line (edge). Time consuming but in the end you`ll probably convince yourself it was worth it.:shrug:wheels 001.JPGDSCN0132.JPGDSCN0133.JPGDSCN0136.JPGDSCN0141.JPGDSCN0140.JPGfront wheel 013.JPGfront wheel 015.JPGwheel mask 001.JPGbrake rotor 005.JPGhammered finish 002.JPGbrake rotor 003.JPG
 
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