Any advice before i paint my wheels and bits?

[karl210]

After getting my wheels refurbed and them turning out like this  :


I really need to get them done asap. Im going to buy myself a gun to go with my compressor and other needed bits to paint my wheels buttt, ive never done it before so i guess its about time i learn  Been eager to learn and get my own gear for a while and i think its something i wouldnt be too bad at once ive learned it.
So im going to be painting 4 18" monza alloy wheels in a gunmetal grey, the centre peice of my ed30 splitter and my mirror covers in the same colour. I will also be re-doing my splitter in black magic as its taken a beating from stone chips.
Now im wondering if you guys can give me any advice on any tips/techniques down to exactly what im going to need for the job.
So basically what type of paint to use, basecoat, solvent, waterbase etc
How much primer, paint, lacquer im going to need
A mate has reccomended i use something called rocket to speed up drying time is this good advice? Give me your knowledge  meanwhile im going to be busy researching, cheers

[Top Cat]

Is that Boron blue. 

[Hedge]

 

[bacillus]

Please don't paint your bits...   

[chrisr763]

 

All i can say is... when painting yourself, always expect the finish to not be as good as factory. (IF it is... BONUS  )

Prep is key... Get the surface as clean and as flat as you can. Primer then sand it smooth. You want to lay paint down VERY thin in lots of layers. 

[rich83]

Is that Boron blue. 

 

Are those photos still in circulation?

[karl210]

 

All i can say is... when painting yourself, always expect the finish to not be as good as factory. (IF it is... BONUS  )

Prep is key... Get the surface as clean and as flat as you can. Primer then sand it smooth. You want to lay paint down VERY thin in lots of layers. 

And thats how it should look! not some awful tank primer gray/blue.
Ive always been able to do a good job with rattle cans so ive got a basic idea im mostly confused with all the different types of paints and hardners and thinners etc. cheers

[Top Cat]

Is that Boron blue. 

 

Are those photos still in circulation?

A quick search came back with a few threads having a laugh about them but no pics.  Anyway it is best not to talk about them as he could never see the funny side of it.

[rich83]

^^^^ 

[Kalpsn2000]

Is that Boron blue. 

 

Are those photos still in circulation?

A quick search came back with a few threads having a laugh about them but no pics.  Anyway it is best not to talk about them as he could never see the funny side of it.

 

[karl210]

have i missed something?  at least 1 person is helpfull

[Scottymon]

As someone else said, prep is the key, so make sure the surface is sanded and ultra smooth for a good finish.

Are you planning to use spray cans?  I did, but it's not easy, as they can spit; better to use lots of thin layers rather than less heavy ones.

I sprayed my old white wormed wheels, but knowing they were going to be just for winter.  They've lasted ok so far, although a bit of lacquer is coming off inside the wheel nut recesses :( But more than suitable for keeping my summer wheels healthy.

[karl210]

they look pretty good! They got refurbed less than 2 months ago so there already in great shape. So im guessing i just need to get rid of the lacquer and key the surface. No i will be doing it using a spray gun. Ive painted wheels before using rattle cans and it came out ok but i want to get a gun so i can do my splitter and mirror covers and finally learn. cheers

[Scottymon]

After masking, I used nitromors to take the lacquer off, then sanded for what seemed like an eternity (only because of the corrosion)... I think I started with 1200 grit, but that was taking too long, so used 800  but followed up with 1000, 1200.  Best to test the least abrasive to start with - You'll get through yours in no time - good luck mate!

[garrardrj]

Get them done professionally , it makes sense in time and quality of finish