Powder Coating Wheels

One of the main reasons people are choosing to invest in powder-coated wheels is that it is an affordable alternative to buying custom wheels. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to this process.

Powder-coated wheels might be a good choice if you want a durable and highly resistant finish.

Due to the increasing popularity of powder-coated wheels, we will be talking about the pros and cons of this process.

In addition, we will also talk about the various reasons why this type of coating is becoming more popular, the durability of these car wheels, and how to look after them to ensure they last a long time.

What Is Powder Coating?

The process of powder coating wheels involves taking advantage of the electrostatic properties of resin and pigments to create a unique and attractive finish.

This process can be carried out on various surfaces, such as your vehicle's trim, panels, and wheels.

The process of powder coating your wheels involves creating a blend of particles that can then be cured. Once the pieces are done, they will look beautiful and durable.

How Long Do Powder-Coated Wheel Finishes Last?

The longevity of powder-coated wheels is significantly more extended than that of painted wheels. They can last for up to 20 years if regularly cleaned and maintained.

Compared to other types of finish, such as diamond cut and painted wheels, powder-coated wheels are more resistant to various chemicals and moisture.

This makes them an ideal choice for those looking for a durable and attractive wheel.

The durability and attractive appearance of powder-coated wheels are why many people choose to invest in these types of wheels.

It is also not uncommon for people who previously owned diamond-cut wheels to have them powder-coated.

Powder Coated Wheels Can Still Get Damaged

Despite the advantages of having a durable and highly resistant finish, powder-coated wheels can still get damaged by other factors.

This is because their increased UV resistance doesn't prevent them from getting damaged.

One of the most common types of damage that a powder-coated wheel can get is abrasion, which can occur in the form of chips or scratches.

Although the surface of the rim is very hard, it can still get curbed due to the impact. Stone chips are also not as harmful as scratches to a powder-coated wheel.

Another common cause of damage to a powder-coated wheel is the brake dust that builds up between washes.

If this happens, then it can cause permanent damage to the surface of the vehicle. Road salt can also contribute to this issue by sitting on the finish, accelerating the corrosive process.

Another common cause of damage to a powder-coated wheel is the harsh cleaning agents used by car owners. These can negatively affect the finish of the vehicle's wheels.

This issue is especially harmful to specific matte and satin wheels, as these can easily get damaged if the harsh chemicals are left to dry.

Step by Step of Coating

Before starting the process of powder coating your wheels, you'll need to remove the various components of the wheel, such as the tires and the additional weights.

Doing so will allow you to get a clean and shiny surface. After that, you should pressure wash the wheels to remove any accumulated dirt.

After that, a material blast is needed to remove any remaining blemishes and corrosion. Again, make sure that the wheels are in good condition before proceeding. The wheels should be placed inside an industrial oven for around 20 minutes to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

This will allow the alloys to get de-gasified before the application of the powder coat primer takes place. The temperature of the wheels should cool to 150 degrees. Then, if they get a customized finish, they should be placed inside the oven for another 40 minutes.

After that, they should receive a clear coat to finish the baking process.

After the last step has been completed, the wheels should be refitted, and new balancing weights should be added to the inside of the wheels to prevent them from blocking the powder-coated surface.

How To Care for Powder-Coated Wheels

Maintaining and caring for your powder-coated wheels is essential to ensure they last a long time.

Doing so can prevent them from getting damaged and exposed to more abrasions during the cleaning process.

To properly maintain your powder-coated wheels, take the following easy steps:

1. Clean the Wheels Regularly

Regular cleaning is one of the most critical steps you should take when it comes to maintaining and caring for your powder-coated wheels.

Doing so will allow you to prevent them from getting excessive build-up.

Maintaining and caring for your powder-coated wheels using a dedicated wheel shampoo is very effective. A sprayable product can also keep the wheels in good condition.

To avoid scratches, use soft tools such as wash mitts or a brush to clean the wheels.

You should also rinse the wheels to remove any accumulated brake dust before cleaning them.

Doing so will prevent the brake dust from rubbing back into the finish and causing light scratches.

2. Coat the Wheels

Adding a ceramic coating is one of the most effective ways to protect your powder-coated wheels from the elements.

This protective coating can provide strong and long-lasting protection against the elements.

Although ceramic coating can be applied yourself, hiring a professional detailer is essential to ensure it's done correctly.

This protective coating requires a lot of preparation to get it done correctly. However, when properly applied, a ceramic coating can last long.

If you prefer not to use a ceramic coating on your wheels, you can always opt for a sealant or wheel wax.

These are both relatively cheaper and easier to apply, but they will need to be applied more often.

Advantages of Powder Coating Wheels

Aside from being durable, powder-coated wheels also offer a variety of other advantages.

Some of these include their ability to repel dirt and corrosion and their easy application.

1. Great Durability

One of the most significant advantages of powder-coated wheels is their ability to provide a durable and long-lasting protective coating.

Unlike other types of protective coatings, the powder coating process creates a thick, non-porous layer to protect the wheels from various elements.

2. Quick To Apply

Applying powder coating requires a lot of preparation work to ensure that the finish is solid and long-lasting.

Doing so ensures that the wheels will not get damaged or scratched. Unlike traditional paint, powder coating can be easily applied and cured.

This protective coating method only requires a few minutes to fix, unlike the several hours needed with traditional paint.

3. Easy To Use

Unlike other types of protective coatings, the powder coating process creates a thick, non-porous layer to protect the wheels from various elements.

This process is also more convenient since it eliminates the possibility of inconsistencies and droplets forming.

4. Consistent Finish

One of the most significant advantages of having powder-coated wheels is their ability to provide a consistent and smooth finish.

This process also eliminates the possibility of uneven or inconsistent results.

Another advantage of powder-coated wheels is that it can be easier to paint hard-to-reach areas.

Disadvantages of Powder Coating Wheels

Although there are many advantages to having powder-coated wheels, some disadvantages are usually associated with this type of protective coating.

They include the following:

1. Thick Coat

Some of the disadvantages of having powder-coated wheels are their thick coat.

For instance, if you have a lot of small details on your rim, the thickness of the coat might conceal some of them.

Also, due to the thick coat, it can be hard to maintain the smooth and consistent finish of the wheels.

If you have a lot of small details on your rim, you might not want to use a powder coating.

2. Difficult To Repair

Powder coating is very durable, but it can also be hard to repair if one of the wheels gets damaged.

Doing so could lead to costly issues. In most cases, the wheel must be painted to return to its original condition.

3. Cost

The powder-coated wheels' cost is usually higher than the traditional paint job.

This is justified since this protective coating provides a durable and long-lasting finish. However, other options are available if you're not willing to spend much money.

Is Powder Coating More Expensive Than Paint?

The average cost of having powder-coated wheels is around $2,000, while the average price of the painting is about $1,900.

This is because powder coating your wheels tends to last longer than painting them.