Rims for the frugal
 

I have the base pack no sport in black and I just currently cannot afford the rims i'd really like on the car, i've seen a lot of people spray their rims (not powdercoat) themselves.

How hard do you think it would be to spray them black, get it right the first time, and would it be worth it to just wait and get them powdercoated instead?

I also want to do the calipers yellow, but I think for a DIY that's a little easier.


*I put this in general as opposed to wheels or DIY because i'm more asking for opinions than advice on how to do it.

I've done some reading on this because I like the stock rims just fine, but wouldn't mind them being black.
Pros of painting rims: Much easier to repair chips/scratches if damage occurs after the fact. Also, I keep running into people saying that powder coating puts wheels through a heat that is so high, it can mess up the integrity of the rim itself.
Pros of powdercoating: More durability against rock chips and scratches (not necessarily curb scratches)


EDIT: Let me just also say that I'm not sure if I buy into the heat/integrity thing I mentioned above, just reporting what others are saying. There is a process of slow cooling metals that can actually make them stronger. I would like to think any GOOD powdercoater would be using this process.

If you just rattle-can your wheels, it will instantly make the car look like a POS.

Get them powder-coated.

I was thinking of Powdercoating the original wheels as well.

Anyone seen this or have any pictures? Black would be my choice.

Please don't make your wheels look like crap! take the time to save your money and get them done right you'll be much happier with the results and so will the rest of us.

As for the calipers...don't even think about painting those yourself either.

BTW...if powder-coating your wheels is a bit of a stretch for you ($75/wheel max) where you are forced to look into alternatives, don't you think you need to realign your priorities?

I havn't done alot of research into it, but I was under the assumption it would be around 600. I didn't say it was a stretch, just that currently I don't have 600 spare to spend on rims, my priorities are quite well aligned thank you. I asked for opinions on wether it could be done to look decent, not for you to balance my check book.

powdercoat or wait,my opinion

I had painted my calipers on my old WRX with a store bought kit, and it took about 1 -1.5 years when the paint started to peel off. I'd powder coat them.

for reference, I charge 100 per wheel, and I am on the higher side, but my quality speaks for itself, and I don't apologize for my pricing.

^^^^Sounds like a deal!

Thats why he balanced your checkbook for you! lol