Have some Wheel covers with highlighted areas that have paint on them. I wish to repaint these. What is suggested technique/steps? What should I use to strip off old, prep, and what paint to use to finish?? Thanks in advance...
If they're stainless or aluminum, try the same technique I used to redo the painted inserts in my stainless steel sidetrim. This will work with chrome, but be VERY careful with step #1 & skip #2. 1. Use some chemical stripper to remove the old paint. 2. Buff out the scratches and polish the stainless to make it shiny again. 3. Stick contact paper on the part. 4. Using an exacto knife & sharp blade, cut out the contact paper where you want to apply paint. 5. Scuff the exposed metal with fine steel wool. 6. Ensure any fingerprints, lint etc. are removed with metal prep or paint thinner & a tac cloth. 7. Spray the paint. 8. Carefully, while the paint is still tacky, remove the contact paper. 9. Post pics on the HAMB.
You didn't say whether the covers are stainless steel or chrome plated but here is a method I have used on both my own(stainless)covers and customer's chromed ones: If the original paint isn't chipped too badly I would not remove it but rather just paint over it. If you have to strip them,use a good chemical stripper(such as Stryp-eeze or an equivalent)and leave it on long enough so that the stripper takes the paint off and not the scrubbing.I use a fine(gray)scuff pad and GLOVES and try to stay within the painted areas.Neutralize with plenty of water and dry. I then use a product called,"No Touch Gl*** Stripper" which is available at most auto parts stores and is used for removing Rain-X from gl***.It cleans all contaminants from the surface.I then wash it with a commercial wax and grease remover. I use 1-Shot paints and a #10 chisel edge lettering quill for painting in the larger areas and a Gary Jenson Swirly-Q(available from Mack Brush)for the finer details. The 1-Shot flows out really smooth and leaves few brush marks.Durability is excellent. I've had the wheel caps on my Safari painted for about 8 years and have had no problems with the paint staying on.I have had my teardrop spots painted almost as long and except for a couple small chips they are in great shape.I striped my front and rear bumpers about 3 years ago and figured that it probably wouldn't last(especially the front where it is subjected to rain blasting and bugs)and have had no problems to date and I put a LOT of miles on the car in all kinds of weather. Hope this helps. safariknut
Howza Brutha, I'd like to add to brutha 55's suggestion. Use a product called Cover Stain. It is sold at most house paint stores and The Home Depot. It is a bonding primer which can actually help paint tick to ile and gl***. I bet it would bond like crazy to the metal of yer choice.
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