Automotive paint X powder coat for wheels

[11Rider]

Hello my fellow 11 enthusiasts. I'm getting ready to do some customizing and I'm wondering if anyone knows the pros and cons of two part automotive paint compared to powder coating for the wheels. Of course, the two main things would be appearance and durability. If I go with the powder coating I'd have to farm it out, if I go with the automotive I'll do it myself. Thank you for any thoughts you may have

[crazy steve]

Powdercoating will be more durable, but the downside is you'll have to pull/replace the wheel bearings as they won't take the cure heat (well, the bearings can, but the grease in them can't). Additionally, the rear wheel has non-removable/non-replaceable rubber cushions pressed in for the drive spline hub, and the heat will very likely ruin those too.

I'd stick with paint...

[CaptonZap]

The down side of powder coat is that you have to take everything, that is susceptible to heat, off of the wheels. Like the rubber bushings in the back one, and the seals in each of them.
Paint, mask 'em. CZ

[CaptonZap]

How many fingers do you type with, Steve?
I only know how to do it with two. CZ

[crazy steve]

How many fingers do you type with, Steve?
I only know how to do it with two. CZ

I can get all the way up to four....

[11Rider]

OK guys, I think that answers it. Meanwhile I've been doing some searches online for wheel paint and it seems as though Eastwood makes some quality products that should work well.

[foreda]

Wheel Paint

Duplicolor and Krylon have wheel paints available at your local parts house.

[clcorbin]

If you have the ability and equipment to use the 2 part urathen paints, that is what I would go with. Prep the wheels just like you would any other metal part (clean, body work, prime, sand, prime, sand, prime, sand....,...,...,... paint, sand, clear coat) and you should have a VERY nice set of wheels. You can also do the masking and polish up the aluminum that is not painted prior to clear coating the whole thing to keep the shine looking good for a good long time.

[11Rider]

Yes, that's the route I'm thinking of taking. I am a house painter and have experience spraying as well as the equipment including a cup gun and compressor. Right now I'm trying to decide on my exact color scheme/design. I want predominantly black wheels with yellow or gold in there somewhere. I'll probably go with a semigloss finish since I don't care for flat but on the other hand, the wheel castings are a little rough and I think gloss would accentuate that too much.

[clcorbin]

One note: A HUGE difference between house paint and automotive paints (specifically the 2 part catalyzed urethane paints) is just how nasty they are are when you breath them. Do NOT try to paint urethane paint with just a dust mask. Minimum is a M95 respirator with organic filters. Make sure you have good air flow also. You really don't want to breath this stuff.

[11Rider]

Thank you for that tip. I do have those masks and will wear one.