Re-painting New Wheels That Already Have a Factory Finish

[sigo]

I got a set of new steel wheels for my M38, and they all already have a new factory glossy gray paint finish. How does everyone get the factory paint to a point where they can apply their own finish? I am looking for an efficient and effective method to scuff the paint to a point where I can apply rapco primer, then semi-gloss OD 23070. I’m thinking wire wheel then a good degreasing & cleaning. Just looking to see if anyone has a better method that doesn't involve blasting to bare metal.

 

[biscuitwhistler37]

I’m thinking wire wheel then a good degreasing & cleaning. Just looking to see if anyone has a better method that doesn't involve blasting to bare metal.

Only other thing I can think of is wet sand by hand. Better? Debatable. Faster? Definitely not. Either way, hope it works out for you.

 

[chucky]

Some 220 and scotch brite pads to scuff it . and do a test spray on the backside of the wheel to make sure its going to bond then if all is well squirt it !

 

[M813rc]

I use red Scotchbrite pads to scuff the glossy paint, clean with solvent, and paint.
That has worked well for me in the past with Rapco paint.

Cheers

 

[GopherHill]

There is stuff sold where auto body shop supplies are sold for surface prep. The previous suggestions should work fine.

 

[tennmogger]

You don't have to blast to metal. Just rough the surface. If you have a compressor, you can get a cheap media blaster that holds maybe a quart of media (looks like a paint sprayer). I do that with play sand (with protections) for cheap. Any other method by hand will miss the crevasses.