Powdercoating x5 OEM wheel

[h2daizzo]

Hi all,

Just got off of the phone with a powdercoating place. I am looking to powdercoat my OEM wheels to a gloss black. The wheel guy was asking me what percent gloss I wanted. I had no idea there was a percent involved. Anyone have any experience on this? Perhaps pictures of what certain percentage gloss finish would look?

Thanks

[poleposition]

Never heard that question before. Ive been powdercoating my wheels for years. Try a new shop

[gatchalian]

who does it for you? how much?

[motordavid]

"Gloss" is a term used by many powdercoaters, esp. the m'cycle/car parts coaters.
Most good coaters can "adjust" the level of gloss/sheen as measured and viewed
at certain angles. While I don't know of any exact standards, most PCs will offer
4-5 levels of "gloss", eg flat, matte, semi-gloss and high gloss. Some offer a "chrome-like"
PC that is color available and very "deep" looking and glossy.

The guys I ride with tend to stay away from "high gloss" as it looks brilliant but is
harder to apply, (surface must be pristine), and it shows road dirt/finger prints like
crazy.

Color range is large too, depending upon the particular PC, but don't let your PC
bs you that any custom color is available, as most PC use std, bulk colorings and
truly custom color is very expensive.

The only reason I know some of this is that a good friend I ride with had an industrial PC
operation, and he got into m'cycle/car parts fab near the end before he sold and retired.

Hit powder coating on GOOG; lots of info probably, or talk to your PC: good ones will
spend the time to show you the various colors, surfaces, "glosses" available.
GL,mD

[omodos]

Originally Posted by motordavid

"Gloss" is a term used by many powdercoaters, esp. the m'cycle/car parts coaters.
Most good coaters can "adjust" the level of gloss/sheen as measured and viewed
at certain angles. While I don't know of any exact standards, most PCs will offer
4-5 levels of "gloss", eg flat, matte, semi-gloss and high gloss. Some offer a "chrome-like"
PC that is color available and very "deep" looking and glossy.

The guys I ride with tend to stay away from "high gloss" as it looks brilliant but is
harder to apply, (surface must be pristine), and it shows road dirt/finger prints like
crazy.

Color range is large too, depending upon the particular PC, but don't let your PC
bs you that any custom color is available, as most PC use std, bulk colorings and
truly custom color is very expensive.

The only reason I know some of this is that a good friend I ride with had an industrial PC
operation, and he got into m'cycle/car parts fab near the end before he sold and retired.

Hit powder coating on GOOG; lots of info probably, or talk to your PC: good ones will
spend the time to show you the various colors, surfaces, "glosses" available.
GL,mD

does the inner surface not visible due to tire covering it need to be done also?

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by omodos

does the inner surface not visible due to tire covering it need to be done also?

I guess you directed your question to me, but not sure I understand your question...if you mean the inner rim that the tire is seated on, no that is not usually coated, though I have seen some that were; the problem is to keep the 'rim bead' clean and normal, vs laying on a coating.

Hope this helps, as I am unclear about your wonderment.

[Ghost-Flame]

What is the finish on the oem wheels? I have a plain Jane x5 3.0.



This is a picture of new wheels like mine. Mine are 10 yrs old and really ugly

[Throatpunch]

Originally Posted by motordavid

"Gloss" is a term used by many powdercoaters, esp. the m'cycle/car parts coaters.
Most good coaters can "adjust" the level of gloss/sheen as measured and viewed
at certain angles. While I don't know of any exact standards, most PCs will offer
4-5 levels of "gloss", eg flat, matte, semi-gloss and high gloss. Some offer a "chrome-like"
PC that is color available and very "deep" looking and glossy.

The guys I ride with tend to stay away from "high gloss" as it looks brilliant but is
harder to apply, (surface must be pristine), and it shows road dirt/finger prints like
crazy.

Color range is large too, depending upon the particular PC, but don't let your PC
bs you that any custom color is available, as most PC use std, bulk colorings and
truly custom color is very expensive.

The only reason I know some of this is that a good friend I ride with had an industrial PC
operation, and he got into m'cycle/car parts fab near the end before he sold and retired.

Hit powder coating on GOOG; lots of info probably, or talk to your PC: good ones will
spend the time to show you the various colors, surfaces, "glosses" available.
GL,mD

Usually gloss level is the powdercoat not an adjustment by the coater the level is gloss is built into the powder and flows out during the curing process.

The more expensive jobs require a base powdercoat then a final coat achieving a specific look (i.e. Dormant Purple is a two stage coat)

This should help in the future- this is my local PC's website (samples of most colors!)
Color Charts | Powder Coating and Ceramic Coating Specialists

[LeMansX5]

Another nice powder coating of E39 M5 in gunmetal...found pic on internet.

[h2daizzo]

Thanks all,

The guy sent me pics of what each percentage would look like (matte, 40%, and 100%). I posted them below for anyone else wondering the same thing.