Plastidip Rims

[we350z]

Was going to get my AFS Style 87 Silver wheels re-powdercoated dark grey but now seriously considering going the Plastidip route. Anybody have any pictures of their rims (preferably Style 87)? Not sure if I want to go with Black, Gunmetal (light grey), or Charcoal (Dark grey). Also not sure about doing glossifier or metalizers with it. Does anyone know how well it will fill in or cover up minor curb rash? Am I better off sanding down the rash before hand or leaving it rough? I may get one of those liquid metal kits before hand to fill the rash and sand it down, since the plastidip will just cover it anyway... Thinking a darker color will be much harder to notice anyway...



I definitely like the way Matte black looks:


Also the Silver Metalizer:


Also does anyone have any tips as far as application goes? I was thinking about getting the Wheel Kit which supposedly is enough to dip 4 wheels (up to 22"). I've heard the texture is rubbery, but I don't really care as long as it looks good and lasts for a reasonable amount of time.

This is my plan:

1) Rotate my tires from side to side BEFORE applying. Mounting and balancing will inevitably fuck up the plastidip coating.

2) REMOVE the wheels from the car. You can spray the wheels on the vehicle but will be super hard to paint the inside surfaces of the wheel, you will also be painting the lug nuts and will have to mask off the brake caliper and rotors otherwise as well.

3) CLEAN the wheels thoroughly with detergent soap and water, pressure wash. Choose a clean dust-free error to paint.

4) Wondering if it makes sense to deflate the tires to try and pull them back from the rim surface WITHOUT breaking the bead (to get paint all the way around the lip).

5) Paint / bag off the tire (tho the dip is easily removable anyway).

6) Lay the rim down flat, face up. Again I would think this would help with preventing dripping/orange peel effect. Should also let it work into the crevace between the tire and the lip. I have read a ton about people getting peeling/issues there by not getting enough dip in there.

7) I have heard doing one coat at a time with nice even strokes, then allowing to dry and applying up to 2 more coats is the best way to get a good application that will adhere best and be most resistant to chipping / bubbling. Wondering if the PreDip spray, dip nozzle and spray trigger are worth getting or if that is all just BS.

8) Once face is dry stand the wheel up on the tire and spray the inside with 3 coats. Let dry and cure overnight.

9) Re-inflate tires.

10) Mount wheels back on vehicle being careful with your tools / lug nets not to scratch / scrape the surface.

I have heard of some folks using compressors or electric paint sprayers to get even better / more even coverage. I have a small 3 gallon 100psi Campbell Hausfield compressor with a paint can. Not sure if it is up to the job, but have long been thinking about getting an expansion tank for it. The pricing is of course better for a gallon of the sprayable, but not sure if I will use it all. Although I am also now thinking about dipping my chrome trim, including the hood kidneys.

Another added benefit of this for me in my mind is that it helps cover up the lip wear I have experienced using my Spikes Spiders traction control devices. Since my Toyos don't have the rubber lip like the Michelin's do and also I probably don't have them mounted far enough off the rim basically my lip has been sanded down. Sort of unsightly to say the least. The plastidip should cover this up nicely. I may have to re-do the rears each season but not a huge deal. I may try out some different color combos etc. At some point I probably will get a PC but not 100% sure on the look.



How do you clean the dipped wheels? I have heard they should hold up for 4+ years if taken care of. People have even reported no issues using pressure washers on them, etc...