My '06 MC is on order with the 16" star wheels. I would really like to have black (or dark wheels). Has anyone had their wheels painted? What was the procedure/cost? It seems that most of the dark after-market wheels are 17".

I plan to run my 16's until the tread wears down and probably replace with 17's, at a later time.

 

I own a 04 MCS in electric blue. I bought an xtra set of 17" S-lites wheels (OEM was 16"s) and painted them in electric blue. For me: awesome. Look like my MCS is now Hot Wheels Edition.
I had a paint shop professionally paint them. Really bright.

 

There are several brands of spray paint that are for wheels. I can't say how long or well it will hold up. You could have the powder coated. I just had a set of Kosie K-1 TS powdercoated in white. They came out great:smile:... only $40.00 per wheel. However, if your going to get 17's when your tires wear out, may as well just paint the ones you have now. Just prep them good with a PrepSol type solution, the scuff them a little with sandpaper before spraying.

 

Minijob, how much did they charge to paint the wheels and how are they holding up?

 

A friend of mine charged me $100 for all 4. He bought the quart of paint (the same quality paint for the car body) have them sanded by his son and delivered painted in electric blue. I think the best is good sanding, go to a body shop for a good car quality paint and use an air compresor with air pistol.
Send me your email to include pics. Or I'll send you pics tomorrow from my office.
Take care...
Jaime in Minijob

 

Painting wheels is like anything else. You can pay someone else to do it, our take the time and enjoy the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

I have painted four different sets of wheels in the past (with “rattle can” paint) and they came out looking great as well as lasting for years. Granted I live in SoCal and the said vehicles were not subjected to plodding through mud and snow.

It’s all in the prep work.

 

Hi Minijob,

I would LOVE to see your rims painted in Electric Blue, (Since that is the color of my MCS).

Could you please post some pics? PLEASE!

 

Catalyzed paint is much harder and more durable than the usual cans of spray paint. The best thing is an auto paint shop can actually put this into a reusable can (for use very soon) as well as match any color.

 

I thought about painting my S-Lites, but my local painter (who paints lots of cars and motorcycle parts) advised against it. He said that it would scratch pretty easy.
So I ended up buying a set of black wheels instead. Assuming of course that they knew what they were doing.
Cheers,
H

 

My concern is the durability. How are the aftermarket black wheels painted and what makes them more durable?

 

YEAH! Post some pics!

 

Bump :smile:

PLEASE POST PICS MINIJOB!

 

I've painted wheels several times myself. If you're going to use a rattle can my advice would be to avoid the usual suspects - which are almost always an enamel; these apply easily but will scratch easily too. The German company, Wurth, makes rattle can paints which are lacquer; it is more difficult to apply (it "runs" easily) but is more durable. Their silver is considered a perfect match for most German OEM wheels, including BMW. They also make a Clear, which is recommended. Check out the European Blend Lacquers here:
http://www.wurthusa.com/project/en/l...th=04.0610.jpg

 

Ummm, like...

bump 'n stuff...

 

Here is my Electric Blue Mini. I love the Hot Wheels look!

 

The wheels look a bit darker, but don't bother for me.
I just wanted a different look in my MiNI.
Well, MINI is about being different from Scions and Mazdas.

 

Hmmm . Not quite my style , BUT it does make me think of the colored wheels that Porsche used on the early Carrera, where just part of the wheel was painted. I wonder if there's a way to do something like this, say, on the S-Lite ...

 

I am pretty sure that mine were powdercoated, and that would be more durable.

Cheers
H