Chemical stripping is the best way to strip wheels to prep for powdercoating.It does not alter the Wheels surface at all where Sandbalsting does....It changes the metals finish.
I would suggest that if you are buying new wheels..Find something you like in a color you like.
Its likely that stripping and repowdercoating willeasily run you$300-$400+ for a set of four wheels.
Not worth it for new wheels IMHO.