Painting OEM wheels

[FrankenMazda3]

So I have been thinking, I'm not gonna be getting new wheels anytime soon. So I was thinking I would just paint my current OEM wheels black, I have a 2010 Mazda 3 and would love to have a new look for my car. My FrankenMazda project is on hold, due to low money and need to save to move. I know to tape off the wheels and sand down the shine, prime and paint. I was planning on using a engine enamel paint because it has a better tolerance than regular paint. How many cans of primer and paint should I get? Also any ideas about what I should do? IE like prep and cleaning.

 

[VonMockenheimer]

IDK but when you find out i'm gonna do the same.

 

[hat1018]

If you used more than 2 cans of primer or paint I would be suprised. Worst case scenario you gotta go back to the wal-mart for another can. lol

 

[fam]

ask rally2003 he has done it a few times with cans and he knows the exact amounts you would need.

 

[Chefsp0t]

When I painted my blue wheels I sanded them down, primered them with white, and then put the color on top. I think it took me 3 cans of primer and 4 cans of color because I did quite a few coats. Also keep in mine that if you are going to paint the barrel of the wheel it is going to take more paint.

The engine enamel is a good idea. My blue wheels took a beating this winter and they have rock chips like crazy now.

 

[FrankenMazda3]

I think the reason why I want to do this is, I hate the Wheels on my car and have little money to buy new ones. So I was thinking just paint them to give it a new look. I read Rally2003 write up, that's why I'm gonna use engine enamel. It's a bit more money but should last a whole lot longer. I was gonna get 3 cans primer, 4 cans paint one per wheel. It will be a medium gloss black engine enamel paint from Dupli-color. I originally was gonna powder coat the wheels, but decided against it. Once I start this process I will do a detailed write up with photos so help out with those who want to do the same.

 

[superdoughboy4]

4 cans of paint.
You want multiple coats.
2 cans will not do you any good.
I'm not sure about the primer though. I didn't use any... LOL

 

[FrankenMazda3]

Primer helps bond the paint to the metal better.

 

[superdoughboy4]

I know. I just never bothered to use it.