How to Repaint Hub Caps
Hubcaps are a very small part of a car, but---like ratty shoes on a fashionable woman---scuffed and peeling hubcaps can ruin the entire look of your car. It's easy to repaint hubcaps, even if you haven't done it before.
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Things You'll Need
- Trisodium phosphate or other degreaser
- Sponge
- Water
- Bucket
- Clean shop towels
- Sandpaper; 150 and 400 grit
- Painter's tape
- Box cutter or scissors
- Drop cloths
- Spray primer
- Spray paint
Instructions
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1
Figure out what your hubcaps are made of so that you can find a spray primer and spray paint for hubcaps designed to adhere to them. Also make sure that your paint will not react to the primer. Check with the experts at your local automotive store by taking in one of your hubcaps.
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2
Wash the hubcaps with trisodium phosphate, or whatever degreaser you prefer, diluted according to the label instructions. Rinse them, and then dry them well with clean shop towels.
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3
Sand the parts of the hubcaps you are going to paint with 150-grit sandpaper. Wipe them down with a clean shop towel to make sure there is no dust.
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4
Sand the hubcaps again with 400-grit sandpaper, and wipe them clean with a shop towel.
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5
Tape off any parts of the hubcap that you do not want to paint. Cut tape to fit with scissors or a box cutter, if you need to. Lay the taped hubcaps out on a drop cloth.
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6
Spray a light coating of primer onto the hubcaps. Hold the can 10 inches away and spray in a steady, sweeping motion. Let the primer dry completely and then apply a second coat.
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Wet-sand the primer with 400-grit sandpaper to remove and small spots or dust particles, and wipe them down with a clean cloth.
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Spray a light coating of paint over the primer coats. Hold the can 10 inches away from the hubcap and use short, controlled bursts to avoid any drips or pools. Let them dry overnight.
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Apply a second coat of paint if you still see the old color coming through. Let it dry overnight before removing the tape and replacing the hubcaps on the car.
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Tips & Warnings
A cotton swab dipped in alcohol will remove any tape residue on the unpainted areas.
Always work in a well-ventilated area.
