How to Paint Wheel Covers

Car wheel covers are metallic from the factory but can be painted any color.

There is a large array of vehicle wheel cover styles to choose from. Wheel covers are typically made of light aluminum and are generally a metallic color upon purchase. Car enthusiasts paint wheel covers in a color to match the paint job on the vehicle or in a contrasting color. It is important to prepare the surface correctly before painting so the paint will stick to the covers and be long-lasting, without chips or peeling.

Things You'll Need

• Flat screwdriver
• Wheel cleaner
• Shop towels
• Fine grit sandpaper
• Wheel primer
• Wheel paint
• Wheel clear lacquer

Instructions

1. Place a small flat screwdriver under the edge of a wheel cover to pry it off. Slide the screwdriver around the wheel cover until it is loose. Pull the wheel cove straight off the car. Repeat this procedure for the additional three wheel covers.

2. Spray wheel cleaner on the wheel covers. Wipe the cleaner in circular motions to thoroughly clean each cover and remove all dirt and debris.

3. Wipe the excess cleaner off with shop towels.

4. Sand each wheel cover with fine-grit sandpaper, covering all areas on the outside. The sanding will allow primer to stick to the metal.

5. Wipe any excess small particles of metal off the wheel covers with shop towels.

6. Place the wheel covers on a flat surface with newspaper underneath them to protect the worktable or driveway.

7. Spray wheel primer onto each wheel cover. Use long, slow strokes, depressing the cap with each pass, slightly overlapping the previous for full coverage. Let the primer dry thoroughly.

8. Spray one coat of wheel paint on the wheel covers in the same manner as the primer. Let the first coat dry completely and add additional coats if necessary to obtain the depth of color desired. Let each coat of paint dry before adding another. Let the last coat of paint dry.

9. Spray one to three coats of clear wheel lacquer on the wheel covers. Let each coat dry before adding another coat. Wait 24 hours before replacing the wheel covers on the car.

10. Place each wheel cover on the wheel while aligning the tire stem through the hole in each cover. Press firmly onto the car on all sides, working around in a circle to secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Removing the wheel covers to paint them eliminates the need to mask the car off to prevent spray on the car.

• Turn a fan on and place it at least six feet from the wheel covers to help each coat dry quickly. Make certain that there is no debris on the ground in the area to fly into the paint or lacquer.

• Use spray cleaners, primers and paints in a well-ventilated area.

References

• Proper Auto Care: European Wheel Refinishing Kit

Resources

• Levine Auto Parts: Duplicolor High Performance Wheel Paint