Painting alloy wheels

[Morgan]

I have a set of Chromodora alloy wheels that could use a tune-up. I’ve got them cleaned up and ready for a primer, but can’t seem to fine a appropriate finish coat. Someone recommended Krylon dull aluminum #1403, but it doesn’t seem to be available. Any suggestions?  Thanks

[visionaut]

https://www.wurthusa.com/Chemical-Product/Paints/Specialty-Color/Silver-Wheel-Paint-12-oz-aerosol/p/0893339108

 

[Ensign]

I recently painted the wheels for my "other" BMW, and used this product:

 

BMW: Decor Silver II - Paint Code B20

USA.SPECIALISTPAINTS.COM

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Aerosol Can, Touch up Pen and Brush, Pint, Quart, BMW Decor Silver II Paint Code B20

 

They also sell a 2k clear coat in an aerosol can. (using the proper respirator is a must with the clear coat)

 

[tech71]

Yes, Krylon dull aluminum 1403 seems to be the preconceived favorite but I wonder ,when was the last time anyone actually walked into a store and actually walked out with a can of it?

In my area I tried: Lowes, Advanced Auto, Carquest, Napa,  O'Reillys, Bi mart, Freddies and Home Depot. Nada

Then I tried Amazon, again, Nada. Is this stuff actually still being produced?

Gave up and ordered a can of Wurths wheel paint.

Truth be told, any Aluminum or silver wheel  spray paint will look good. Dupli Color, Sem, VHT, Rustoleum, other Krylon

Edited May 16, 2023 by tech71

[JohnS]

I've been liking VHT High Temp Wheel paint.  Ford Argent Silver #SP188 without any additional clear coat.  Readily available...

Edited May 16, 2023 by JohnS

[stephers]

It is a little more costly but in the end, I think, a much better finish and much longer lasting is to go to an auto paint store and get them to mix up a couple of cans in BMW Polaris silver in a 2K set up and some clear in 2K. either gloss or matte        This is real auto paint mixed with a hardener               I prefer gloss,  easy to clean  and will look good for a long time

 

Thanks, Rick

[g_force]

I can attest that the Wurth paint is a nearly identical match to some E30 bottle caps I repainted years ago.  If you go with the Wurth paint, clear coat them with 2k clear coat as @Ensign recommends.  My bottle caps faired just OK over a few years (and were eventually replaced by period correct wheels), but not as good as factory - which was likely cleared with a 2k clear.  

[JohnS]

Does a 2K clear coat ever yellow over time?  I had a yellowing problem with Wurth's clear coat, so that's why I don't use a clear coat anymore.

[Mike Self]

On 5/15/2023 at 7:50 PM, tech71 said:

Yes, Krylon dull aluminum 1403 seems to be the preconceived favorite but I wonder ,when was the last time anyone actually walked into a store and actually walked out with a can of it?

I've been bugging Bordens (they own Krylon) about 1403; it's still cataloged, but the response I've been receiving is that there are "production difficulties."  Perhaps an ingredient comes from the Ukraine...

 

If it ever does become available again, it's a really good match to the original maker's paint, especially when clear-coated with Krylon's clear acrylic spray.  

 

mike

[Morgan]

On 5/15/2023 at 7:50 PM, tech71 said:

Yes, Krylon dull aluminum 1403 seems to be the preconceived favorite but I wonder ,when was the last time anyone actually walked into a store and actually walked out with a can of it?

In my area I tried: Lowes, Advanced Auto, Carquest, Napa,  O'Reillys, Bi mart, Freddies and Home Depot. Nada

Then I tried Amazon, again, Nada. Is this stuff actually still being produced?

Gave up and ordered a can of Wurths wheel paint.

Truth be told, any Aluminum or silver wheel  spray paint will look good. Dupli Color, Sem, VHT, Rustoleum, other Krylon

 

[Morgan]

Thanks everyone.  Yes I’ve had no luck finding the Krylon 1403. At this point I’ll give the Wurth German silver a try topped with a clear coat. 

[TobyB]

I had a similar problem with the Rust-Oleum stainless steel color I liked so much-

 

still on the books, not on the shelves, eventually the empty shelf space went away.

 

Then, years later, it's back!

 

Don't give up hope.

 

t

2k, 2k1, whatever it takes...

[tech71]

On 5/15/2023 at 7:14 PM, JohnS said:

I've been liking VHT High Temp Wheel paint.

VHT is good paint, a fine choice, definitely a step up in quality from say...

Rustoleum AKA Clogolium, despite my best efforts I never get full use of a can before it just quits

 

Edited May 17, 2023 by tech71