Painting rims and removing air bubbles

[badass]

I just painted one of my aluminum rims, primer turned out great but when i painted there were small air bubbles, now that it has dried the bubbles are still there. Can i sand them off, what shoul i do on the next 4 rims to prevent this? Thanks.

 

[miker]

I hate it when something like that happens. Creates more work to fix than the original paint job.

What kind of primer/paint did you use?

If all the solvents in the primer had not completely flashed then this could cause it. I've never tried to paint aluminum but I believe there are special prep steps and primers you are supposed to use.

Also, another thought is that a lot of aluminum wheels have a factory clear coating on them, if that wasn't completely removed, or prepped correctly, perhaps it reacted with the primer or paint solvents.

 

[webelk6]

I just painted one of my aluminum rims, primer turned out great but when i painted there were small air bubbles, now that it has dried the bubbles are still there. Can i sand them off, what shoul i do on the next 4 rims to prevent this? Thanks.

Did you remove the layer encasing the rim? Al. rims are if possible a no paint deal. Next time stay away from that. As far as the air bubbles go, you can sand them down(wet sand) and try again.

The reason the bubbles were their is there prolly was some kind of unforseen contaminate on the rim that you did not detect. When the paint lays down it separates from the contaminated area. Grease or oil being a major culprit. If you paint the rest , wipe down the rims with a hot thinner such as xylol or naptha.
Good luck

 

[calsum2]

powder coat
them

 

[drsales]

Could be the reaction with a not dried primer or the top coat was drying too fast and skinned. The bubbles you see are solvents trying to exit the coating but unable. Many painters adjust the type of solvent used depending on temperature and humidity. Allowing the coating to stay open longer.

Just thought of this one. Some rims are cast, and by nature may have some minor air trapment in the surface. If the coating dried before the air escaped then popping can happen.

If you can sand do it. If not strip it down. Powder coating is another good option.

 

[brownbear]

also do not shake your paint, only stir.

did you spray them, or brush/roll?