Removing Spraypaint from Wheels

[brockdeck]

Hey there. I know there have been some threads on this, but trying to find some information regarding taking the black spray paint off my wheels. I made the mistake of doing this instead of getting them properly powder coated, but actually miss the stock alloy look.

It's a light coat of spray paint, enough for it to be chipped off by a power washer at the car wash and when I got my new tires mounted, they got pretty chewed up.

I have seen aircraft remover suggested and I also tried a rustoleum base coat remover which basically bubbled up the old coating of paint. My dilemma is properly removing the paint without damaging the tire. Unfortunately every powder coater around me in OC wants to sell me a high end paint job or nothing and doesn't want to strip them. They deal with nice cars all day long coming in for paint jobs so I am nothing to them.

All help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

Aircraft removed works great but will strip all coatings off back to shiny aluminum. If you are just trying to remove the black spray paint, I would use xylene with a soft towel. Lots of rubbing and you may need some fine grey scotchbrite.

 

[BILT4ME]

I would do aircraft remover and remove EVERYTHING, then clean / polish with Eagle One Aluminum wheel polish like big trucks do, then wash clean and spray with heavy duty clear coat.

I'm going to do this, but I will do it with the rubber removed.

 

[brockdeck]

Just trying to remove spray paint here. Still need to get around to doing this. Thanks for the advice.

Honestly here in CA it has been hard to see if any tire shop will unmount my tires so I can do this myself. Any tips on removing the paint without damaging the tire? I tried a bit of rustoleum base coat remover, which bubbles the spray paint off pretty quickly. My only concern is damaging my new 35s.

I miss the stock alloy look. I know im a weirdo.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

Just trying to remove spray paint here. Still need to get around to doing this. Thanks for the advice.

Honestly here in CA it has been hard to see if any tire shop will unmount my tires so I can do this myself. Any tips on removing the paint without damaging the tire? I tried a bit of rustoleum base coat remover, which bubbles the spray paint off pretty quickly. My only concern is damaging my new 35s.

I miss the stock alloy look. I know im a weirdo.

Just bust the bead on the tire so the stripper doesn't come in contact with the rubber. If you like the stock alloy look, I would apply clear coat to the wheel after stripping to protect it.

 

[Jgunner]

Orange remover from home depot. In paint isle. Wont burn the s*** outta you and eats spray paint like fat bitches eat cake(i love cake). Smells good too. Buy a gallon and a .99 cent brush. Wont eat other stuff or finishes unless left on a looooooong time. Also less tempermental to being left on or drying out. Water cleanup.

I use it on high end optics, rifles and parts marines find amusing to rattle can as opposed to cerakote or gunkote. If it doesnt fxxx up $2500 scopes, you’ll be gtg.

 

[jfz80]

Any decent PC shop should be willing to strip them if they are doing coating. Actually its usually required standard practice. Id look for a coater only then vs a high end garage with an oven.

What is so hard to see if a shop will unmount the tires? Its what they do. Have you called around or asked the shop that mounted them? Most around here will dismount for ~10 mount for 20 each so it does add to the cost. Tell em what your doing and see if you can get a break.

It sounds like the product you have works but i get the tire concern. How bout lay the wheel flat and do 80% with it and try the above two ideas for the edges (xylene scotch bright and the orange sounds promising)

 

[gummycarbs]

Rattle-can spray paint will come off with mild solvents. I would start with mineral spirits in a spray bottle, then scrub with gray Scotch-brite. I'd just put note cards around the perimeter of the rim to minimize the tire's exposure.

Local tire shops do wheel re-coating, too. They'll dismount, send the wheels to another local place to be blasted and powder coated, then re-mount the tires. I would be absolutely shocked if you couldn't find a similar service in Los Angeles for a reasonable price.

 

[brockdeck]

Any decent PC shop should be willing to strip them if they are doing coating. Actually its usually required standard practice. Id look for a coater only then vs a high end garage with an oven.

What is so hard to see if a shop will unmount the tires? Its what they do. Have you called around or asked the shop that mounted them? Most around here will dismount for ~10 mount for 20 each so it does add to the cost. Tell em what your doing and see if you can get a break.

It sounds like the product you have works but i get the tire concern. How bout lay the wheel flat and do 80% with it and try the above two ideas for the edges (xylene scotch bright and the orange sounds promising)

Everyone I’ve called found it a hassle, guessing because they make all of their money on coating. They will do it, but no t for much less than getting it powder coated

 

[brockdeck]

Orange remover from home depot. In paint isle. Wont burn the s*** outta you and eats spray paint like fat bitches eat cake(i love cake). Smells good too. Buy a gallon and a .99 cent brush. Wont eat other stuff or finishes unless left on a looooooong time. Also less tempermental to being left on or drying out. Water cleanup.

I use it on high end optics, rifles and parts marines find amusing to rattle can as opposed to cerakote or gunkote. If it doesnt **** up $2500 scopes, you’ll be gtg.

Will look into this! Thank you!

 

[TomH]

You could always repaint with a color that matches the alloy color. I suspect your 20 year wheels won't look that great after you remove the paint.

 

[Box Rocket]

I hate aircraft remover. Yeah it dissolves the paint but it's a freakin mess and ends up turning into a sticky mess that's just as hard to get off as the original paint is. If you're going to recoat the wheels anyway I'd bust out a sander and a wire wheel and have at it. For me that's ended up being just as "fast" as using solvents of some kind.

 

[AMX390]

The orange remover mentioned above not only works amazingly, but it is by far the least harmful of all of the other strippers mentioned. Trust me, good $hit.

 

[brockdeck]

I've got a real thin layer of paint, and my wheels are in otherwise good condition, so i will try the orange remover.

Is this it?
Ultra-Strip 1 gal. Ultimate Paint Remover-666G1 - The Home Depot

 

[dallen341]

Talk to Kings Powdercoating in Placentia. They can remove the tire and probably provide a near factory look if that’s what you are looking for. Owner is Jay and is a good guy.

 

[Jgunner]

I've got a real thin layer of paint, and my wheels are in otherwise good condition, so i will try the orange remover.

Is this it?
Ultra-Strip 1 gal. Ultimate Paint Remover-666G1 - The Home Depot

Not sure if they changed the label but here it is:
Citristrip®

Citristrip 1/2 gal. Safer Paint and Varnish Stripping Gel-HCG73803T - The Home Depot
From the depot

 

[brockdeck]

Talk to Kings Powdercoating in Placentia. They can remove the tire and probably provide a near factory look if that’s what you are looking for. Owner is Jay and is a good guy.

Will give them a call. Thanks a lot!

 

[danthman114]

bead blast them. then use some mothers mag polish if you don't want the white aluminum look.