Refurbing EK9 wheels on the cheap?


Jokeshopbeard

Jokeshopbeard

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My OEM EK9 wheels are in serious need of a refurb. Had always planned to get them powdercoated but some recent events have pretty much eliminated the option of me spending any more money on her for a while.

I already have a rattle can of C/W paint that I got mixed up a while ago, so wanted to see if anyone had a guide or any tips/tricks for doing this. Already have a few questions on it:

1. What's the best way to mask off the tyres? (not ideal to do it with them on but it'll cost to get them removed/replaced!)

2. Whats the best way to remove the paint that's on there now?

3. How many cans of paint would be needed for four wheels?

4. What kind of base paint/layer would be best to use?

5. Is it worth spraying the inner part of the rim? (It doesn't look like this was sprayed in the factory?

Anything else you guys can think of to help would be great!!
 
mask it with masking tape and newspaper
sand it down with hard and smooth it down with litht ones
it depend on what colour you going for to spray inner part but you dont realy need too
i would say 4 cans
 
Last edited:
Never done it before but I am guessing you would need laquer as well to protect the paint and make them shiny.
 
Try not to rub down to bare metal, as the factory primer is good stuff.

Id sand out any marks and scotchpad the rest. Definately laquer them, even go as far as a coat of wax
 
deflate the tire so u can get your masking tape right under the lips
go to bnq and get some nitro moores that will remove all the old paint of but dont get it on the tires
and sand down
 
right here you go fella:

1-Take the wheel off the car
2-Deflate the tyres and start sanding down the wheel first of all using 240grit. you dont need to sand down to the bare metal as there is not need. your just mainly trying to remove the old clear coat. now the wheels will appear very dull. then you could sand down once more with a higher grit of sand paprer eg 1200 grit to smooth the wheel out but you dont need to but will get you a slighly better finish.
3- If you have significant curb marks you will want to use a filler/hardner on them but if your just after a respray and not a refurb then you dont need to do this
4- Wipe the alloy down or wash it to remove the dust from sanding then mask the tyre and tyre valve off using masking tape.
5- Now your ready to primer. Apply the primer in thin coats and evenly. Leave for 15 mins, allowing it to become touch dry then give it another thin layer of primer. Usually2-3layers of primer are suffice. Now allow the wheel to dry overnight.
6- Now you should be ready for painting. again apply the paint in multiple thin layers. It is important that you apply thin layers so you dont get run marks down the wheel. apply a coat and wait till its touch dry (usually 15-20 mins) and give it another 2-3 thin coats. Again allow it to dry over night
7- Finally you will need to apply the laquer for added shine and protection. Again using the same technique of applying multiple thin coats. You should aim for 4-5 coats of laquer. Finally allow to dry over night, remove masking tape, inflate tyre and refit to the car.

The main secret to a good job is preparing the wheel for painting. you need to take your time on the sanding of the wheel and filling in curb marks where nessesary. The painting is the easy part. Just make sure to apply the paint evenly and in thin layers so you dont end up with run marks.

overall for a decent job you will need about:

1 pack of 240 grit sand paper and 1 pack of 1200 grit
2-3 large cans of primer
3-4 regular cans of paint
2-3 cans of laquer

cost will be about £70-90 depending on if you choose to paint the backs of the wheels as well or not.

Halfords sell everything you would need to complete this job including filler/hardner should you require it.

hope this helps!
 
Would you be able to post up before and after pic Max, id like to see how these turn out!
 
look forward too seing the finished results of this!!!!!

its not really CHEAP but for £140 i got mine sand blasted & powder coated which obv covers the back aswell
came back good as new :)

Before:
(its hard to tell how bad they were, but trust me, no amount of wheel acid or cleaner would remove the 2-3mm deep chunks of brake dust / grime on them! )

DSC01590.jpg



Wheelage16.jpg

Wheelage15.jpg
 
looks good neil!
i got a dude here that can powder coat a set of 15's for £60
win
 
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