It’s time to give your rims a brand new look, but you’re not really sure how to do it? Don’t worry, I’m here to assist! I’ll help you find the best spray paint for rims as well as guide you through the whole process of painting.
If you follow these instructions, you’ll be able to paint your wheels like a pro in no time!
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What Kind of Paint to Use on Car Rims?
In case you’re planning on using regular paint for your car’s rims, I would advise you against that. It will most likely cause streaks, swirl marks, and even lint. Furthermore, you’ll have a much harder time covering all those imperfections next time you paint your wheels.
So, if you want your rims to look perfect, you should buy paint that is specially made for this part of your vehicle. This type of product will not only make the rims look much better, but it will also make the whole painting process easier.
Another important upside to using a special paint for rims is the protection that it provides. Since their product is made especially for cars, manufacturers make sure that it also protects the rims from chips, heat, cold, and extreme conditions. Therefore, if you want a long-lasting paint job and protection, it’s best that you choose the special spray paint for rims.
6 Best Spray Paints for Rims (2023)
I know that a lot of my readers have never painted their cars’ rims before and know almost nothing about paints for wheels. That is why I’m here to help with finding the best spray paints for rims on the market.
My list consists of effective, high-quality products, and you really can’t go wrong with any of these because it all depends on your personal preference. I’ve decided to list them by the amount of product that you get, starting from the smallest one.
1. Plasti Dip Rim Kit
Plasti Dip Rim Kit is a great choice for beginners. It comes with four cans of aerosol spray paints, two cans of glossifier, and one cangun trigger spray tool. So, the kit contains everything you need for a successful paint job.
Another thing that makes Plasti Dip Rim Kit good for beginners is the fact that the paint is actually a rubber-based coating. That means that, in case you make a mistake, you’ll be able to peel off parts of the paint without much trouble. If you give the paint enough time, it will stick to your car’s rims strongly. So, you don’t have to worry about the coating peeling off over time.
In addition, Plasti Dip Rim Kit is durable. Thus, it will stay in place even in extreme conditions. It is tested to work in a temperature range between 30 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. So, Plasti Dip Rim Kit a perfect match for anyone that lives in an unpredictable environment.
Furthermore, the paint is formulated to create an additional coat over the rims. That way, it protects your car from excess moisture, as well as acids and other things that can lead to corrosion.
This paint is a non-slip one with a sleek, matte finish. If you add the glossifier that comes in the kit, you’ll give your rims a fresh, shiny look. In addition, there is no need to buy wax for finishing touches, because the glossifier will do that job perfectly.
However, a downside to Plasti Dip Rim Kit is its color. It’s not really pitch black. Therefore, in case you need something very dark, you will have to continue searching.
Main Features:
- Good for beginners
- Durable
- Provides additional protection
- Not really pitch black
2. VHT Aluminum Wheel Paint Can
VHT Aluminum Wheel Paint Can is a high-quality product with great reviews. It is designed to revive and protect the color of wheels made of steel and aluminum. This paint is available in five popular colors, so you’ll certainly find a perfect match for your car.
I recommend the VHT paint to anyone who travels by car a lot. This product will protect your car’s rims from dust, rocks, salt, sand, and sun. The paint can even withstand temperatures of up to 900 degrees!
In addition, this product will also prevent oxidation. Furthermore, the paint is long-lasting and you won’t have to deal with chipping and fading for quite some time.
VHT Aluminum Wheel Paint Can is just one part of the VHT kit that you’ll need to use for the painting process. The whole coating system by VHT also contains a primer and a clear coat. Thus, you will get everything you need for an easy and smooth paint job.
So, this wheel paint is easy to use and the whole process of painting won’t take more than an hour or two. What’s more, the can comes with clear instructions. Therefore, even if you’ve never painted the rims before, you will learn the ropes in no time. The paint will dry to touch quickly, in just half an hour.
A great thing about VHT Aluminum Wheel Paint Can is the fact that it doesn’t need curing. You can leave it overnight in order to make sure that the coat is completely dry and you are good to go!
Main Features:
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Provides additional protection
- No curing needed
3. Rust-Oleum Automotive High Performance Wheel Spray Paint
If you have an older car and you’re struggling with preventing rust, I have a perfect product for you. Rust-Oleum Automotive High Performance Wheel Spray Paint will not only provide your wheels with a fresh, sleek look, but it will also effectively fight rust.
The ability to get rid of rust comes with the power to protect the paint from any element that can cause corrosion. Thus, you can rest assured that your wheels will be rust-free for a long time.
One more thing you can be sure of when it comes to this spray paint is its durability. Its oil-based formula will ensure that the paint stays in place in extreme conditions and protects the paint from dents and scratches. What’s more, Rust-Oleum Automotive High Performance Wheel Spray Paint takes only ten minutes in order to dry to the touch.
Rust-Oleum Spray Paint is simple to use. The manufacturer made sure that the process of applying its product is easy whether you are a beginner or a pro. Furthermore, you’ll be more than satisfied with its coverage, since one can is enough for all four wheels of your car.
However, if you’re not a fan of a high-gloss finish, this paint isn’t for you. The shine that this spray paint gives the rims will bother those that like something a bit more flat.
Rust-Oleum Automotive High Performance Wheel Spray Paint works great with both aluminum and metal wheels. In addition, you don’t have to worry about ruining plastic parts on your wheels with this paint, because it can even be applied to plastic hubcaps!
Main Features:
- Prevents rust
- High-gloss finish
- Easy to use
- Durable
4. Dupli-Color High Performance Wheel Paint
If you want your wheels to look like they are brand new, then you should check out Dupli-Color High Performance Wheel Paint. Dupli-Color is a well-known brand in the automotive industry with decades of experience. Thus, you can put your trust in the company and expect the best results.
Dupli-Color High Performance Wheel Paint has an advanced acrylic enamel formula which will renew the color of your car’s rims. What’s more, this paint will protect your wheels from cleaning solutions, chemicals, dust, and heat. In addition, this long-lasting formula will prevent chipping and peeling, and ensure that the color stays in place no matter the conditions.
This wheel paint will work great with steel and aluminum. In addition, you will also be able to restore the appearance of plastic wheels and wheel coverings. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect color for your car. The paint comes in ten colors, including black, white, and gold.
Dupli-Color High Performance Wheel Paint is also easy to use. The spray nozzle that this product comes with is high-quality and you’ll be able to evenly apply the coat on rims. The whole process of painting won’t take more than an hour, even if you are a beginner. In addition, the paint will dry to touch in about half an hour, which is a huge plus.
Main Features:
- Easy to use
- Dries to touch in 30 minutes
- Provides additional protection
- Long-lasting
5. PlastiKote Steel Wheel Paint
PlastiKote Steel Wheel Paint is another great product on my list of the best spray paints for rims. It is maybe the most underrated product here, so you should definitely check it out.
This spray paint will effectively cover chips and minor scratches, as well as provide the rims with a layer of protection from harsh conditions. Furthermore, it is durable and you won’t have to do another paint job for another couple of years.
This paint comes in four different colors. The colors you can choose from are black, silver, steel, and charcoal grey. So, it’s not the widest range of options. However, it’s not the worst either, considering the fact that most rims are either black or gray.
PlastiKote Steel Wheel Paint is perfect for those that aren’t a fan of neither a matt nor too shiny finish. This paint will give your wheels a fresh, semi-glossy look. Thus, if you’re looking for a high shine, you won’t get i with this product.
What I love about this spray paint is that it is easy to use. The spray is great for beginners, since it won’t eject too much product. In addition, you’ll be able to apply the coat evenly and quickly. It also isn’t messy and won’t leave too much residue.
If fast drying time is important to you, then you won’t find a better paint on the market. PlastiKote Steel Wheel Paint only takes about ten minutes to dry to the touch. However, I advise you to wait for at least half an hour to an hour, just to make sure that you don’t ruin your hard work.
Main Features:
- Easy to use
- Fast drying
- Semi-glossy finish
- Covers minor chips and scratches
6. Eastwood Chip Resistant Touch Up Satin OEM Black Wheel Spray Paint
Eastwood Chip Resistant Touch Up Satin OEM Black Wheel Spray Paint is a great, durable paint for rims. One of the reasons why this spray paint is on my list is the fact that it’s not that popular among car owners. You probably won’t find it on most lists of good paint for rims. But, this paint is just as good as any of the consumers’ favorites. Thus, if you’re searching for a high-quality paint for your car, you shouldn’t overlook this one.
Eastwood Chip Resistant Touch Up Satin OEM Black Wheel Spray Paint will give your wheels a fresh, new look. The paint’s finish is glossy, so if you are a fan of that type of look, this spray paint will be a perfect choice.
The paint is also long-lasting. Therefore, you won’t have to touch your rims for another couple of years. Furthermore, the Eastwood spray paint can withstand temperatures of up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you live in a hot and humid environment, you have nothing to worry about.
Eastwood Chip Resistant Touch Up Satin OEM Black Wheel Spray Paint is easy to use. The packaging ensures that the product applies evenly and quickly. You’ll just have to make sure that you do the painting process in a properly ventilated area.
A downside to this paint is the fact that the amount that you get inside won’t be enough for all four wheels on your car. Therefore, you’ll probably need to buy two cans of paint.
Main Features:
- Easy to use
- Heat-resistant
- Long-lasting
- Enough for two wheels
FAQs About Spray Painting Car Rims
Do you still have questions? Let’s try to get an answer to some of them.
How Do I Spray Paint Rims With Tires On?
The first step is to clean your wheels. You can use something that is specially made for them, or you can opt for universal wash soap. I have an article about the best products to use that you may find helpful.
Then, you can use a scotch-brite pad to prepare the rims for painting. After you go over the surface with the pad, you will need to use alcohol or acetone to smooth out the surface and ensure that the paint goes on easily.
Since you haven’t removed the tires, the important step in this process is protecting them. You can use a wide tape, a trash bag, and even a deck of cards. I’ve found a great video that shows how to use a deck of cards for protecting tires that you can check out (see below).
A trash bag and a tape can also be used to protect the brakes. You can tape the inside of the wheels or put a plastic bag inside them in order to make sure that the paint doesn’t ruin them.
Now it’s time for a primer. You’ll have to read the instructions of a product to ensure that you’re giving it enough time to dry out before you go over with the first layer of spray paint.
You can apply as many layers of paint as you want. You will just need to wait for about half an hour between every layer. After achieving the desired paint coverage, the only thing left to do is to give your rims a fresh look with a glossifier, and you’re done!
Can I Spray Paint Rims While They’re on the Car?
You can spray paint rims while they’re on the car, but you will have to be extra careful. The key to a smooth paint job is protecting the tires as well as parts of your vehicle around wheels to ensure that the paint doesn’t ruin them.
However, I would advise against it. That’s because it will be much easier for you to clean the wheels thoroughly and spray the paint evenly when your rims are removed from the car. So, even though it is possible, it’s best that you don’t spray paint rims while on the car.
Can I Paint Aluminum Rims Black?
It is possible to paint aluminum rims black. The steps are the same as with any other color, and the most important one is sanding. You can use 220-grit sandpaper in order to properly prepare the surface for painting. In addition, you’ll probably need about six layers of paint in order to achieve perfect coverage.
In Conclusion
As you can see, you don’t have to be a pro to do a great job at spray painting the rims! Hopefully, I helped you with finding the best product and ensuring that the whole process goes smoothly. Stay tuned for more useful tips!
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- By Car Roar