How to Prep and Paint Steel Car Rims

In this instrucable, you will learn how to prep and paint steel car rims. I have covered all the basics on how to turn your dull steelies into shiny new-looking wheels. Timing-wise, it would be best and wise to let the rims dry overnight If possible, making this a two day project.

To prep and paint rims you will need the following tools:

• Car jack that can support your car
• Jack stands so the car can sit overnight.
• Steel rims to paint.
• Grinder with a wire wheel. (a wire bush works too but a grinder with a wire wheel is faster)
• Safety glasses
• Impact drill or rachet to take off the tire
• Paint to paint the rim (I just used gloss black spray paint)
• Masking tape
• Torque wrench to put wheels back on once done.

Park your car on a level surface and put your jack under the car. Be sure you jack the car up safely, using points under the car frame, not parts of the body.

Remove the lug nuts from each wheel. To make it easier before you jack up the car loosen the lug nuts with your ratchet. Once jacked up you can take lug nuts and wheel off. Be sure to put the lug nuts in a safe place, so you don't lose any.

You will get your grinder and put your wire wheel on in this step. Start grinding down the existing paint and rust to bare metal. grind down as much as you can making sure not to hit the rubber or vale stem. WEAR YOUR SAFETY GLASSES.

In this step, you will tape your tires for paint. the easiest way to put tape around a rim is to rip it into 2-3 inch long pieces and put them around the rim. Once a layer of tape is on, you can use old towels or rags to put over the rubber to protect it from overspray.

In this step, you paint the rims. make sure to get all the cracks and crevices of the wheel. Spray in a consistent pattern. Once done with the first coat of paint, let the wheels dry for a few hours (3-4) then put a second coat on for best results. You will need at least 1 full can of spray paint to complete four 14'' rims.

Let the wheels dry for at least 3-4 hours. Overnight would be best. Once dry peel the tape off. Remove the tape carefully, be sure you get it all and that it doesn't peel the paint off.

Put the wheels and tires back on the car. While the car is still on the jacks, put the lug nuts on with your impact drill. Once the car is on the ground, tighten them with a torque wrench to your car's desired rating.

You are now done! Step back and admire your work.