The Ultimate Guide: How to Powder Coat Rims and Maintain Them Franklin

You have done your research on how to powder coat rims, and you have chosen Rusty Lions to transform your wheels. The result is a stunning, durable set of rims that completely changes the look of your vehicle. But the journey doesn't end when you drive out of the shop. To ensure that finish lasts for decades, you need to know how to maintain it. This guide covers the lifecycle of a powder coated rim.

The Professional Process Recap To appreciate the maintenance, you must appreciate the creation. As we have established, the answer to how to powder coat rims involves stripping, sandblasting, outgassing, electrostatic spraying, and high-heat curing. This creates a polymer skin that is chemically resistant and harder than paint. However, "harder" does not mean "invincible."

Cleaning Your Powder Coated Rims The number one enemy of fresh powder coating is the wrong cleaning product.

• Avoid Acids: Many wheel cleaners on the market are acid-based (to eat brake dust). While powder coating is chemically resistant, repeated exposure to strong acids can dull the gloss and weaken the polymer over time.


• The pH Neutral Rule: The best way to clean your rims is with a pH-neutral car shampoo and water. Because powder coating is so smooth, brake dust usually wipes right off with a microfiber mitt.


• Cool Down: Never spray cold water on hot wheels (right after driving). This can cause rapid contraction of the metal and may lead to stress on the coating. Always let them cool to the touch.

Wax and Sealants People often ask how to powder coat rims and keep them shiny. Treat them like your car's paint. You can apply a layer of car wax or a ceramic sealant to powder coated wheels. This creates a sacrificial barrier that repels water and brake dust, making future cleaning even easier. It also adds an extra layer of UV protection, which is vital for fluorescent or candy colors that are prone to fading.

Avoiding Physical Damage While powder coating is chip-resistant, it can still scratch.

• Soft Brushes Only: Throw away the stiff bristle brushes. Use soft microfiber wheel brushes to clean between the spokes.


• Tire Mounting: Be careful who changes your tires. Remind the tire shop that the wheels are custom powder coated. They should use plastic guards on their tire machines to prevent the metal arm from gouging the rim edge. This is a common tragedy that occurs when shops don't know how to powder coat rims or respect the finish.

Repairing Damage If you do curb a wheel, don't panic. Unlike chrome plating, which peels if compromised, powder coating is localized. Rusty Lions can often repair a damaged wheel. The process involves sandblasting the damaged area, blending the metal, and re-coating. However, because the whole wheel must go back in the oven, it is often best to redo the entire wheel to ensure a perfect color match, especially with aged powders.

Conclusion Understanding how to powder coat rims is the first step; maintaining them is the ongoing commitment. With the expert application from Rusty Lions and a simple cleaning routine, your wheels will remain the highlight of your vehicle. It is an investment in style and protection that pays dividends every time you look back at your car.

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