Step-by-step TRD wheel paint project

Doesn’t really help it on durability, just makes it a pain in the dick to take off. Basically the clear coat hardens the plastidip and makes it significantly less flexible and it’s super hard to take off because you end up just taking little flakes off at a time. I’ve clear coated plastidip on a front grille before and it just isn’t a good idea in my opinion. It also makes it hard to repair with clear on it.

 

I have a set of '03 TRD "star" wheels I'm going to be painting. Right now they are off the truck and was planning on painting prior to mounting tires as its much easier. How bad should I anticipate chipping to be after mounting new tires? And how easy is the fix (following process page 1...no clear)...just sand, clean and paint? Thanks.

Also...anyone painting the inside...is it weird having black wheel with silver inside?

 

Your skill with the rattle can is impressive! I would have drips and runs everywhere. Haha. Very nicely done. I just took the same wheels off of mine. Never cared much for them. But they do look much much better in solid black. Great post!

 

Alright, with less than a 1000 miles on my Lunar Rock taco, I painted the driver side rims today following the OP recommendations. I painted them Gun Metal. I only did 2 because I want to see how they look on LR color. If I don't like the match, I will repaint them black. Here's a few pics during process. I will post them remounted later when paint is more dry.

Let me know if you think they will match up well with Lunar Rock.

 

Looks like you did a great job! Not so sure on how the contrast will be with the Lunar rock. Post pics with them on!

 

Definitely not a good pic as the tree is blocking the sun right now. I did paint Toyota emblems a few weeks ago in preparation and I know I need black lug nuts now.

However, any or yah ... at least in comparison to factory look?

 

Are you painting the barrels as well, or just the fronts?

 

Really like the way the OP’s came out, I might try this out on mine in the future.

 

Does everyone remove all wheels at once? What do you recommend for lifting my truck to remove all wheels? I currently just have the standard jack for roadside tire change.
How long does it take for the paint to dry?

 

Wow these look great.
I've used this paint on many projects. It is very forgiving and lays down perfectly. Its more of a matte finish.

 

You will need a minimum of 1 jack and 4 jackstands if you do all 4 wheels at once.

 

This is probably the best trim paint on the market. I’ve been using it for years, mostly on plastic, doesn’t fade and excellent adhesion

 

Same, and I definitely agree. I've never it used it on wheels but I did use it on some motorcycle forks and it held up very well and many other aluminum bits.

 

How many cans would be needed for four wheels and would it be necessary to do more than one coat?

 

Id guess at least 2 cans and yes more than one coat. Just follow the directions on the can and you cant go wrong. Its self etching. I wouldn't paint if its cold out though...
warming the can in warm water helps.

 

So is Rustoleum high performance enamel the consensus on the best paint to use?

 

How long did everyone let these dry? I was going to take mine off at work and leave in a heated garage overnight. But don’t have any extra wheels. So would have to put them back on the truck in the morning. Is this enough time to dry?
Thanks!

 

Did they hold up? I’m in Vancouver. So mostly rain.

don’t do a tone of offraiding with the new truck. Mostly FSR. How have you’re held up?

 

Curious how these are holding up as well. Really thinking about doing this. My only hesitation is ruining the “stock” status of the truck. However, I’m sure they would look fantastic and also should hold up/be simple to touch up if needed.

 

I’m usually a fan of blacked out look with black wheels, but this looks very clean with the lunar rock.