Powder Coated Wheels Question

Ok gents- I've searched and perhaps I'm bad at finding answers so if this has been be a to death, bear with me. I am getting a TRD Sport with the 17" wheels. I really actually like the wheels, except I'm going to have them powder coated as soon as I pick it up.

My question is this, if I do it black, what do guys do with the center plastic piece on the wheel? I actually was thinking it would probably look cool with it still being silver and silver lugs, etc. Any guys done this with these wheels in Black? Pics?

Also, I've never powder coated anything, so this my sound rookie...But, what % gloss would you all recommend? I don't want a true Matte Black, however, I don't want uber shiny either. More of a flat with a tad gloss....Advice?

Thanks in advance!

 

My powder coater said to use model paint for the center caps. It is made for plastic.

I got the 30% gloss(matte). I like it a lot.

Who ever you go to should have little metal plates with the different powders to look at.

Cost me $60 a wheel for blasting and powder coat.

Here is a few photo's.

Almost forgot. I plan on getting black lugs and will paint the center black with the toyota white.

 

I love your truck man.

 

Thanks! Truck looks good!

 

Good to see that. I'm going to a powder coater who quoted me $35 a piece for coating, but unknown blasting depending on how long it takes. Any idea if the finish came off easily?

Additionally, I'm SO glad I tried Plastidip on my front emblem. Looks decent, but that rubbery feel, no thanks. I almost did my rims... Phew!

 

Some pcers are able to do plastic as well

 

Mine where the stock OR 16" wheels. The paint scraped off really easy from a knife so I assume it was easy to blast. The problem comes if the finish that needs to be blasted is an old powder coat. It takes a lot of time.

 

No flat black, but with a slight gloss. I really like the satin black. Paint your center caps as well with plastic rattle can.

As far as powdercoating wheels,I would only powdercoat once per wheel. Make sure you are in with the color before making a final decision. The process of a 2nd powdercoat can hurt the integrity of the wheel itself. Very dangerous for a DD or track wheels. Okay for trailer queens and show cars.

 

Good to hear. I have the same wheel. I've had this guy do powder coat for me before so I trust he won't bone me by saying it took a long time to blast.

 

Why only once? Is because of the heat of the baking?

 

Too many factors and variables to give you a simple answer. I.e. quality of wheel,what kind/type of wheel, quality of the powder, color,quality of work,company/shop doing the work etc.

Different powders bake at different temps. Sometimes a wheel is reheated( so
Etimes twice the temp than the first bake) then blasted just to get powdercoat off faster. Some people use walnut shells in the blast because it's gentler

Some wheels are already heat treated and a 400F bake for an hour would hhurt it much the first time. Its just depends on too much...

I believe in "do it right the first time."


This a good link that explains the chemistry part of the process:
http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=151053

I can't find the link that explains the physical part of a 2nd ppowdercoat