Need help from those who know how to repaint alloy wheels

Ok, so was able to pick up a cheap set of Gen 1 16" TRD wheels to replace old steelies. (actually made $50 after I sold the tires)

Anyway...trying to keep this cheap and avoid cost of powder coating...at that point I'd buy new wheels.

So my "plan" is to get these down to the bare metal so i can etch prime, prime and then paint with VHT wheel paint. I've been sanding and sanding and sanding and an abrasive wheel drill attachment to the interior to remove corrosion. I don't think they are at the point where an etching primer will be useful because I think I only have bare metal in some spots (see pics). OR perhaps I have enough original on there to skip the etch primer? But than again the interior seems to be bare metal. Just want this to hold up for several years vs. revisiting next year.

Also, I have do have a quote of $20/wheel to blast them clean using glass media. Said no matter what media I should expect some type of marks from this process. Would these marks be hidden during the prime/paint process? (Etch - sand, filler primer - sand, than paint?)

What do those that have done this think my next steps should be?

Thanks in advance!

(FYI in pics...you'll see what looks like a texture, but its smooth to the touch)

 

Great information here: https://www.griotsgarage.com/content/pdf/11570.pdf

 

I'd personally pay the $20 per wheel to media blast them. It will be difficult to get all of the nooks and cranny's prepped enough to make the paint look good. Aircraft stripper would work as well but will prob cost you at least $50.

 

Got them blasted (glass beads)...picked up today. Now final prep for etch primer. I was going to use VHT self etch but its hard to get a hold of quickly. Looking at the Rustoleum one...it reads its ready for top coat after 3 coats. I thought self etch was to have an additional primer over it? (or maybe the zinc primer if i can find it..higher heat tolerance) If I do a 2K urethane over the self etch before the paint (VHT graphite) is that overkill? This isn't a show car but I'd like it to hold up. Thanks.

 

I've got the same plan as you - pick up some alloy wheels that need some care and use Duplicolor self-etching primer followed by their wheel paint. I haven't found a good tech data sheet for their products but Duplicolor application tips states that color can be applied directly over their self etch primer. Just have to make sure to follow the prep instructions (surface finish, wipe down with wax/grease remover, etc) and recoat times so you stay within the flash times recommended by the manufacturer.

That blast job looks good, think you'll be happy spending the $20/wheel. I'm not looking forward to blasting mine myself.

I wouldn't change steps as recommended, so if you're going with VHT wheel products I'd say buy their primer, buy their color and if you want a little extra insurance, buy their clear.