With so many different options for wheel finishes, it can take time to decide what’s best for your vehicle. If you’re looking for custom wheels and rims, it’s a good idea to learn about powder coating for wheels, as well as a few other common wheel finishes.
Here we’ll review powder-coated rims, how they’re installed, pricing, and a few of the features that make powder coating a great choice. We’ll also talk about a few other custom wheel finishes so that you can make a good choice for your vehicle. Once you’re ready, you can work with the professionals at Mimessi Auto Design to get a quote and have wheel powder coating done right.
Here’s everything you need to know when about customizing your wheels with powder coating.
What Are Powder Coated Rims
Powder coating is currently the most popular wheel finish on the market, and is typically what we suggest at Mimessi Auto Design.
Powder coats allow for versatility and color customization. Powder coating on wheels also provides an added layer of protection and flawless application which creates a sleek, clean, look. Powder coating also produces a smooth finish that is highly resistant to rust.
How Much Do Powder Coating Rims Cost
The cost of powder coating wheels varies based on coating type, wheel size, and quality of service. Usually, powder-coating wheels will range between $350-$700 for all four. The color/s you choose can also affect the overall pricing.
Powder-coated wheels are a great option when compared to traditionally painted rims because the durability is higher and longer lasting, and the application is more straightforward. Plus, the price is equivalent (if not lower) to painting wheels.
Contact Mimessi Auto Design to request a quote for powder coating your wheels! Our design team will produce a prototype image of the wheels to ensure that you get exactly the finished result that you want. Learn more about our design team and the custom work they specialize in.
How To Powder Coat Rims
During the application of powder coating, an airless spray gun applies a top coat on your rims. The powder coating is applied by electro-statically holding the powder to the grounded parts of the wheel. Heat is applied to harden the powder together, curing it, and resulting in a smooth, durable finish.
The curing process usually takes about 2-3 hours to finish, depending on the size and type of surface of the wheels. Powder coating is also environmentally friendly and requires little maintenance.
What Are The Most Popular Wheel Finishes?
There are a few common wheel finishes and coatings on the market today, including powder coating wheel finish.
Some popular wheel finishes include:
- Chrome
- Mirror machined
- Powder coating
- Painting
Each finish offers different durability and style.
Maintenance plays a big role in the appearance of your rims over time, so choosing a finish that you can regularly maintain is important.
Pros and Cons of Different Wheel Finishes
Let’s review the pros and cons of powder coating alongside some other common wheel and rim finishes. This can help make your wheel finish decision a little easier.
Powder Coating Finish on Wheels
By far, the most popular wheel customization and finish is powder coating.
Examples of the advantages of powder coating include:
- Durability
- Eco-friendly
- Resistance to fading, scratching, corrosion, and chemical exposure
- Can be applied to metal surfaces, including steel, aluminum, and brass
Powder coating leads to a flawless finish because of the application process. The final look is usually a higher-end and more sophisticated look than paint. This keeps your vehicle looking newer.
Powder coating does have a thick finish, may appear less bright, and can be on the pricier side compared with more simple wheel finishes. This is especially true if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind powder-coating wheel finish.
Due to the application process of the powder, it tends to result in a thicker coating on the rim. This isn’t easily noticeable but could cause an issue if the rim has fine details as some high-end luxury vehicles have.
Painting Finish on Wheels
Painting rims is usually done using an airbrush. This allows the artist or auto-pro to have more leverage in customization and design. Custom car rim painting is available in different colors, and texture finishes, much like vehicle paint. Textures include satin, matte, or gloss, and can be customized even further using metallic colors or aluminum flakes.
The disadvantage of paint is irregularity since it’s hand-painted. The quality of the final job has everything to do with the quality of the professional applying the finish. Depending on the quality of paint used, colors can fade or wear, and chip or scratch.
Polished Finish on Wheels
A polished finish refers to a wheel that is raw aluminum that has been buffed to a reflective, mirror-like shine. This finish costs less than chrome and is lighter in weight. Scratches and dings can be repaired easily at minimal cost because it only requires further buffing, although they are more prone to scratches.
The disadvantage of a polished wheel is the upkeep. Because aluminum is porous, it’s vulnerable to oxidation, so waxing regularly is required to help protect the smooth finish.
Mirror Machine Finish on Wheels
Mirror-machined wheels are similar to polished wheels. These are aluminum rims that have been polished to a bright shine, and then have a clear coat finish applied onto the bare aluminum, protecting the edge and making it more durable.
This finish gives a nice shine and the added clear coat acts as another layer of protection. This finish can be used with painted or tinted wheel finishes and it’s lightweight. The disadvantage is that if it becomes scratched or dented, it will require buffing and a whole new clear coat.
Chrome Finish on Wheels
Chrome wheel finishes have layers of copper, nickel, or chrome added to the wheel, which results in a very reflective, mirror-like finish. The extra layers of these metal particles provide strong and sturdy protection.
The advantage to chrome finish is that it is scratch and ding resistant and easy to care for, wash, and polish without scratching. Disadvantages include price, inability to spot repair in the case of scratch or ding, a thicker finish, more weight, and the effects of moisture or winter weather on the rims.
Mimessi Auto Design & Powder Coated Rims
Customizing your wheels is an easy and fun way to improve your ride’s appearance, and enjoy your vehicle even more. Powder-coated rims add protection and character to your vehicle and are durable.
At Mimessi Auto Design, we execute high-end, high-quality auto design work with our artistic and professional team and designers. Just request an appointment to get started with powder coating for your wheels.
In addition to powder coating and other wheel finishes, we offer customization for your entire vehicle, one-of-a-kind decals and wraps, wraps, and more.
