How to Customize Your Alloy Rims: Powder Coating vs Spray Painting

If you’re searching for a way to freshen up the look of your car then you may want to consider customizing your alloy rims. Scratches and scrapes on your rims can be removed or concealed through an array of refurbishing techniques available from wheel repair specialists, including diamond cutting and coating to name a few. The perk of coating or painting, however, is that you will repair your alloys in a completely new color. Predominantly for aesthetic reasons, this method can elevate the visual appeal of your vehicle.

When it comes to alloy rim coating and painting customization, there are several options available to you – with powder coating and spray painting comprising the two main approaches. Each method has different advantages and disadvantages, so in this article, we will clue you up on the differences to help you choose the most appropriate alloy rim customization for your car. 

What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating alloy rims is an advanced customization option best left to the pros. These specialists possess the skills and equipment necessary to get the job done properly. The process involves electrically bonding a base layer of powder paint onto the wheels and rims before leaving the coating to bake onto the wheel surface in high temperatures. A protective clear coat is then applied and the wheels are allowed to bake once more. The baked-on powder coated rims come in an array of colors to create an aesthetically pleasing finished product.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Powder Coating

Advantages

• Durable finish: powder particles are fused to the rim surface and protect it from scratches and scrapes, ensuring rims remain in good condition for longer
• Eco-friendly solution: the lack of solvents and VOCs used or released respectively in the powder coating process means it is an eco-friendly alloy rim refurbishing method
• Full coverage: specialized equipment is able to coat every inch of the alloy rims, reaching hard to get to spots regardless of the intricacy of the wheel design
• Budget-friendly: while initial costs are steeper than other customization methods, the longevity provided by powder coating’s protective layer means fewer trips to the specialists for repairs

Disadvantages

• Requires a specialist: you will need to seek the assistance of a wheel repair specialist to benefit from powder coating your alloy rims
• Time-consuming: powder coating is a particular process and requires more time and attention to detail than other forms of alloy customization

What is Spray Painting?

Spray painting is an accessible alloy rim customization option that requires a little money, time, and elbow grease. While specialists offer this service, there is no reason why you cannot do this yourself. Spray painting alloy rims involves spraying cans of specifically formulated wheel paint directly onto the wheels. A number of coats of paint are applied before a top clear protective coat finishes off the paint job. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Spray Painting

Advantages

• Clean finish: spray painting achieves a smooth finish
• Color availability: spray paint comes in a wide range of colors and individuals with a particular color in mind may be able to find it in these can
• Early costs: it is extremely affordable to purchase several cans of spray paint you will require to coat your alloy rims

Disadvantages

• Requires maintenance: spray paint chips and cracks with time, meaning you will need to upkeep your alloy rims frequently
• Excessive coating: several coats of spray paint will be required to achieve a uniform look across your alloys, and even then you may miss some spots
• Color fading: spray paint fades relatively quickly in comparison to other alloy rim customization options

Powder Coating vs Spray Painting: The Bottom Line

The protective qualities of powder coating make it the perfect aftermarket modification for alloy rim enthusiasts that seek a strong and aesthetically pleasing product. Spray painting is cost-effective initially, however, the requirement for frequent application to maintain a clean and polished look means the longevity of this solution is costly. These are but a few factors showcasing the advantage powder coating has over spray painting. At the end of the day, a properly applied powder coating approach would do wonders in the customization of your alloy rims.