Question

How to paint your rims black?

Before you start painting, it's important to remove the wheels and thoroughly clean them to get rid of grime and dirt. Follow our step-by-step guide and learn how to paint your rims black.  

Step 1

For best results, we recommend removing the wheels. Otherwise, you may apply the paint unevenly. Use a jack, lug wrench, and jack stand to remove the wheel from the base. 

Step 2

Separate the wheel from the tire. By removing the wheel from the tire, you can avoid spraying paint. If you are planning to paint only the face of the wheel, then you can leave it as it is. 

Step 3  

You need to clean the wheels before painting them. After removing the wheel, clean it with a high-quality wheel cleaner. First, rinse the wheel with water, then apply the wheel cleaner. Now, use a soft brush to scrub and remove the dirt and grime. Finally, rinse it off with water and dry it using a microfiber towel. 

Step 4  

After cleaning the wheel, you will see the scratches and bumps. If they are mild, you can skip this step. However, if they are deep, use sandpaper and water to smooth the surface. Use 300-grit sandpaper and water to sand the entire wheel. Next, use 500-grit paper and repeat the same step. 

Step 5   

Once you’re done sanding the wheel, run your finger over it. You should feel a smooth surface. Now spray water over the wheel and dry it with microfiber towels. 

Step 6   

Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself. Choose a dust-free, well-ventilated area to paint. Place the wheel on the floor or against the wall, and start painting.

Step 7   

Now tape the outline of the rim. The portion inside the tape is what you’ll be painting. Cover the entire wheel with plastic wrap. Use a razor or knife to cut out the center of the plastic, which is the area you will paint. This protects the other parts from overspray.

Step 8  

You need to apply primer to the wheel before painting. Apply two or three coats of primer. Follow the instructions on the product to find out how long to wait between coats. The primer will protect your wheel from rusting. Plus, it also makes the paint look even across surfaces.

Step 9   

Before you start the actual painting, shake the paint well. Then start spraying it on the wheel. Like the primer, you’ll be applying multiple coats of paint. Spray the paint back and forth at a consistent pace, leaving no gaps. Before applying the next coat, wait for the paint to dry. Two thin coats followed by a thick coat would be enough.

Step 10   

Once you’re done painting, check the wheel and allow it to dry. Follow the same steps to paint the other wheels.