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I think that my wheels, currently satin finished (stock 18" on a 2017 Base), would look better with more of a chrome finish - bright metallic. Can this be done, how, and are there any drawbacks? Just curious... and not knowledgeable in this domain.
I think that my wheels, currently satin finished (stock 18" on a 2017 Base), would look better with more of a chrome finish - bright metallic. Can this be done, how, and are there any drawbacks? Just curious... and not knowledgeable in this domain.
Thanks!
Yes...It can be done. One option is powder coating them. Chroming may be a bit more costly and difficult. I attached a picture of my OEM wheels on an AWD R, that I had Powder coated in what is called Hyper Black (which is chrome metallic sprayed over black powder coat)...May meet your needs?
Call a few local wheel shops. I would wager you will find one local who can customize the wheels any way you would like. Typically look for one who specializes in custom wheel fitments.
While I love chrome wheels very much, I ended up going painted with the car color, Polaris white finish, they were sandblasted,acid-etched, primed twice, one gray and one white color, painted twice, and glossy clear coated 3 times, and then ceramic coated with crystal serum 2 times for cleanability. they were done correctly and beautifully. two problems, finding the right person for the job chroming or painting, anyone can spray paint a wheel, it's the prep that makes the difference.. the other problem with chroming is it will most likely be difficult to find someone to chrome your wheels locally because of fed. gov. rules and regs.
has all but stopped the process because of pollution. so they will send out probably to California 3-4 weeks you will have no wheels and the shipping expense becomes a problem. and pitting and flaking s a big problem, if you don't like the job you will need to return the wheel for re-chroming don't expect them to pay shipping cost!! pro painted wheels $500.00 per wheel/chrome wheels $500.00 per wheel
I have done this process a couple of times, if you have questions, you are welcome to pm me.
Good luck in your decision process, Mitchell
these are just some quick thoughts for you to ponder...
the problem with powder coating is you can't match the color of the car exactly and a powder coat in white is not the same white as most cars especially Polaris white, so I chose the paint to match. there are inherent problems with all wheels choices, do your homework for the best personal decision. One other big problem with powder coating is it tends to yellow after time!
original painted vorsteiner 21" flow forged wheels were dark Gray w/ metal flake everyone has dark-colored wheels, I wanted a color to pop and be visual, not for everyone but was right for me!
When wheels are painted and they chip or scrape happens relatively easy to touch up, when chrome gets damaged can't be touched up and has to be re-chromed. the cost of good paint and chrome is really about the same minus shipping to chrome factory.
As others have said either powder coat or chrome plating. Many places do the powder coating and here in AZ for 4 rims is about $650 if you just drop off the car. It is a little cheaper if you bring the tires/rims in without the car.
While I love chrome wheels very much, I ended up going painted with the car color, Polaris white finish, they were sandblasted,acid-etched, primed twice, one gray and one white color, painted twice, and glossy clear coated 3 times, and then ceramic coated with crystal serum 2 times for cleanability. they were done correctly and beautifully. two problems, finding the right person for the job chroming or painting, anyone can spray paint a wheel, it's the prep that makes the difference.. the other problem with chroming is it will most likely be difficult to find someone to chrome your wheels locally because of fed. gov. rules and regs.
has all but stopped the process because of pollution. so they will send out probably to California 3-4 weeks you will have no wheels and the shipping expense becomes a problem. and pitting and flaking s a big problem, if you don't like the job you will need to return the wheel for re-chroming don't expect them to pay shipping cost!! pro painted wheels $500.00 per wheel/chrome wheels $500.00 per wheel
I have done this process a couple of times, if you have questions, you are welcome to pm me.
Good luck in your decision process, Mitchell
these are just some quick thoughts for you to ponder...
original painted vorsteiner 21" flow forged wheels were dark Gray w/ metal flake everyone has dark-colored wheels, I wanted a color to pop and be visual, not for everyone but was right for me!
When wheels are painted and they chip or scrape happens relatively easy to touch up, when chrome gets damaged can't be touched up and has to be re-chromed. the cost of good paint and chrome is really about the same minus shipping to chrome factory.
I have the carbon blades, never liked the dark color, even though it was really good at hiding brake dust. I had mine painted a silver metallic. I like the results, but not everyone does.
A few more pics. As you can see, I like the shiny bits. The Mina Gallery stainless vents are a little pricey, but I love the way they look. My trim is all chrome, so I chose to stay with it instead of blacking it all out. I had the black package on my convertible, and never really liked it. Would not have ordered it that way, it came of the showroom floor with it. After turning it in, I decided to get a coupe with the same color, but with shiny trim. My kids don't like it, but I do!
After calipers painted Mina Gallery Stainless vents Front wheel before calipers painted red
Wheel Finish Question
