How to Sandblast & Paint Rims
by Billy Ray
Having nice rims on your vehicle is possible without going to a store and spending big bucks. With the right equipment, you can sandblast and paint your rims to give them the finish you desire. With a few specialty tools, even heavily rusted rims can look better than ever. Always wear proper safety equipment and choose a suitable area before sandblasting anything as the process can create quite a mess and the abrasive particles can really travel.
Step 1
Wipe down the rims with soap and water and a clean cloth. Dry them with a clean towel. Inspect the rims and take note of the most heavily damaged areas.
Step 2
Load the sandblaster with fine grit sand and place the rim on a large tarp outdoors or under plastic tenting. Turn on the sandblaster and slowly blast away the old finish, rust and scratches from the surface. Move the nozzle back and forth, hitting the worst areas until they are properly cleaned. Remove the rim and repeat this step with the remaining rims to be refinished.
Step 3
Sand out deeper scratches on the rims with sandpaper using small circular motions until the surfaces are smooth. Wipe the rims with the cleaner and a rag, taking care to remove all dust and debris. Let the rims dry.
Step 4
Shake the can of aerosol metal primer thoroughly in order to mix the material completely. Hold the can about eight to12 inches from the surface of the rim and apply the primer in a thin coat, moving slowly and with smooth, steady motions.
Step 5
Allow the coat of metal primer to dry and lightly sand the rim. Wipe it clean of debris and apply another coat of primer. Repeat this step for the remaining rims. Allow the rims to dry completely before proceeding.
Step 6
Shake the can of aerosol rim paint to mix the material completely. Hold the can about eight to 12 inches from the surface of the rim and apply the rim paint in a thin coat. Apply the aerosol rim paint following the same instructions used to apply the aerosol metal primer.
Step 7
Shake the can of aerosol automotive clear coat to mix the material completely. Hold the can about eight to 12 inches from the surface of the rim and apply the clear coat following the same procedures used to apply the primer and rim paint.
Step 8
Allow the clear coat to dry and lightly sand the rim. Wipe it clean of debris and apply another coat of clear coat. Repeat this step for the remaining rims. Allow the rims to dry completely before installing them to the tires.
Things You'll Need
- Safety equipment (respirator, goggles and gloves)
- Sandblaster
- Plastic sheeting
- Drop cloth
- Sandpaper
- Aerosol metal primer
- Aerosol rim paint
- Aerosol automotive clear coat
Writer Bio
Billy Ray has been writing since 1994. He writes a popular featured column on the sports Web site Bleacher Report and has been licensed in loan origination and real estate. He is an EPA-certified Lead-based-paint renovator. Billy has taken courses in real estate, commercial lending and home renovation in addition to college courses in writing at Southern Oregon State University.
