possible to paint wheel covers?

[89accord_lxi_coupe]

the subject line says it all. i've still got my originals.(probably need to get new tires) is it possible to take off wheel covers, sand carefully and repaint in silver or something. will not paint them white or black(why? because that would look bad, they are wheel covers, not wheels). so is it possible? i would like to go to autozone or pepboys today and get started if i get a good reccomendation to do it. would they have the stuff at walmart that i would need? thanks for the input. by the way, today is Fri. so i would like to get done by sunday night. thanks again.

-Nolan

[markmdz89hatch]

yeah, anything can be painted, but it's how you do it that makes the difference.

If you were to sand them down to bare plastic, then prime, and paint them. Then after the paint is completely cured, hit 'em up with an even coat of clear to protect the paint, and you should be mint.

Yeah you can do it, and it does help the appearance of the car. Just take your time, and if you want to speed up the curing time for the paint, hit it with a hairdryer on low heat after it sets.

If you want to get a detail brush and paint the H in the center, do that before you clear the whole thing.

Good luck and be sure to post pics.

As for products you can really use just general purpose spray paint. The covers do not get real hot, so ur set in that dept. Just get regular primer (sandable is fine too), a couple cans of aluminum (or color of your choice), and a couple of clear and you should have more then enough.

[89accord_lxi_coupe]

thanks millions mark. i'll get that stuff today. oh, yeah what grit sandpaper, or does it matter?

[markmdz89hatch]

first, scrub the shit out of the wheel caps with soap and water. Both sides, not just the side you're painting.

Then as for grit, it'll take work, but i wouldn't go any less then a 300 grit. 400 prefferable, but anything 400+ will take more work, but leave a less 'scoured' finish.

[DBMaster]

Let me say a few things on this. I did everything you said back when my car was four years old and I repainted the original wheel covers (they were peeling already). I used charcoal gray metallic DupliColor from Pep Boys and used a detail brush to paint the "H" in the center white (my car is white). They looked damn good for about two years and I got a lot of compliments on the color. Unfortunately, because of the plastic Honda uses for its wheel covers (it is slighty flexible) the paint started peeling again. Then, the covers started cracking around the lug nut holes.

I finally gave up and bought some cheap wheel covers and then a couple years later a set of inexpensive ($65 each) alloy rims.

In other words, don't waste your time, unless two years of having them look good is worth al that effort.