Re: Wheel Paint

[Kevin Harrop <kevin.harrop@domain.elided>]

Hey Guy,

I only just did the repaint on my alloys, so I can't comment on
durability, but I used Rustoleum.  I bought a can and good quality
brush.  I did't like the idea of masking all that business.  I chose a
oil based paint that stated that it took 24 hours to dry enough for a
recoat, reasoning that the longer it took, the tighter the hold.

You needn't fear brush work.  Most of the rules of working with oil
don't apply, due to the small areas.  Rule 1, work to a wet edge, ie.,
apply the paint to a corner and work out.  Rule 2, add thinner to the
can as the solvent in the paint evaporates.  You won't need to concern
yourself with this unless it is very hot out or you are very slow.

I freely sloshed the paint out of its proper bounds.  Let it dry very
thoroughly, then clean away with steel wool and 220 grit sand paper. 
1200 will clog instantly.  Slight imperfections will disappear under a
coat of varnish.

I would most likely skip the black paint, had I to do it over.  I would
bring the alloy to a high polish everywhere else, and leave the areas
meant to be black dull aluminum.  These areas were not polished smooth,
but rather have the rough cast look.  The wheels would look very Alfa
Romeo, which is appropriate, as here in Los Angeles, my Stag is often
mistaken for an Alfa.

Kevin Harrop