Powder coating your car wheels is the perfect way to protect them from various damaging elements and transform your vehicle from boring to fabulous. It can dramatically enhance the appearance of wheels, upgrade your car wheels and rims, and add more value to your drive. However, you have to choose well when it comes to selecting the right kind of coating and color and find out how much powder coating wheels cost. Visit Waxman of Tristate Car Detailing Center to buy the best product to protect your vehicle. The professionals will determine which type of finishing would suit your vehicle depending on where you live, and how much it costs to revamp your vehicle in a way that makes it stand out.
Car wheels are not only a vital part of your vehicle that make it move forward, but they also play a significant role in its aesthetics. Scratched, peeled, and faded wheels can make your vehicle less appealing. Powdering coat wheels is the best solution to revamp your car and increase the life of your wheels. With a lot of variety, you can choose the right coating to suit your vehicle needs and budget.
Read on to find out how powder coating works, how it can protect your wheels, and how much it costs to powder coat them without spending a fortune.
What Is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a process that uses a specialized machine to apply a top coat on metal parts, which are then cured at high temperatures in an industrial oven. The top coat is applied using an airless spray gun. It is a dry powder that is sprayed in the airless chamber and then dusted onto the region with a small brush.
During this procedure, a polymer base is mixed with a variety of cures, flow modifiers, leveling agents, and colors to create a dry, powdered material. This dry powder is sprayed on the wheel and baked to produce a thick coating in the oven. The thick coat is long-lasting and resistant to chipping, scratching, tearing, and fading. It is far more durable than paint once it has dried or cured. This is because powder coating actually bonds to any metallic surface on which it is applied.
The curing process takes about 2-3 hours to finish, depending on how much of it has been done. The powder coating process is quite similar to lacquer coating but only works with metallic materials. It differs from other forms of metal application as it creates a softer metal that is too smooth to use in normal manufacturing processes and makes it highly resistant to rust.
Advancements in powder coating technology have provided car owners a chance to customize their wheels any way they want. This coating can now be applied in any color imaginable, as several new pigments are launched in the market every year. For professional powder coating in the New Jersey area, bring your vehicle to Waxman of Tristate Car Detailing Center.
Services provided to keep your vehicle looking its best include:
- Expert ceramic car coating
- Paint protection
- Exterior car detailing
- Interior car detailing
- Wheel restoration and repair
- Paintless dent removal
How Much Does Powder Coating Wheels Cost?
Before you go for powder coating, it is necessary to find out the costs associated with this service. The price is determined by the size of the wheels, the kind of powder coating you want, and the expertise of the professional you have approached. Due to the complexity of this service, you can expect to pay a reasonable amount for having your wheels coated.
For each rim, you should expect to pay $75 to $125 for powder coating. The cost ranges between $350-$700 to powder coat all four wheels. Professionals within a specialized facility typically carry out powder coating. Powder coatings come in several forms, which influence how much they cost. A superior powder-coating substance is usually preferable to a cheaper one, especially if you want it to last for a long time, so if you can spare cash, it is better to do so.
Smaller, sedan-sized wheels cost much less for a singular base coating. If your wheels are about 16 inches, this will likely cost you $300. Larger wheels receive additional gloss beyond the standard base and cost much more. Exotic colors, like pink, red, purple, or even gold, cost more than standard colors, such as black.
Factors That Affect the Final Cost of Powder Coating
The Size of the Rims
Powder coating bigger wheels costs more. It is not only because the process of coating larger rims requires more materials, but it can be difficult for technicians to handle wider, heavier rims.
In addition to this, they will have to put in more effort for moving rims that are 18 to 20 inches in diameter. Bigger rims may need to be handled one at a time, hung on special hooks, and require special treatment.
Quality of Powder Coating
Powder coating products vary in quality. Higher quality products are more durable and attractive than others after the application process, and this is the reason they cost more too. It is essential to know that you will end up paying less overall if you pay for higher quality in the first place.
You may end up paying the cost of powder coating several times if you go with lower-quality products as they wear down faster and need redoing.
Cost of the Application Process
Getting your wheels powder-coated from the right place also affects the overall cost. Professional detailers charge more as they have years of experience and knowledge. Even though they may charge more, you get guaranteed high-quality work in exchange for the price.
Related: 12 Essential Steps Of Car Detailing
Powder Coating vs. Paint Job for Wheels
Powder coating is considered a better option than painting wheels. This is because the powder coating process applies electrostatically charged particles to electrically grounded parts. A strong link is formed between cured coatings and any metal base stock, resulting in an even, equal spread. On the other hand, paint is just a surface treatment. Also, the paint may not be able to reach all the areas due to the method of application and may result in inconsistencies like thin areas or obvious flaws.
Key differences between powder coating and paint job:
Durability
Powder coating offers a durable finish that can withstand extreme temperatures without degradation or structural failures. As it can be applied to any metal surface, including steel, aluminum, and brass, it is an ideal choice for vehicles that need long-lasting resistance to chipping, scratching, tearing, and fading.
Cost-Efficiency
Powder coating is an environment-friendly alternative to paint and requires little maintenance over time. Also, there is less waste, which makes it more cost-effective than all other jobs. It is ideal for car owners with limited budgets.
Higher Level of Protection
Getting your car wheels powder coated gives a harder and thicker finish, preventing rust and corrosion. Paint may protect your wheels from elements, but it cannot keep them clean in rain. As powder coating is more durable than paint, it offers a higher level of protection and is easy to clean up if it gets dirty.
Aesthetic Aspect
powder coating can give your wheels a new look, completely different than a paint job. It can make your vehicle look more modern and sophisticated than any paint job. It will be as if you have just driven out from a dealership.
Wide Application
Powder coating works best for high-end, custom-made wheels. The process enables a much wider paint job than most popular wheel paints like chrome or black. You can color and finish your wheels in matte, gloss, and clear coats. Powder coating can also cover racing rims, adding more durability to vehicle’s wheels, and keep them safe from wear and tear.
Benefits of Powder Coating Wheels
Powder coating offers numerous benefits.
Some of them include:
- Reduced friction – Wheels that are powder-coated have less friction, which makes them ideal for use on tires, especially racing tires. It can also reduce wear and tear on your vehicle and keep it running smoothly for longer.
- Easy cleanup – It is easy to clean powder-coated wheels. You just have to spray them off with water and soap and wipe them down with an absorbent cloth, and they will be just like new.
- Great finish – Powder-coated wheels can look like real steel without any extra effort. As they are scratch-resistant, they continue to look good for years.
- Long life – Powder coating is resistant to corrosion, which means your wheels will last a long time. The powder coating is applied over the wheel’s surface rather than onto it, which does not affect its performance and durability.
- Consistent covering – As it is an electrostatic process, the powder coating mix is attracted to the surface in an even layer, which gives a consistent finish when baked. Also, there is no risk of drips and runs forming.
While the coating tends to be of a pretty consistent thickness, once it has been cured, thinner sections may appear a slightly different color to thicker sections. The only downside of powder coating wheels is that they usually do not look as bright and can take longer than standard rims. However, adding a high-gloss UV clear coat can make them look glossy and polished.
Which Types of Wheels You Can Powder Coat Easily?
Many different types of wheels can be powder-coated easily, but a wheel with a steel rim and an aluminum hub is the best when it comes to getting outstanding results.
Aluminum is an excellent material for wheels because it is light, solid, and affordable. Before having your wheels powder coated in an aluminum finish, make sure the powder coating matches the color and finish of your aluminum alloy wheels.
Steel rim and plastic hub wheels are great for people living in areas with heavy frost or snowfall, but they can be quite heavy. They may not work for you if you live in a place with little snowfall or frost. To avoid paying extra money for powder-coating rims, it is best to go with an aluminum or steel rim combination. These wheels are affordable and available at your local auto shop.
Related: Should I Use Ceramic Coating for the New Car?
How Long Do Powder Coatings Last?
Several factors determine the longevity of powder coating. They include the type of coating used, material thickness and temperature, and how often it is exposed to weather or high temperatures. Coatings that are designed for use with metal components do not last for long because the material needs to be heated to cure the powder coating properly. If the components are not heated right, they will not do a good job, and the coating will develop cracks over time.
The temperature at which powder coatings are cured also plays a crucial role in how long they last. If you coat a delicate piece of metal with an epoxy primer formulation and a low viscosity rating (VLS), it may not cure well as it has too much air entrapment. Take your vehicle to a reliable service provider to get the best product for your wheels that offers ultimate protection and lasting drive.
If you are wondering whether powder coating your wheels is a worthy investment and want to know if going for powder coating is the right way to revamp your vehicle, call Waxman of Tristate Car Detailing Center today for expert advice. The professionals explain how powder coating your wheels can help them look good, what wheels should be powder coated, what is the average cost to powder coat wheels and what factors can affect their costs to help you make the right decision.
