"I've hated the aluminum wheels on my max since I bought it. You can't clean them, polish them or even make them look half decent..I've tried every kind of polish I can find and still can't make them look nice. And I'm not liking the thought of polishing aluminum everytime I wipe the bike down even if I did get them polished like chrome. Theres just too many nooks and crannys. Im thinking of painting them black or metallic charcoal. Would the paint stick? Any prep work to the aluminum needed other than the usual? Figured I'd try it this winter while the bikes sitting in the garage. I was thinking rattle can :S and lots of clear...I dont know I really like the 06's with the black wheels and the red pinstripe..Anything but dirty oxidised aluminum! Thanks for any insight"
I agree with most replies so far, powder coating will provide the most durable finish, but if you want to try painting..... the wheels on my '03 have a smooth finish on the outer diameter only(the tire bead area), the rest of the hub and the webs have a serrated texture. I originally wanted to polish all of the wheel surface, but removing the serrated surface(by filing, wet sanding, whatever), would have been too time consuming. Consequently, I only polished the outer diameter.
The rest of the wheel surface was painted by spray bomb, loaded with automotive paint, the same as was used on the bodywork of the bike(in this case, Mazda 16W, a mettalic gloss black). Most auto supply shops provide the spray bomb service.
For the prep, I used an automotive degreaser and cleaner, followed by a good quality automotive matt black primer. Then several light coats of the top coat were put on, with the masked wheel laying horizontal on the floor. After waiting a few weeks for the paint to fully cure, I used rubbing and polishing compound to smooth it out, and then used wax to protect it.
I emphasize the word automotive. The best results are obtained by used the best supplies, such as the paints, primers and preps only available at auto stores, not Walmart or Zellers. Plus the advice at the auto shops is A-1
I am pleased with the results. The painted was done four years ago, and no chipping or flaking has occurred. I believe the serrated surface helped with the adhesion of the paint. Unless your wheels are the same design, (with the rough surface), I would go the powdercoating route.
Cheers, Miles
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