Epoxy-polyester paint for wheel rim

Stardust has developed a unique range among our bodywork paints that includes both manufacturer shades and colour codes, plus a series of special, high-grade aluminum metallic shades, with 10μm-100μm size particles.

Find the application guide for primers, paint and clear coat for rims at the bottom of this page.

How to achieve a rim paint?

A rim is made from a raw metal (steel, aluminum, alloy).

When a rim is originally painted, it is usually a metallic paint that is used to imitate the material raw metallic effect.

Epoxy-polyester paints for rims:

In the automotive industry, powder paint application is frequently chosen. These are epoxy or polyester thermosetting products. This technique is only possible with special equipment.

Only polyester, polyurethane (2K paint), acrylic and mixed products (epoxy-polyester) are used for spray painting. StardustColors offers this polyester-epoxy version to ensure high resistance to chemicals and bad weather, and to facilitate the application.

In the automotive and motorcycle fields, rims are usually painted with metallic paints of a particular appearance and type.

Pure metallic effect: to imitate metal, a symbol of strength and hardness, the wheels are enhanced with ultra-metallic paints, based on pure aluminum pigments, without any colours or hues. Some aluminum pigments used are high-end products.

How to apply rim paints?

Follow these steps to properly prepare the surface and for painting,

and find the general rim paint category with all products

Step 1 - Thoroughly prepare the substrate

- scrape flaked paint and rust areas

- for damaged rims, use aluminum putty to fill the impacts due to shocks.

- for painted rims, sand at 400-grit

- degrease thoroughly the wheels with a degreaser and remove all dirt residue

- remove the dust and allow to dry.

Advice: To sand rims with complex shapes, we recommend using our green abrasive sponge, which greatly facilitates sanding.

Step 2 - Prime the unpainted metal rims.

- apply our aluminum primer on the aluminum rims

- apply our metal primer on the steel rim

We have white, grey and black primers, which allow you to choose the appropriate colour for the rim paint.

Step 3 - Apply the paint to the prepared and primed rim.

Always apply thin, repeated passes, until the background is covered.

Immediately after that, move to the final topcoat stage. Do not wait more than 30 minutes: after this time period, the topcoat will not adhere perfectly.

Step 4 - Apply the topcoat in 2 coats, allowing 5-10 minutes between coat depending on the ambient temperature.

Tips for applying a topcoat to a rim:

It is best to use a rim support to rotate the rim and keep the spray gun stationary.

The gun is tilted at 45° in one direction for the first pass, then 45° in the other direction for the second pass, considering that each layer consists of two passes.

See product mixing instructions

Advice for a suitable topcoat

The clear coat is the surface and protective layer that is subject to shocks and abrasion.

We recommend a ceramic topcoat for better gloss performance against micro scratches.

A clearcoat with a flexibilizing additive for better resistance to splinters and stone hits is recommended

Primers and putty to prepare and repair rims:

Already painted rims do not necessarily need a primer.

A primer must be applied on bare metal rims, before applying the paint:

If the painted rim is scratched, then it is necessary to apply a "filler" primer surfacer:

If the rims are damaged, a special metal-based putty must be used:

- Lien vers le Mastic Alu

Liquid Metal range paint:

Innovative and rare paints can imitate the appearance of polished metals, such as stainless steel or polished aluminum.

They consist of plate-shaped microscopic aluminum particles, which allow to create a mirror finish to the paint.

Metallic paint in pots:

Ready-for-use Epoxy paints for spray gun application. Topcoat required

Spray can rim paint:

For those who want to repaint their rims without using a compressor or spray gun, Aerosol epoxy paints contain the same professional quality products.

Glossy or matte black rim paint: 

2 versions (gloss 90° and matte 10°) are available for this ultra resistant finish which ensures a good adhesion directly on metal without adding primer.