Epoxy-polyester paint for wheel rim 

Stardust has developed a unique range within our bodywork paints that includes both manufacturer colour codes and a series of special, high-grade aluminium metallic shades, with 10μm to 100μm particle sizes.

You will find the application guide for primers, paint and clearcoat for rims at the bottom of this page.

How to achieve a rim paint?

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

When a rim is originally painted, it is generally coated with metallic paint to replicate the raw  metallic effect of the material.

Epoxy-polyester paints for rims:

In the automotive industry, powder coating is frequently used. These are epoxy or polyester thermosetting products. This technique requires specialist equipment.

For spray painting, only polyester, polyurethane (2K paint), acrylic, and hybrid products (epoxy-polyester) are used. StardustColors offers this polyester-epoxy version to ensure high resistance to chemicals and weathering, while also facilitating application.

In the automotive and motorcycle sectors, rims are usually painted with metallic paints offering a particular aesthetic and performance.

For a pure metallic effect, to imitate the raw metal look symbolising strength and durability, wheels are enhanced with ultra-metallic paints based on pure aluminium pigments, with no added colour or tint. Some of these aluminium pigments are high-end professional grades.

How to apply rim paints?

Follow these steps to properly prepare the surface and for painting. You will also find the general rim paint category with all the relevant products.

Step 1 - Thoroughly prepare the substrate

- Remove any flaking paint or rust.

- For damaged rims, use aluminium putty to fill impacts caused by knocks.

- for painted rims, sand with 400-grit

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

- remove the dust and allow to dry.

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

Step 2 - Prime unpainted metal rims.

- apply our aluminium primer to aluminium rims

- apply our metal primer to steel rims

We offer white, grey, and black primers, allowing you to choose the appropriate shade for the rim paint.

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

Always apply thin, repeated passes until full coverage is achieved.

Immediately after this, proceed to the Topcoat stage. Do not wait more than 30 minutes; beyond this application window, the Topcoat will not adhere optimally.

Step 4 - Apply the Topcoat in two coats, allowing 5 to 10 minutes between coats depending on ambient temperature.

Tips for applying topcoat to a rim:

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

Hold the spray gun at 45° in one direction for the first pass, then at 45° in the opposite direction for the second pass — each coat consists of two passes.
See the product mixing instructions.

Advice for a suitable topcoat

The Topcoat is the protective outer layer, exposed to impacts and abrasion.
We recommend a ceramic Topcoat for superior gloss and improved resistance to micro-scratches.
We also recommend using a Topcoat with a flexibilising additive for greater resistance to chipping and stone impacts.

Primers and fillers to prepare and repair rims:

How to repair a rim ?

Already painted rims do not necessarily require a primer.

A primer must be applied on bare metal rims before painting:

If the painted rim is scratched, a filler (surfacer) must be applied:

For damaged rims, a special metal-based filler must be used:

- Lien vers le Mastic Alu

Liquid Metal range paint:

Innovative and rare paints that replicate the look of polished metals, such as stainless steel or polished aluminium.
These paints use plate-shaped microscopic aluminium particles to create a mirror-like finish.

Metallic paint in cans:

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

Spray can rim paint:

For those wishing to repaint their rims without using a compressor or spray gun, aerosol epoxy paints provide the same professional-grade finish.

Gloss or matte black rim paint: 

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

Products for repainting your rim

We are here to advise and assist you in choosing the accessories and consumables needed to repaint your rims. Among the products for repainting your rims, the most imprtant is the colour, which may be pearlescent, very often metallic, or sometimes a black lacquer... For this purpose, we provide a complete list of rim colour codes classified by car or motorcycle brand.

Bodywork primers

Bodywork paint-related products

Topcoats and finishes

Car paint, motorcycle paint, bicycle paint and scooter paint in complete kits

Bodywork paint types

How to repair scratches on paintwork

How to prepare the bodywork before painting?

How to achieve a matte or satin finish?

RAL colour - RAL paint