Motorcycle rim primers 

The application of a motorcycle rim primer is the first act before applying any of the types of motorcycle rim paints. This preliminary practice takes into account the particular material that the rim is made of : this is commonly either aluminum, steel, or an alloy.

The function of motorcycle rim primers is to provide a chemical bond between the metal and the paint, to prevent the top coats from peeling off. This rim primer has a key role in protecting the metal from rust and aging.

Whether it's in a can ( to be applied with a spray gun) or in an aerosol can, the product is the same. It is necessary to use the appropriate primer : we do not use a metal primer on aluminum because it will not last.

For this, there are primers for ferrous metals or for non-ferrous metals.

Applying a primer to a motorcycle rim in the right way

If the wheel is already painted :

Allow the paint to adhere by superficially sanding the existing coating, with an abrasive grit that is neither too fine (no adhesion) nor too coarse (visible scratches). No primer for adhesion or leveling is normally needed and one can paint directly, unless of course the background has scratches or holes.

If the wheel has been stripped :

The paint has been removed from the rim, by sanding, sandblasting or chemical stripping : the metal is bare. It is important to clean the rim thoroughly with a strong degreaser to remove any fingerprints, grease, silicone or other contaminants.

Then, before applying a primer to smooth the rim, apply an aluminum or iron primer. One thin coat is better than two thick ones !

This can be followed up with the trim primer, which will create a thick layer of primer on the motorcycle rim that dries quickly and is easy to sand.

After a few hours of drying, using a P320 type abrasive that is soaked in water, this primer can be sanded down to give the rim a smooth, superfine surface.

How to repair large defects and bumps on a motorcycle rim ?

There is a product adapted to this kind of situation: it is the « aluminum putty », a kind of variant of the usual putty, but harder, stronger, which clings on metals. This putty contains a percentage of metal that makes it even harder after drying.

As with any putty application, it must be sanded and then primed to obtain a surface ready for painting.

What is the best primer?

All of our simple primers are high performance. They are each specialized in one type of metal. Properly sprayed on a sound surface, there is no need to worry about possible delamination.

However, if you're looking for a primer that will adhere anywhere and is unassailable under any conditions of use, temperature and corrosion, then there is indeed an extreme industrial primer, Epoxy Primer 294.

Motorcycle color code for rim

Motorcycle rim tuning paint

Motorcycle rim clearcoat