Powder coating wheels

[newby@54]

I'm seeking advice on colours for powder coating wheels of Betty - my 1962 SWB IIA.


Before getting new tyres I thought I would get the wheels sand blasted and then powder coated. Betty has green wheels (deep bronze green) so I would prefer to stick to the original colour. What appears to be the only powder coating firm in Canberra told me that use Dulux powder coating which comes in a relatively limited range of colours. I naively thought they could mix up any colour.


A couple of Dulux greens look close as do a couple of creams - should they be a closer match to the original Limestone used on wheels of some IIAs.


Before I make a hasty decision, has anyone powder coated their wheels and if so what did colour did you use?


Thanks in anticipation.


Nic

[ADMIRAL]

Can I ask why powder coat ? Once coated you cannot repair, and powder coat tends to come off in strips/sheets. IMO 2 pack is a better choice, and is hand repairable for touch ups. Ask around before committing.

[Mick_Marsh]

I would suggest a "rust" colour.
I powder coated some wheels white. Over time, as the wheels flexed, small cracks appeared in the paint. The water got in. Rust developed.

[isuzurover]

Personally, I galvanise all my wheels. If you want you can then paint the front face with etch primer then the colour of your choice.

[newby@54]

Thanks for the replies. The reason I was keen on powder coating was that I had heard / read that it was the best way to tidy up the wheels.


However, after the compelling comments made here I'm going to have the wheels sand blasted, given a coat of rust proof primer and then painted normally.


Cheers


Nic

[Homestar]

Yep, that's the best way to do it. Powdercoat looks great to start with, but is not as flexible as 2 pack. Over time, as Mick said, it will start to crack and craze. Your wheels flex more than you might imaging when in use. Leave powercoat to more stationary items where it will last for years.

[Chops]

Humm, as an ex-powder coater, even I tend to agree with some of what's been said, however,,, if the sand blasting has been done correctly, and cotton gloves used after for handling, (this is so no moisture from your hands/fingers touches the steel) and the powder coat has been applied correctly, then baked for the right times/temps, there should really be no issue. Powder coat will flex with the material to a certain degree, and if it did start to crack and split under load, then obviously the job at some point was not done right.

Unfortunately, as discussed in another thread, tradesmen don't seem to be what they're cracked up to be of late :eek: