Painting wheels

[fatjames]

Hi,
I'm going to attempt a rattle can job on some wheels as I have some spares. I'm not expecting them to look amazing, but I thought it was worth a go.

One question.. Do I need to remove the old paint or will sanding them back be enough. If I do need to remove the paint can I use one of those flap wheels things and my drill? or a wire wheel thing and my drill?

Thanks
James

[Just_James]

No need to remove old paint if its sound, it just needs keying. Easiest way to do that is with a scotch brite pad rather than trying to sand them.
Sand any scuffs and scrapes out first (finishing with something like 600s wet and dry) then just scotch brite the whole wheel. Make sure you get in all the nooks and crannies, any areas you miss are where your paint will flake off at a later date
____________________
Current Bikes / Projects: 1999 Rieju RS1 50
Previous bikes - 1986 DT125R (field bike), 1989 KX250, 1980 KX420 (with 500cc big bore), 1992 YZ250, 1988 KX500, 1989 XR250R, 1988 VFR400R NC24, 1999 Cagiva Mito 125, 2008 Rieju RS2 50 , 1993 Honda NSR 125

[fatjames]

Great thanks.

I tried to get the tyre off the front wheel last night. I stuck the tyre in my vice to break the seal. One side was fine, but the other side of the tyre is completely stuck! The whole wheel just moves, I can't even get a lever between the rim and the rubber.

It's like this - https://i.imgur.com/WuHZRIk.jpg

I've done this all the way round and it's the same.

[fatjames]

Now I've seen my own picture, I think a bit of wood between the vice the the wheel will help. I'll report back.

[Just_James]

Are you trying to completely remove the tyre or just break the bead?

If you're removing it to replace it then be sure to fit the new one before you paint the wheels and just leave the bead broken until you're done.

If you're removing the tyre just to paint the wheels, don't! There's little chance you'll get the tyre refitted without taking off your new paint! Just break the bead and mask up the tyre with 2" masking tape, you'll be able to slip the tape right down behind the rim so you'll get no paint on the tyre and the only bit of the wheel you won't paint is the bit noone sees



https://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/RS1Rebuild/DPP_0684_zpse19b79b9.jpg
____________________
Current Bikes / Projects: 1999 Rieju RS1 50
Previous bikes - 1986 DT125R (field bike), 1989 KX250, 1980 KX420 (with 500cc big bore), 1992 YZ250, 1988 KX500, 1989 XR250R, 1988 VFR400R NC24, 1999 Cagiva Mito 125, 2008 Rieju RS2 50 , 1993 Honda NSR 125

[stevo as b4]

Good smart advice there for a sound cast wheel I'd say! if you have a good or new tyre on it, then masking up after breaking the seal around the tyre bead would give you a good finish and without the heart break of paint flaking off when tyre fitting after.

On spoked wire wheels if they are in a state, I'd always want to take the tyre off and have a look at the inside of the rims before painting, to check for soundness and corrosion.

TBH, spraying wire spoked wheels complete though for me would torment my OCD and id be longing for a re-build with stainless spokes forever after!

[fatjames]

Hi and thanks. The tyres on the wheels are old and shit so will need replacing either way. I understand what you mean though, so I'll keep them until after their painted.

I still think I'll struggle to get the tires off, but that will be a challenge for another day.