Can You Paint Car Rims Black? (Learn How to Paint Your Car Rims)

If you are passionate about automobiles, you already know how valuable the rims of a car are. They enhance the overall look of your car, especially when you paint them black. So if you are looking for an answer to can you paint car rims black on your own, this post will guide you completely.

You can paint the car rims black to make the wheel of your car become more stylish. The black rims are way cooler than you think. Moreover, there’s no need to visit the car paint booth because this step-by-step guide will show you how to paint your car rims black.

Paint Your Car Rims on Your Own

Of course, you can change the color of your car’s rims on your own. But for that, you have to first assemble the painting accessories to turn the rims black.

You can’t just go out, pick up a black color car spray, and start painting the rims. That’s not going to work.

Painting your car wheels is a DIY project that you should plan first and step-by-step execute each phase. If you are an expert, the whole process will only take less than two hours.

Therefore, let’s first gather the required materials to paint your car rims.

Required Accessories

First of all, you need to have the following accessories ready:

• Drop Cloth
• Painter’s Tape
• Clean Rags
• Sandpaper
• Steel Wool
• Wheel Cleaner
• Wire Brush
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Respirator Mask
• Cover for Rims

Remove the Wheels

For the best results, you have to remove the wheels from your car. No doubt, you can paint the rims without removing the wheels. But that’s not going to give you the outcome you are expecting. That might even double the work for you because there’s a risk that the paint will stick on your car as well during the rim painting process.

Therefore, you have to plan accordingly to keep your car wheelless while painting the rims. Unfortunately, that’s one of the steps people usually forget and buy rim painting accessories beforehand.

Once you have provided the necessary support to your car, unbolt the wheels and gently remove them.

Have a look at the Rust-Oleum Wheel Spray Paint.

Clean the Rims

Once you have removed the wheels, it’s time to spend some time cleaning the rims. You have to degrease the rims from both sides.

Thoroughly start cleaning the rims in detail. Look for every grime and remove that away. It’s necessary to remove the tiniest dirt stuck on the car’s rims. Otherwise, the new black color might not be as smooth as it should be.

Moreover, if you find rusty spots on the rims, scrub them using a wire brush. Rust usually takes over any metal due to humidity or water. Scrub the rusty area and, with the help of sandpaper, smooth the surface of the rim.

Finally, use a ball of steel wool to make the rim completely blemish-free.

Wash the Rims

Wash the rims after removing the grime and smoothening the rim’s surface. That will remove the residue stuck on the rims.

Now dry the wheels. You can leave the wheels as it is or use a dry clean cloth that can absorb water droplets.

Once the wheels are completely dried, use the rubbing alcohol evenly on the rims. The rims must be shining and reflecting light. Inspect the surface of the rims thoroughly. If you find that there is still some grime or rust left, repeat the cleaning step. Without completely removing all the dirt and rust from the rims, you can’t proceed to the next step.

Tape the Wheel

Use masking or painter’s tape to protect the wheel and the tire from over spraying. It’s a thin-layered tape with pressure-sensitive adhesive. It’s used to cover and protect those areas where you don’t want to paint. Moreover, you can easily remove the painter’s tape once the job is done.

Cover the painter’s tape to mask off the whole wheel so that it doesn’t get any paint droplets. Also, make sure you cover the tire’s valve stem because the nozzle of the valve might get clogged while painting the rims.

If the clogging happens, you might have to unclog the valve stem, which is an additional job.

Check out the 3M Painters Tape to mask off the unwanted painting area.

Cover Your Face

You are ready to paint black your car’s rims. However, before picking up the spray, make sure to cover your face using a respirator mask. It’s because the hazardous nature of the paint can cause serious problems to your health, especially your respiratory system.

Start Spraying

While spraying black color on the rims, make sure you choose a dust-free area with good ventilation. It’s because the tiny pollens might stick on the new wet black paint that will surely affect the final result.

Moreover, you have to apply multiple coats of black paint. Keep the pace consistent and make sure to fill all the gaps while spraying. You will see the difference once the paint dries off.

Wait after applying each coat and check if you have missed any area while painting the rims. It’s a precaution so that you don’t apply the paint more than necessary.

Cost of DIY Rim Painting

DIY car rim painting is cheaper than visiting an automobile paint booth. The total cost will be around $30-$100. However, the DIY cost depends on the quality and quantity of the paint and other accessories you are using.

Moreover, the whole process requires 3-4 hours if you are doing it the first time. You will get a satisfactory result in that time. Once you are done painting black your car rims, let the paint dry off completely. Then remove the painter’s tape and put the wheel back in your car.

The rims will give an attractive look that will enhance the overall external aesthetic of your car.

Final Words

It’s better to paint your car rims on your own. The process is simple but a bit time-consuming if you are a novice. On the other hand, the option of professional car rim painters is expensive.

Make sure to remove the wheels from your car and then follow the DIY car rim painting steps. That’s a safe way to completely black your car rims.