Some advice

[Guest]

I'm just looking to get some advice from you fine folks on here. Got a buddy that wants me to do some rims for his car. Yje plan is to do them in SD Wet Black with a couple coats of clear on top. This is gonna be my first money job and also as a showcase to drum up more work. What I'm trying to get is some tips and tricks to watch out for. My current setup is basic, just a Chicago Electric hobby gun and electric oven. I do plan on sandblasting the wheels clean, due to 18 years of old paint and grime. The wheels themselves are cast aluminum, with a full face honeycomb pattern. I'm also planning on outgassing them for at least a couple hours at 500-600 degrees, just to avoid problems and redo's. What other things should I look at doing to make this as smooth a process as possible? Or what tips and tricks do ya'll have that you're willing to share. Thanks in advance.

George

[Guest]

Re: Some advice

I wouldnt outgass at that high of temp..........try 425-450.

[Auto-Cycle PC]

Re: Some advice

I agree dont outgass them above 450. Also with your setup I can see you might have problems getting two coats of clear on evenly especially with the honey comb type wheels. If you concerned with getting a good smooth finish I would just apply two coats of the SD wet black. This powder flows out really smooth and a second coat should cover most small defects as much as a clear would.

[Guest]

Re: Some advice

I agree dont outgass them above 450. Also with your setup I can see you might have problems getting two coats of clear on evenly especially with the honey comb type wheels. If you concerned with getting a good smooth finish I would just apply two coats of the SD wet black. This powder flows out really smooth and a second coat should cover most small defects as much as a clear would.

Ok,, though I do have a couple questions. Why the no clear? Is this due to the gun not being able to spray it correctly, or due to the oven? The oven has been converted to run off of a PID controller, so temp control is not an issue.
As for the outgassing, I'm just curious on why to stay at such a low temp. I work as a field stress reliever, and we vessel and pipe outgassing quite regularly, however, we usually do it at much hotter temps, i.e. 800-900 F. Is there any reason on why it should be that much lower when doing it for PCing?

[Guest]

Re: Some advice

I agree dont outgass them above 450. Also with your setup I can see you might have problems getting two coats of clear on evenly especially with the honey comb type wheels. If you concerned with getting a good smooth finish I would just apply two coats of the SD wet black. This powder flows out really smooth and a second coat should cover most small defects as much as a clear would.

Ok,, though I do have a couple questions. Why the no clear? Is this due to the gun not being able to spray it correctly, or due to the oven? The oven has been converted to run off of a PID controller, so temp control is not an issue.
As for the outgassing, I'm just curious on why to stay at such a low temp. I work as a field stress reliever, and we vessel and pipe outgassing quite regularly, however, we usually do it at much hotter temps, i.e. 800-900 F. Is there any reason on why it should be that much lower when doing it for PCing?

The reason for not spraying several coats of clear probrably has to do with your gun. It will be able to spray it just fine, but it may not stick at such low KV. So you may end up with a bunch of uneven sections.

The reason for not outgassing at that high of a temperature is because it's just not needed, at least from what I know. You will get similar or equal results by offgassing for 1 hour at 450.

Good luck man.

[Auto-Cycle PC]

Re: Some advice

Juan pretty much hit the nail on the head. Its gonna be hard to get 3 full coats into the tight areas on those type wheels. If you are set on applying a clear then put one coat black and one coat clear. The second coat of clear will not really accomplish anything.

There in no need to get those wheels up that hot they will outgass just fine at 450.

Time and additional steps are money lost if not needed. And the more steps you add you are increasing the chances of something going wrong.

[Guest]

Re: Some advice

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As for the outgassing, I'm just curious on why to stay at such a low temp. I work as a field stress reliever, and we vessel and pipe outgassing quite regularly, however, we usually do it at much hotter temps, i.e. 800-900 F. Is there any reason on why it should be that much lower when doing it for PCing?

Dont want to start a pi**ing contest but ......Alot of info on diff sites say temps that high will mess witn the tempering of the al.

[Guest]

Re: Some advice

Ok, thanks for the advice. One last question. I'm gonna order the powder and clear next week. How much powder do you guys think this would take. I don't want to get too much at the moment as this is gonna be kinda of a semi-test.

[Guest]

Re: Some advice

Ok, thanks for the advice. One last question. I'm gonna order the powder and clear next week. How much powder do you guys think this would take. I don't want to get too much at the moment as this is gonna be kinda of a semi-test.

The amount of powder will vary depending on the kind of gun being use, air pressure, how well it sticks, and of course the size and design of the wheel. I usually go with 1lb per wheel. I would get 4-5lbs if I were you to ensure you will have plenty of powder.

[Guest]

Re: Some advice

Juan]

Ok, thanks for the advice. One last question. I'm gonna order the powder and clear next week. How much powder do you guys think this would take. I don't want to get too much at the moment as this is gonna be kinda of a semi-test.

The amount of powder will vary depending on the kind of gun being use, air pressure, how well it sticks, and of course the size and design of the wheel. I usually go with 1lb per wheel. I would get 4-5lbs if I were you to ensure you will have plenty of powder.

Ok, that sounds good. Pretty sure I'll have some mistakes to fix as the rims have alot of angles, plus withy the polished lip.

Here's a pic of what the rims look like, with the blue part being the polished section.

[Guest]

Re: Some advice

Hell of a wheel to learn on man LOL... I'm sure you'll be able to get it done, just be ready for some headaches with all those spokes. Good luck man.

[wiseguyz]

Re: Some advice

Those aren't as bad as they look. I would preheat to about 150, then just keep back a little farther than normal, make sure you have a good ground and good powder cloud, and be patient. Hit it from about a 45 degree angle to the face as you work around. If you get too close, you'll make things tough on yourself. Patience is key. Do the back side first, then fill in from the front. Be sure to use a bright light to check for any missed spots before you cure. If you aren't sure of your coverage, pull it out of the oven within just a few minutes after all the powder flows and check the wheel for any missed areas. Hit any missed spots quick (lightly) and finish your cure. If you wait more than 5 minutes past flow out, the added powder will not blend in and will cause a textured surface appearance, or wrinkle the initial coat.

Best of luck.

[Guest]

Re: Some advice

Do you coat the whole wheel or just the sides? Just wondering...

[Guest]

Re: Some advice

Do you coat the whole wheel or just the sides? Just wondering...

I usually coat up to the inside of the bead, leaving the center section where the tire seats bare. Everything else gets coated.