Best procedure for recoating mag wheels?

[5.4 speedster]

What are my options as far as coloring these rims? I have some speedline mags and they are black at the moment. Is repainting the way to go? Can I have them black chromed? Powdercoated? I don't want to harm the rims in any way

[Jim D.]

Good questions as to what processes are safest for the rims, and I think there is some debate about this in the industry, at least for aluminum wheels (don't know about magnesium).

Some Googling might also be in order, and talking to some wheel refinishers.

Were you going to go black or black chrome? Any other option?

Powdercoated or ceramic coated would be more durable than paint (which likely would also be clearcoated with a wheel coating), but it depends on what color you want them to be and how much importance you place on color and if it is to match body color or not.

I know of a refinisher that does a very nice chrome-like finish, even in black chrome (think of the Dark Horse type of black chrome), though this is more of a coating with a traditional wheel finish clearcoat. It's eco-friendly and lighter than plate.

They also do a textured matte black finish with recycled tires... somewhat "eco/green" if you will.

You're probably going to pay a lot more for quality chrome plate, so that may be a deciding factor. It will also add weight, and that may be another deciding factor.

[S351Saleen77]

From what I have found out is that you can Not chrome Magnesium. I called wheel chroming shops and this is what they told me.

I also remember talking about powdercoating and people on forums said not to do that either...they had to be painted. I'm sure someone else will chime in on why they can't be powercoated....maybe because of the temperature that they have to bake the powdercoat at?
I swear I have heard of some who did powdercoat....:confused:

[5.4 speedster]

anyone have anything else to add?

[Dave]

I was/am under the impression these Speedline Magnesium wheels used a "special coating" that was developed for Ferrari. Or at least what the press was given. The coating was to insure that the magnesium did not age.

[S351r]

They have to be painted. You can try to chrome them but, due to the incompatibility of the two metals it won't stay one. Also a side note, when youget magnesium hot (it has a low flash point form what I remember) you can't put it out. It will burn under water or under sand! Thus, the reason most shops won't powdercoat them.

[HOLLYWDHOMICIDE]

Lots of shops in California will POWDERCOAT Speedline Magnesium Wheels!! I'am sure Arizona is the same. Spend the Extra bucks and Powdercoat!! Don't just paint them!

[5.4 speedster]

It's not that I want to save money... I just want to do it right! I have heard that the magnesium can catch fire? I have also hear that they have to be coated with a special coating before they are colored?

Im feeling a bit overwhelmed!lol

Any ideas what color would look best for the wheels? They are going on a lizstick red sn95. I was thinking a dark graphite color or something like gunmetal

[HOLLYWDHOMICIDE]

People paint the wheels because they have more color options with PAINT. With POWDERCOATING....You only have a few Color choices!!! In your case..you can go Black or the Silver Gray that they have for Powdercoating. When you take the wheels to a powdercoating company, you tell them they are Magnesium wheels. The company will know that if they catch fire that it will burn the whole shop down!! Magnesium burns under water! I have some in the shop as we speak being powdercoated Black. They charge $75.00 a wheel.

[tennesseemustangperformance]

Yes, you cannot chrome magnesium wheels. As far as the powder coating, MC wheels quoted me $200 per wheel to powder coat them in the special "Hyper" silver. Incidentally, I had an extra set lying around and needed one to replace my rear driver side (a.s.a.p. had a car show that weekend) where the tire shop gouged the finish. Only problem is that the wheels are white. I sanded a scuff on the wheel and painted it House of Kolor Orion Silver and hoped for the best. While the paint is not as strong as powdercoating, the color was a pretty close match to the rest of the wheels. I have it on the rear, and an OEM finish on the front... can't tell. Good luck!