I have a set of white steel rims that have become slightly rusted. I was thinking about painting them but understand durability may be a problem when riding in mud and water. Has anyone tried it and if so, how well did the paint hold up.

thank you

 

I just taped it all off (so you dont get paint everywhere else) and put to coats or primer on, and then 2 coats automotive paint. Works great, just dont scratch it with anything hard cause the paint will scrape off. If you are that concerned, get them powder coated.

 

I didn't paint them, but the guy who owned my Foreman 400 before me did.My rims are now black and have stood up very well. I like the look of black rims so much I have thought about painting the aluminum rims on my Rubicon. Every body thinks I'm crazy. When I park the 400 in the woods while hunting it becomes nearly invisible. I walked not 20 feet from it thinking it was stolen! those aluminum rims might as well glow in dark.
I'm not sure what kind of paint but it shows very little wear.

 

If you want to renew your rims and have it last, you should do one of the following:
1) Sand blast/wire wheel the rims untill all lose paint and rust are gone. then paint with 1 to 3 coats of primer, then 1 or 2 coats of heavy duty paint.
2) Sand Blast/wire wheel the rims and get them powder coated. this is the best option, because it lasts longer and is much more durable

 

Take the tires off the rims, then take the rims to a powdercoater. They will last longer, and look good.

 

yeah , powdercoating , i've heard is durable & long lasting .

where 2 go or cost i dunno , tho

i repainted my old mojave , plastic & everything
[ my website is comming w/ pics ]

4 the rims , i taped off the rubber & steel wooled 'um smooth.

sandblasting is better if u have the resources

i put 2 coats of primer on 'um & made my own areosol cans 4 the paint . cuz , i re-upholstered the seat so i wanted the paint 2 match , i had the paint custom mixed .

but if u take the tires off the rims , & paint them how-ever , be carefull when u put them bac on . using cro-bars on newly painted rims.......................EEEEEEEK

the way i did , the durablilty.......ehe . when i hit rocks , of course they chipped .but if u leave the tires on ,just 2 repaint a coat next season aint 2 bad .

GOOD LUCK

ride on ....... luv me [ dont worry i'm a chick ]

 

Don't know the cost on powdercoating but maybe to save you some costs you can take the wheels to a local body shop after they've been sand blasted and let them paint it. If the shop uses a bake on procedure (better), they could always place the wheels in when one of their cars is being baked.

Just an idea!