Powder Coat vs Painted Rims

chris ratay traveler · Jan 6, 2023

I'm looking to buy standard black 17" steel rims (new) to use with AT tires. I know I can buy painted ones, but was wondering if it's better to buy a set of standard silver steels and having them powder coated?

Forgetting about cost, what is the advantage and disadvantage to PC vs Paint, especially if I will be using off-road?
Any issue with lug nuts hole spacing, or other issues?

Thanks

Screen Shot 2023-01-06 at 10.35.58 AM.png

Webbah_in_Switzerland · Jan 6, 2023

chris ratay traveler said:
I'm looking to buy standard black 17" steel rims (new) to use with AT tires. I know I can buy painted ones, but was wondering if it's better to buy a set of standard silver steels and having them powder coated?

Forgetting about cost, what is the advantage and disadvantage to PC vs Paint, especially if I will be using off-road?
Any issue with lug nuts hole spacing, or other issues?

Thanks

View attachment 103768

Painted wheels can scratch easily. I had a set first painted and this happened to me so I then had them powder coated. No issue with the lug bolt holes as they will tape those off so as to not affect them. Powder coating is much more durable than paint.

kurienp · Jan 6, 2023

Webbah_in_Switzerland said:
Painted wheels can scratch easily. I had a set first painted and this happened to me so I then had them powder coated. No issue with the lug bolt holes as they will tape those off so as to not affect them. Powder coating is much more durable than paint.

Agree. Durability.

If you want a non-standard colour, then you may have to hunt around with different powder coat providers. I got mine done slightly cheaper as some more silver coloured items were going in for powder coating so the prep and curing time for my work would be lesser.

Ch1pbutty · Jan 6, 2023

One size larger 18', supplied with AT tyres:

The Steel Wheel T5-T6

An OEM, understated classic with a timeless look. THE STEEL has a heavy focus on fitment, size and usability. We've worked hard on what matters most allowing a smart, load-rated and beautiful aftermarket wheel solution. Two options. On Road, Off Road... We've partnered with Falken on all of...

stitchesandsteel.com

WelshGas · Jan 7, 2023

chris ratay traveler said:
I'm looking to buy standard black 17" steel rims (new) to use with AT tires. I know I can buy painted ones, but was wondering if it's better to buy a set of standard silver steels and having them powder coated?

Forgetting about cost, what is the advantage and disadvantage to PC vs Paint, especially if I will be using off-road?
Any issue with lug nuts hole spacing, or other issues?

Thanks

View attachment 103768

If you plan on travelling on rough roads etc: then the liklihood of the wheels getting damaged, scraped etc: is extremely high.
Personally I would go with painted. Easily touched up/re-painted as and when.
If you are just going for the look of steel wheels + AT tyres and will rarely drive on rough roads. Powdercoat.

chris ratay traveler · Jan 8, 2023

Ch1pbutty said:
One size larger 18', supplied with AT tyres:

Thanks. I'd actually prefer 16" if they'd fit on my T6.1, but 17 is the smallest that will fit - I'm traveling to South American and ATs for 18s that would fit are hard size to find.

chris ratay traveler · Jan 8, 2023

WelshGas said:
If you plan on travelling on rough roads etc: then the liklihood of the wheels getting damaged, scraped etc: is extremely high.
Personally I would go with painted. Easily touched up/re-painted as and when.
If you are just going for the look of steel wheels + AT tyres and will rarely drive on rough roads. Powdercoat.

Thanks. I enjoy off-road, so appreciate the feedback. Have always gone with stock rims, so this is new modification for me.

Mr B · Jan 9, 2023

Use Powder Coating - it's far tougher than paint.

It cost me £50 per wheel - it might be a bit more now - but it is a much more durable finish than paint alone.

Sorry about the filth but you get the idea (that is a light reflection not damage - in case you were wondering

)

Mullaghroe · Jan 9, 2023

chris ratay traveler said:
I'm looking to buy standard black 17" steel rims (new) to use with AT tires. I know I can buy painted ones, but was wondering if it's better to buy a set of standard silver steels and having them powder coated?

Forgetting about cost, what is the advantage and disadvantage to PC vs Paint, especially if I will be using off-road?
Any issue with lug nuts hole spacing, or other issues?

Thanks

View attachment 103768