Can you Powder Coat over chrome wheels?

Question

I have a set of 4 chrome wheels two of which however the chrome is chipped and looks terrible I was just wondering if you can powder coat over chrome? Will it stick? I know I can’t sandblast it off and they don’t make a chemical remover so how do I make the rims usable again?

Answer 1

Well, I wrote a book on the subject so let me give it a try:

Chroming; like powder-coating, is adding material to a substrate (the aluminum, steel, etc underneath). If the chrome is chipped then chances are that the initial preparation of the steel and/or aluminum was not prepared properly to begin with and anything you put over the chrome will come off in time, but not as quickly as the chrome itself.

Adding a powder coat (or paint) over chrome will only slow the rate of loss since the powder is bonded to the chrome (more on that later). If the chrome comes loose, anything bonded to the top of it will fall off by default (excepting tension bonding on the edges of the chrome "flake").

So, there we go. In short, if the chrome is flaking off then adding a powder coat or paint will simply slow down the process if you do not remove the loose chrome.

My shop has done lots of work on wheels just like yours and here is how we do it:

Strip off any "flakes" of chrome that are readily visible. Depending on the material underneath (steel or aluminum), use either a steel or brass wire wheel to get the majority off and smooth. Be agressive here since you want to make sure anything not firmly adhered will come right off. Smooth the edges of the "good" chrome and the substrate with a fine wire wheel (finer than for rough removal).

An important part; "scuff" any remaining "shiny" chrome with a scotchbrite pad, 120-grit wet/dry sandpapaer or a wire wheel with fibers that can truly scuff the "shine" out of the chrome. It is painful, but you have to do it to give the powder coat something to adhere on a molecular level when it cures.

Give the wheel a muratic acid bath to remove any oils or contaminates. This stuff is really nasty and dangerous (used to unplug toilets). You can probably get away with Aircraft Stripper which is used to remove paint (I know, no paint on chrome right?) but it will remove all oils, etc. Rinse the wheel VERY well. Rinse again, rinse again.

Now for the fun stuff; put the wheel in the oven for 1 hour at 400 degrees, remove and allow to cool. Using gloved hands (cloth preferred) (so you don't contaminate the part) it can now be powder coated. Do not allow it to sit around for days after this step or dust will settle on it, ruining any future powder coating until the wheel is cleaned again.

At this point, you can powder coat or bring it to an knowledgeable powder coater; not an industrial powder coating shop. Bring it to someone that specializes in high-end automotive and/or motorcycle work since that requires much more attention to detail that coating a lamp post or stop sign.

Finally; since your wheels are already flaking chrome, chances are you may be better off putting them on eBay for someone else to worry about since a truly professional powder coating shop will charge between $100 and $200 a wheel for cleaning up the wheels, smoothing the chrome, dealing with nasty chemicals, rinsing and re-rinsing and finally applying the powder (price goes WAY up with translucents, prismatics, etc). If you decide to do the wheels you have then you can expect a 12+ year lifespan before any noticable "dulling". The powder coat itself, if done by a professional shop, should come with a 5 year warranty (curb-scrapes excepted).

It may not be the answer you looking for but too much information is better than not enough. I do work for several of the "build-it-up" shows on television shows so I have a fair amount of experience in dealing with these types of situations.

Highest Regards,
PCH_Author

Answer 2

Chrome Powder Coat

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can you Powder Coat over chrome wheels?
I have a set of 4 chrome wheels two of which however the chrome is chipped and looks terrible I was just wondering if you can powder coat over chrome? Will it stick? I know I can’t sandblast it off and they don’t make a chemical remover so how do I make the rims usable again?

Answer 4

It would appear that chrome is neither paintable or powder coatable.

I found this on the web (see the question and answer about this topic):

http://www.finishing.com/224/92.shtml

In their words:

"But, as a rule, chrome is not paintable or powder coatable. You may be able to strip the chrome off the nickel with muriatic acid, and then powder coat it. It's worth trying. Have a plating jobshop strip the chrome off of a few test parts for you."

Hope this helps. Shame to toss good wheels.

Answer 5

Yes you can powder coat over chrome. The powder sticks perfectly to the chrome. I have a set done on my Corvette and there is ZERO flaws or issues.

Answer 6

You can have the wheels powder coated.

First they are sandblasted to provide a "bite" for the powdercoat to grab.

Once this is done, it's not easy to reverse so make sure you pick the color carefully.

Answer 7

yes they scuff them up and powder coat . but look in the news paper see if you can find used wheels mite be cheaper.but not sure.

Answer 8

i own a repair shop,and no you cant ,it has to have a surface similar to a paint surface to stick real good to if you sand blasted them and prepped them you could,and it would probably last for ever but that's the only proper way to do it,,good luck,i hope this help,s.