The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Powder coating aluminum wheels

I am looking to powder coat my aluminum rims on my Jeep for off road use. They have a clear coating on them. Is there any special preparation that I need to do? I was planning on sandblasting the clear coat off. I was also told that you need to cook the aluminum before you powder coat to bake the moisture out. Is there any truth to this?

Thanks,

Chris Stevenson
Aerospace Engineer - Houston, Texas
2004

---

Chris,

Sandblasting is probably the most important part of the prep. After that I would suggest rinsing them in an iron phosphate cleaner, then a fresh water rinse, and then a sealant. Baking aluminum to get moisture or excess gas out of the metal is mainly for cast parts. If your wheels are cast aluminum then you might want think about it, but if not I don't believe it is necessary.

Jared Scales
- Pearland, Texas, USA
February 8, 2012