What is the difference b/w powdercoating and just painting a wheel. I just got a set of i-forged essen wheels in polish, but I am considering going with the black center. Any place you guys can recommend in So. Cal.?

thanks in advance.

 

Nice wheels, they should look great when completed.
Powder coating is a process where by powder is electrostatically applied to a prepared surface then baked on. The baking process actually melts the powder. What is unique to this process is that during the application (which the powder is sprayed from what also resembles a paint gun), the powder is "charged" while the surface is also being "charged" oppositely (like a magnet). This makes the finish with high adhesion qualities, smooth like glass and durable.
Have had wheels with powder coated finish, IMO this is a good choice over paint.

 

Check with Dave at Wheel Enhancement in Culver City. He recommends paint over powder.

 

D-U Bers: I was told by Wheel Enhancements that powder coating could affect the Temper of the wheel. They recommend painting.

 

Someone once told me that Powdercoating wheels weakens rim... True?

 

Michael: I had my iforged essen wheels powdercoated and they look awesome, no regrets so far.

 

Maybe on a cast wheel...

I know plenty of people that powdercoated their forged wheels with no issues.

 

if you are going to paint the whole wheel or in the case of a 3 piece wheel, the whole entire center without breaks then you should powder coat. if you are going to paint a wheel partially (ie, leaving a silver line on the lip or only painting certain parts of the wheel) then you should have it painted.

entire wheel = powdercoat
parts of the wheel = paint

powder coat does not work well if its broken into parts is what i was told

 

powder coating is much more durable than just a paint finish. not even close in comparison. with paint you can control the finish better. but for wheels powder is better than paint. powder coating will not weaken the alloy.

 

When you powder coat you subject your wheels to over 400 de in the oven. All metal will naturally want to move "somewhat", depending on the thickness of the metal you have will determine to what extent. Whenever possible I don't recommend powder over paint. Always paint over powder. . . . .

To each his own but I've had both and have applied a few hundred pieces in powder and thousands in paint. It's all in the application work. . . . . I can certainly provide painted finishes fare brighter than those produced by powder.

Good Luck,

-Eli