$35 paint job (Sonic Carbon alternative)

[voltaren]

Like many, I like the look of the black 22s but didn't want to sacrifice range, towing, and durability - so I got the stock 20s. Tesla wisely introduced the Sonic Carbon 20s today but for $3000 - too late for people like me and IMHO, overpriced!

That compelled me today to spend about 2.5 hrs and "dip" my wheels with Plasti Dip. Easy, reversible, looks good, and cheap ($35 for 6 cans on Amazon). I'm typically horrible with spray paint... but this is rubber which is very hard to make drip and it basically evens itself out.

I am crazy for doing this to a six figure car, but it turned out awesome. Best part is when my wife curbs the wheels, I'll just redo it. If I want to go back to silver, just peel it off.

 

[tinc]

Great job! How long did it take you? What's the drying time??

 

[voltaren]

2.5 hours total. 4 coats per wheel and it dries very fast... much faster than paint - (10-15 mins).

 

[Maaz]

Wow. That's not bad.

 

[rainforest]

But how do you clean the wheels? Won't it peel off?

 

[voltaren]

But how do you clean the wheels? Won't it peel off?

I finished the last coat an hour ago. I can't peel it off even with my fingernail. Appears durable. The playing card has a non stick coating so it peels easier off the card than the wheels.

Also, I should mention that I'm a bit neurotic about the wheels. If something were to scrape them, say my wife hitting a curb, I'll spend 45 minutes and respray the wheel. I think this is going to save my marriage.

 

[bakerboy]

What specific brand/cans did you use?

 

[voltaren]

What specific brand/cans did you use?

Amazon.com: Performix 11203-6PK Plasti Dip Black Multi-Purpose Rubber Coating Aerosol - 11 oz., (Pack of 6): Automotive

I only used 3 cans for the 4 wheels. I'll have three as spares.

Also, I wanted to powdercoat the wheels, price is fine, but the places around me wanted a week to do it. If this doesn't last, I'm out $35 and a few hours of time.

 

[RichardD]

Could you see spraying chrome pieces with this? The wheels look great. I think I will try it.

 

[voltaren]

Could you see spraying chrome pieces with this? The wheels look great. I think I will try it.

You can but if I were to do my car, I'd use the 3M matte black tape.

 

[ecarfan]

I assume that when you get your tires rotated you have to redo the treatment because the lug nuts, area directly around the lug nuts, and the rim will have the Plasti Dip scraped off.

 

[voltaren]

I assume that when you get your tires rotated you have to redo the treatment because the lug nuts, area directly around the lug nuts, and the rim will have the Plasti Dip scraped off.

They can't rotate MX tires. Either way, I bought black center caps and black lug nuts that I'll have the SC put on during the next visit. &1/lug nut, $5/center cap.

 

[Peteybabes]

They can't rotate MX tires...

not even side to side? as long as tread is bidirectional right?

 

[flyingbathtub]

not even side to side? as long as tread is bidirectional right?

Cannot

 

[Chopr147]

Great job! You have me thinking about this now.

 

[Nosken]

Looks good. Great videos on how to do it Dip Your Car - World Famous Peelable Auto Paint

 

[Nosken]

Here is Black PlastiDip with Gold Metalizer added.

 

[Nosken]

Here are my Winter wheels and Tires. Less Gold Metalizer, but dirty.

 

[alseTrick]

View attachment 223340 Here is Black PlastiDip with Gold Metalizer added.

Titanium Metallic? I'm jelly.

 

[Nosken]

Titanium Metallic? I'm jelly.

Yes, I'm very lucky to have this Unicorn. It is Titanium Metallic, with unlimited supercharging and HW2/AP2
These are 2 sets older 19 inch wheels, I have yet to do anything with the 19 inch fan style wheels came on it.
The older style wheels, dipped this way, actually see more appealing to me than the new style wheel. I wanted the new style wheels so bad, and now I am just lukewarm on them. I still have to customize them.

By the way, using playing cards, or, I used, plastic/ flash cards from the dollar store, is a great way to mask between the tire and wheel.