Looking for opinions on the best aluminum rim paint. My bare, polished aluminum rims are begging me to paint them. I looked into powder coating, but the cost ( $100 PER) is more than I paid for ea. rim. I'd like to paint them black, with something durable. Anyone do this before? What type/brand of paint? I've had good results with Rustoleum before, but it's a bitch to remove if you want to.  Thanks all.

I painted my Rims black with that tacky rubberized wheel well undercoat stuff and did all 4 for under $4 and had lots left over...I then paint over it with some regular black spray paint whenever they need touching up which is rarely if ever...Worked great on Steel but I dunno about Aluminum...Would work but you would probably never get it off unless you sand blasted it...

Sweet,  a question I can actually answer.

Ive painted a few sets of rims,  and so far they've lasted 3 years without any issues.  still look like new!   If you want that nice powdercoated look,  I use DUPLICOLOR High Heat Engine enamel.   

What you have to do, is make the sure the rim is 100% clean,  and if there is any rust, or peeling, that its ground off.  Then wipe it down quick with paint thinner, mineral spirits, etc.  Spray some paint on, (start with extremly light coat, and let each coat dry 15 min before next).  Let that cure for as long as possible,   then spray with DUPLICOLOR HHEE clear coat,  and let it dry. 

It will be bulletproof when cured, and every time you wash and wax them after beating them up, you'll be amazed.

My .02cents.

actually you have to find the right place to powder coat the rims. it can be done for $20 a rim. go to the major tire places around less shwab tires does. I have never had it done but I seen some before and after and they even sandblasted them for the same price.

I used the truck bed lining from napa.  its comes in a spray form.  about 7 bucks a can.  works really good.  gives that textured look too.

For aluminum wheels, I would guess you might need to etch them first, so the paint will stick, or stick better.  I painted some steel wheels with the cheap walmart paint and it has held up extremely well (other than fading...but it was flat black paint and I didn't clearcoat them....offroad vehicle).  I have also used the rustoleum hammered paint on some steel wheels...it looks really good, but it did start peeling...but I think that was because I didn't/couldn't allow it to cure out properly before I wheeled with it.  I need to redo them and let them cure out for a week or two before I wheel it, then I think it will hold up a lot better.

+1 on the etching.  Eagle one makes "Mag etching cleaner".  Don't leave it on too long or it will pit the wheels.  best product i found for cleaning aluminum.  Duplicolor makes good paint.  good luck

If you want that aluminum look, I'd go with the Duplicolor engine paint, BUT ya gotta make everything smooth or it'll show. For black, I'd go with Rustoleum "hammered" black. Just knock off the loose stuff and yer good to go. Touch ups won't show either. In either case, wipe it down with some liquid "sandpaper in a can" stuff and do it. Those "aluminum" color paints look tacky. Don't go good with red, Mike.

Hey, Thanks guys for all the info and opinions! I've always liked the look of Black rims with Red body, so I'm gonna go with the black. Looks like good 'ol rustoleum black. I will thouroughly clean and prep with a scotch brite pad first. I may or may not prime them, usually with rustoleum you don't need to. A good cleaning and prep should do it. I'm even thinking I can paint them with the tires mounted if I'm really careful and mask well.
As far as finding a cheaper powdercoater, I couldn't find anything cheaper, and none would consider me doing my own prep. They all glass bead the rims, and powder coat the COMPLETE rim, back, front, inside and out. I'd like to go that route but at $100 a rim, damn, that's rich. Gotta do it on the cheap, and I can use my Lowes gift card from Xmas to buy the materials.

Use vaseline on the tires just before you paint. Use a stick or brush to get up close to the rim. Spray away, acouple three coats, then just wipe off the tires. An old detailing trick the used car dealers use. Just wipe off the tires when yer done, leaves 'em nice an' shiny. I'd never even pull the tires off the vehicle!

Use vaseline on the tires just before you paint. Use a stick or brush to get up close to the rim. Spray away, acouple three coats, then just wipe off the tires. An old detailing trick the used car dealers use. Just wipe off the tires when yer done, leaves 'em nice an' shiny. I'd never even pull the tires off the vehicle!

Now that is a GREAT tip!  It's always been a royal PITA to try and mask rubber tires and paint with the them still mounted. Tone, you old Motor City coot, another great tip! Long Live Detroit!

...geez Picasso, no paint yet?!? 

I've got some alums to do as well.

(also have two sets of tires for you & my AT's)

...geez Picasso, no paint yet?!? 

A true artist must wait for his muse. In this case it's decent weather for painting outside!