Color-Matching KMC Dimes

[Simans82]

I just sold my TIS07's and picked up a set of KMC Dimes (black painted centers with polished lip). The entire switch was initiated due to the fact that I wanted to color-match the centers to my Midnight Blue Pearl 300C. The chromed out look was wearing on me fast, and I really wanted to do something different.

My question is; what is the proper paint preparation for the black centers? I've had experience in the past doing small paint work, and I usually scuffed with 3M 7447 and 7448 Scotchbrite Hand pads. Is there anything else in particular I should be doing to ensure that the paint will adhere to the best of its ability? I realize powder coat is the #1 choice, but in the case of a perfect color-match (and the fact that they're one-piece cast wheels), I'm stuck with painting them.

I have a local body shop willing to shoot all four wheels and clear them for $100, but I have to do the prep work, so I wanted to ensure that the prep was done right.

Thanks for all who reply. Your help is very much appreciated!

[FreebirdSRT]

Send an E-mail to Phil over at Armor-Tech Powder Coatings, Inc. Phil is the guy who is doing the matching powder coating for our LX's, for Heidi over at Billet Technology.

Phil should be able to tell you if he can powder coat your wheels for you or not. I only tell you this because you are wanting to paint them in MB.

Heidi told me of all the colors that have been powder coated so far, in matching paint colors to the LX's. Midnight Blue has turned out the best.

Here is an intake manifold Phil did for a different car. Check out there work, it is very good.

[srt8danno]

Thanks Freebird when I read his question I started going for your files to post links. I figured if anyone knew the answer it would be you.

[prican_2000]

OHHH MAN COLOR-MATCHED DIMES- IS GONNA LOOK WICKED!!!!!!!!!!
I also have a M.B. 300 and I wanted Dimes but not color matched like you- interested in finding out how this turns out- Good luck.

As far as the process I have painted wheels before in my garage and after you get them cleaned up (I used aircraft paint remover) to remove any unwanted paint or clear coat on them. Watch it with this stuff because it is really strong stuff , so strong that it will burn your skin if you touch it bare. anyways after I cleaned them up really good I used some primer to allow the paint to adhere to the rim- a few thin coats in order to avoid any runs- then shoot it with whatever color your gonna shoot it and then seal it with a couple coats of clear coat. Good Luck.

[BIGBODY300]

I WANNA SEE PICS!!

I wanna see some black DIMES on a 300!!

[Simans82]

Originally Posted by BIGBODY300

I WANNA SEE PICS!!

I wanna see some black DIMES on a 300!!

Unfortunately, when I post pics of them mounted, they will no longer be black.

Here is a pic from another member with black Dimes though (buckadams56):

[Simans82]

Originally Posted by prican_2000

OHHH MAN COLOR-MATCHED DIMES- IS GONNA LOOK WICKED!!!!!!!!!!
I also have a M.B. 300 and I wanted Dimes but not color matched like you- interested in finding out how this turns out- Good luck.

As far as the process I have painted wheels before in my garage and after you get them cleaned up (I used aircraft paint remover) to remove any unwanted paint or clear coat on them. Watch it with this stuff because it is really strong stuff , so strong that it will burn your skin if you touch it bare. anyways after I cleaned them up really good I used some primer to allow the paint to adhere to the rim- a few thin coats in order to avoid any runs- then shoot it with whatever color your gonna shoot it and then seal it with a couple coats of clear coat. Good Luck.

Thanks for the post. I stopped by my buddies body shop and got some prepping advice from them also.

I'll be posting pics as soon as they're completed and mounted. My car is currently in storage though, and is torn down awaiting the install of the UAS system. So I may not have complete pics up anytime soon.

Thanks again.

[Simans82]

Originally Posted by FreebirdSRT

Send an E-mail to Phil over at Armor-Tech Powder Coatings, Inc. Phil is the guy who is doing the matching powder coating for our LX's, for Heidi over at Billet Technology.

Phil should be able to tell you if he can powder coat your wheels for you or not. I only tell you this because you are wanting to paint them in MB.

Heidi told me of all the colors that have been powder coated so far, in matching paint colors to the LX's. Midnight Blue has turned out the best.

Here is an intake manifold Phil did for a different car. Check out there work, it is very good.

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.

[prican_2000]

Ohhh Man That Silver W/ Black Dimes Is Soooooo Hotttt!

[DUBSTER]

SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK!!!!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to seeing pics!!!!!!!!!