Wheel Paint

[Mike Wattam <101714.1343@domain.elided>]

Dear Guy

Problem with putting any paint on aluminium alloy is that the surface of
the metal oxidises almost immediately (seconds) after cleaning, and this
prevents paint from keying into the surface properly, which is why it soon
peels off.

The best answer is to start off with wheels which have been shot-blasted
recently to make sure they are absolutley clean.  Go to an industrial or
automotive paint specialist and ask for an aluminium 'acid etch primer'. 
This will more or less stop the oxidation, and allow you to put any
compatible finish over the top of it.  However, you will need to mask off
very carefully your highly polished areas (or grease them thoroughly) to
prevent the surface finish being damaged.

For your information the acid etch primer is available in a clear form,
allowing a clear lacquer to be placed over the top of it.  The resultant
finish does however in my experience have a rather bluish tint - you might
like that.

A second line of attack is to use a paint called 'Hammerite' which gives a
superb glossy black finish (it has a very high surface tension which makes
it smooth out, and is repellant to many substances).  There is also a
special primer to use with this - for what they refer to as 'difficult'
metals.  The advantage of 'Hammerite' is it can be painted on with a brush
and still look very effective.

However, I don't know if you can get 'Hammerite' where you are.

Mike Wattam
Triumph Stag Register