Semi-polish clear coat?

[Coletrane]

Hi, I'm refinishing a set of Rotas because the clear started chipping off the lip (drove them in winter, but hey they're Rotas thats what they're for) I wet sanded them all the way up to 2000 grit, and they don't quite have a mirror shine, but I like the raw look. When I purchased the clear coat at the paint store I told him it was for aluminum, and he said this stuff will work, but he said a powder coat clear is the "right" way to do it. Would the clear adhere to the wheels? They're pretty smooth, but I see people sanding up to 1500 before they paint. Should I just scuff them and paint them instead?

[jazig.k]

Make sure the surface is dead clean. The smoother the finish the more likely it will struggle with adhesion, any oil etc. will make the problem much worse than a rougher surface finish [finger prints for instance...].

Powdercoat will 'stick better' because it finds strength in its own thicker, more durable coating. Less likely to break the surface and start peeling up. That's how I was explained it once anyway.

Maybe try scuffing them with a scotch bright pad? But that will give more of a brushed alu' look.

[Coletrane]

I might try the scotch bright pad. 3 of the lips are still machined, so I'm guessing thats how they got clear to stick (and then promptly chip off). What grit should I hit the machined portion with if I just decide to paint the whole wheel?

[DER E30]

What grit should I hit the machined portion with if I just decide to paint the whole wheel?

Like 120

If you like the polished look, the best way to do it is bare polished aluminum and forget the clear... Then you're polishing it constantly, but its worth it. I repolish my lips every day I drive my car...

[FRSBrndn]

Wait, who refinishes fake wheels? And why? I don't understand.

[Coletrane]

Both of you READ! I'm refinishing them because the shitty Rota clear chipped and they started oxidizing. That's why I DO NOT want to keep up with a full polish, Rotas simply aren't worth that. I'm getting real wheels, I'm in college, bear with me guys...

[FRSBrndn]

Rotas aren't worth refinishing at all. But hey, do you man.

[Coletrane]

Rotas aren't worth refinishing at all. But hey, do you man.

Ill never be able to sell them and get real wheels if I dont. Its a situation I won't be in again

[DER E30]

Rotas aren't worth refinishing at all. But hey, do you man.

I have a set of Rotas I just painted... I know their crappy wheels but that college life For 20 bucks and a few hours I can make them better, so I will

[Coletrane]

I have a set of Rotas I just painted... I know their crappy wheels but that college life For 20 bucks and a few hours I can make them better, so I will

Im really partial to these Rotas too being that theyre one of the only non-made to order wheel that comes in 18x8, 4x100. (Thank god for the old 180sx these were marketed towards)

[Miatafanatic77]

I sprayed my doors and was nice and smooth. Then the clear coat now it feels rough and bumpy. Are you supposed to wet paper it 1200 then ultimate polish it? I sure I seen something like this before