Painting your rims is a great way to refresh your car’s appearance and give it a new look. Even cheaper models of wheels can look stunning. However, before you embark on this project, it’s essential to consider the cost. The wheel paint cost varies depending on several factors, like the type of paint used, the quality of the job, and whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional.
If you decide to go the DIY route, you can save money when painting rims on labor costs, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of supplies like paint spray cans, primer, masking tape, and a plastic bristled brush scrubber. If you hire a professional, the price will depend on the company you choose and the quality of their work.
The condition of your rims will affect paint quality and the cost. If they are dirty or have chipped paint, they must be cleaned and prepped before painting. If your rims are alloy, you may opt for powder coating instead of traditional painting, which can also affect the cost.
In our guide, you can learn about all the factors influencing how much it cost to paint rims, including the paint to get a top-quality paint job. By the end, you’ll see a rough estimate of the average cost to help you budget for this project with a professional company, or what you’ll need to do a DIY rim paint job or you carry out a DIY powder coating on your wheels rims to save some money. (Learn How To Fix Spray Paint Drips)
What Is a Rim?
With car customization, painting rims is a popular choice among car enthusiasts. Painting car rims involves removing the wheel from the tire and preparing it for paint application. This includes cleaning, sanding, and priming the surface before applying the desired paint color. The type of paint used can also affect the cost of a rim paint job.
The cost to paint rims can vary depending on several factors, like the size and material of the wheels, as well as the complexity of their design. On average, a basic rim paint job can range from $50 to $150 per wheel, while custom designs or high-end finishes may cost over $500 per wheel.
It’s important to note that some shops may charge additional fees for dismounting and remounting tires, so get quotes from multiple professional painters. Investing in sparkling new rims can significantly enhance your vehicle’s appearance and add value to your ride.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Rims Painted If You Do It Yourself?
Painting your own rims can be a great way to save money and achieve a custom look for your vehicle. The cost of painting rims yourself will depend on the type of paint you choose, the size and condition of your rims, and any additional materials needed, like sandpaper or masking tape and other DIY supplies.
A can of spray paint designed specifically for wheels can cost anywhere from $6 to $30 per can. Before starting the painting process, removing all lug nuts and cleaning the surface thoroughly is essential.
Any dirt or debris left on the rim could cause an uneven finish. If there are any damages or scratches on the rim, wheel repair may also need to be done before painting. This would add an extra cost ranging from $50 to $150 per wheel, depending on the number of wheels repaired.
What Is the Price to Paint Your Rims Professionally?
For painting your car’s rims, there are a few options to consider. One popular choice is alloy wheel powder coating, which is a process that involves applying a dry powder onto the surface of the rim and then heating it to create a durable finish. The cost to powder coat your wheel’s rims can vary depending on the size of your wheels, the design complexity, and the powder coating company.
Typically, the budget is $50-$200 per wheel for professional rim painting services. This average price range includes traditional spray-painting methods and more advanced techniques like powder coating or ceramic finishes. Remember that this total cost may include additional fees for prep work, removal and reinstallation of tires or other parts, and any necessary repairs. (Learn How To Remove Paint From A Mirror)
How Much Does It Cost to Paint Your Car Rims Per Square Foot?
In upgrading the look of your car, alloy wheels are a popular choice among drivers. However, if you want to revamp your car’s appearance by painting its rims, you may wonder about the cost per square foot.
The price for painting alloy wheels can vary depending on the type of paint and finish you choose. If you choose to paint the rims yourself, you can calculate the average price per square foot as follows:
There are 1.3963 square feet in each rim if you paint 16-inch tires.
1.3963 x 4 tires = 5.5853 square feet
If you use four cans of the 24-dollar rhino liner spray, you will only be spending 96 dollars on paint ($96 / 5.5852 square feet = $17.18 per square foot).
Ultimately, getting your car rims painted professionally is an investment in enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. While it may seem costly at first glance, it’s important to remember that well-maintained rims provide eye-catching detail and protect your tires from damage caused by road debris and weather.
How to Save Money When Painting Rims?
One cost-effective option for painting rims is to use a rhino liner spray. This special spray paint full-on coating is typically used for truck beds, but it can also be applied to rims to provide a durable and long-lasting finish.
The application involves sanding down the existing finish on the rims and then spraying on the rhino liner. This method saves money compared to traditional rim painting options and protects against scratches, dings, and stubborn brake dust.
Another way to save money on a DIY paint job for your wheel’s rim is to consider purchasing new ones with the desired finish already applied. While this option may seem counterintuitive at first, it can be more cost-effective sometimes.
Different Materials Estimated Cost to Paint Rims
For alloy rims, a professional paint job can cost around $400-$800 for all four wheels. If your car has steel rims, painting them will be less expensive than painting alloy rims.
Painting steel rims can cost about $200-$500 for all four wheels. However, if your steel wheels are in poor condition and require repairs before being painted, this could add more to the overall cost.
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly option to paint your plastic or hubcap wheel covers, expect to spend between $50 to $150 for all the rims. Plastic or hubcap wheel covers might not have as long-lasting results compared to alloy and steel rim painting jobs.
How to Paint Car Rims by Yourself at Home
For painting your car rims, there are several steps you need to follow for a successful DIY project.
- First, ensure you clean and degrease all the wheel, not just the rims’ dirty parts, before proceeding. Use a mixture of soap and water or a specialized rim cleaner to remove dirt and grime.
- Once clean, sand the rims lightly with sandpaper to create a rough surface that will help either a primer coat or paint adhere to better.
- Wipe down the rims with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any remaining debris or oils.
- Next, apply a primer layer using spray paint specifically designed for cars. Ensure each layer is dry before applying another coat until you achieve full coverage.
- Finally, spray on your desired paint color in thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding another.
- If you’re seeking an alternative option, consider using plastic dip instead of traditional paint.
- This rubberized coating protects against scratches and can be easily removed if needed.
While professional rim painting services can cost hundreds of dollars per wheel, DIY costs can be as low as $50-100 depending on the materials used and whether or not you choose plastic dip as your coating method.
Note: You can use an electric drill with a spinning wire brush attached on chrome wheels. If painting at home, you may need newspaper, plastic trashcan bags, and painter’s tape to mask off your tires. (Read Spray Paint High Humidity – What To Do)
The estimated cost of different paints for the rim:
If your rims are dirty and need a new paint job, there are several options to consider.
- Plasti Dip is popular because it can be easily applied and removed when necessary. The estimated cost for Plasti Dip is around $50-$70 for all four rims.
- Dupli Color is another option that provides a durable finish for your rims. This type of paint averages around $20-$30 per can, typically two to four cans being needed per rim. Note: two cans of this can be cheaper than the Plasti dip coating.
- Truck Bed Liner is a heavy-duty coating suitable for painting rims. The estimated cost for this type of paint ranges from $100-$200 for all four rims.
- Powder Coat provides a long-lasting and durable finish but requires specialized equipment to apply it correctly.
The average total cost for powder coating all four rims ranges from $400-$800, depending on the size and complexity of the design. Most alloy wheels would need a powder coat over other painting methods.
Can a Body Shop Paint Rims?
A body shop can paint rims; it is a great way to give your car a fresh look. The process usually involves sanding the surface of the rim to remove any existing finish, using a spinning wire brush to rough up the surface for better adhesion, and then applying a primer coat and wiping it down with rubbing alcohol before adding the final color.
The cost of painting rims will depend on several factors, such as the wheels’ condition, size, style, and whether you want custom colors or designs for chrome wheels. On average, you can expect to pay between $150 to $500 per wheel for the fairest and best price from professional rim painting services or car dealerships where you bought your car. (Learn How Long For Caulk To Dry Before Painting)
This final price may sound expensive, but it can be worth it if you have beat-up car rims ruining your car’s aesthetic appeal.
In conclusion, visiting an auto shop is an excellent option to spruce up your ride with freshly painted rims.