The wheels of a truck are often powder coated to protect them from rust and corrosion, but over time the coating can become dirty and faded.
If you want to restore your wheels to their original condition, it’s important to know how to strip the powder coat off safely.
In this blog post, we will show you how to do just that with different methods.
We will also go through the pros and cons of each method, so you can decide which one is best for your needs.
Keep reading for tips and tricks on how to remove powder coat from wheels like a pro!
Stripping Powder Coated Wheels
While powder coating is a durable finish, it’s not indestructible.
It can be scratched or chipped, and over time it will fade and lose its luster.
If you want to strip the powder coat off your wheels, there are a few different methods you can use including:
1- Chemical Strippers
The first method is using a chemical stripper. This is a powerful solution that will eat through the powder coat and strip it off the wheels.
You can find these strippers at most hardware stores, and they usually come in a gel or liquid form.
To use a chemical stripper, simply apply it to the surface of the wheel and let it sit for the recommended amount of time.
Then, use a putty knife or other scraping tool to remove the softened powder coat.
After you’ve removed as much as you can, rinse the wheels with water and let them dry.
Pros: Chemical strippers are very effective at removing powder coatings quickly.
Cons: They can be dangerous to use if you don’t follow the instructions carefully, and they can also damage the underlying metal if left on for too long.
2- Sandblasting
Another method you can use to strip powder coats is sandblasting. This involves using a high-powered stream of sand or other abrasive material to remove the coating.
It’s important to use caution when sandblasting, as it can damage the metal beneath the powder coat if you’re not careful.
Pros: Sandblasting is a very effective way to remove powder coatings quickly.
Cons: It can be dangerous to use if you’re not experienced, and it can also damage the underlying metal if you’re not careful.
3- Grinding
If you have an angle grinder or other type of power tool, you can use it to remove the powder coat from your wheels.
Simply attach a grinding wheel and start grinding away at the coating.
You may need to go over the same area multiple times to remove all of the powder coat.
Pros: Grinding is a quick and easy way to remove powder coatings.
Cons: It can be dangerous to use if you’re not experienced, and it can also damage the underlying metal if you’re not careful.
4- Sanding
If you don’t have access to a power tool, you can remove powder coatings with sandpaper or a stripping wheel tool.
This will take some time and effort, but it’s a safe way to strip the coating of your wheels.
Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and work your way up to a finer grit until you’ve removed all of the powder coat.
Pros: Sanding is a safe way to remove powder coatings.
Cons: It’s time-consuming and can be difficult to remove all of the powder coat with this method.
5- Heat Gun
A heat gun can also be used to strip powder coatings from wheels.
Simply point the heat gun at the coating and wait for it to soften.
Once it’s soft, you can use a putty knife or other scraping tool to remove it.
Pros: Heat guns are quick and easy to use.
Cons: They can be dangerous to use if you’re not experienced, and they can also damage the underlying metal if you’re not careful.
6- Soda Blasting
Soda blasting is a type of sandblasting that uses baking soda instead of sand or other abrasive materials.
It’s a safe way to remove powder coatings, and it won’t damage the underlying metal.
Pros: Soda blasting is safe and won’t damage the metal beneath the powder coat.
Cons: It can be difficult to find a soda blaster, and it’s not as effective as some of the other methods on this list.
7- Chemical Etching
Chemical etching is another method you can use to strip powder coatings.
This involves using a strong acid to eat through the powder coat.
You can find these chemicals at most hardware stores, and they usually come in a gel or liquid form.
To use a chemical etcher, simply apply it to the surface of the wheel and let it sit for the recommended amount of time.
Then, use a putty knife or other scraping tool to remove the softened powder coat.
After you’ve removed as much as you can, rinse the wheels with water and let them dry.
Pros: Chemical etching is very effective at removing powder coatings quickly.
Cons: They can be dangerous to use if you don’t follow the instructions carefully, and they can also damage the underlying metal if left on for too long.
8- Laser Ablation
Laser ablation is a newer method of removing powder coatings, and it’s becoming more popular as the technology improves.
With this method, a laser is used to heat up and vaporize the powder coat.
This leaves the metal beneath unharmed, making it a safe way to remove the coating.
Pros: Laser ablation is safe and won’t damage the metal beneath the powder coat.
Cons: It can be expensive, and it’s not as widely available as some of the other methods on this list.
Tips and Warnings:
No matter which method you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind for safety.
1- Always wear safety glasses and gloves when removing powder coatings.
2- If you’re not experienced in using power tools, it’s best to avoid them.
3- Be careful not to damage the underlying metal when removing the powder coating.
4- If you’re using a chemical stripper, make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
5- Wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling any particles.
6- Work in a well-ventilated area.
7- Dispose of any used chemicals properly.
How to Keep Your Alloy Wheels Protected After Stripping?
Once you’ve stripped the powder coating from your truck wheels, they’ll be susceptible to corrosion and other damage.
To protect them, you can either clear coat them or have them powder coated again.
Clearing them is a cheaper and easier option, but it won’t last as long as powder coating.
Powder coating is more durable and will protect your wheels from corrosion and other damage for a longer period of time.
1- Apply a Clear Coat
If you decide to clear coat your wheels, make sure to use a high-quality product that’s designed for automotive use.
Apply the clear coat according to the instructions, and let it cure for the recommended amount of time before driving on it.
2- Reapply the Powder Coat
If you decide to powder coat your truck wheels, you’ll need to take them to a professional.
Powder coating is a specialized process, and it’s not something that you can do at home.
When choosing a powder coater, make sure to find one that has experience in coating wheels.
Ask to see examples of their work, and make sure to ask about the warranty they offer.
A good powder coater will be able to provide you with a durable finish that will last for years.
FAQs
How much for stripping and recoating rims?
The cost of stripping and recoating rims will vary depending on the type of coating, the number of rims, and the complexity of the design.
A simple powder coat can start as low as $25 per rim, while a more complex design can cost up to $100 per rim.
Can you powder coat over the existing powder coat?
Yes, you can powder coat over the existing powder coat or a chrome coating, but it’s not recommended.
Powder coating over powder coat can cause the new coating to bubble and peel.
It’s best to strip the old coating before applying a new one.
What is the difference between powder coating and painting?
Powder coating is a type of painting, but it’s done with a different type of paint.
Powder coating is a dry paint that’s applied to the surface using an electrostatic charge.
The powder sticks to the surface and is then cured using heat.
Painting is done with liquid paint that’s applied to the surface using a brush, roller, or sprayer.
Final Thoughts
Powder coating your truck wheels is a great way to protect them from corrosion and other damage.
However, if you ever need to remove the coating for any reason, there are a few different methods you can use.
While the most effective methods are sandblasting chemical etching and laser ablation, each method has its own set of pros and cons, so be sure to choose the one that’s best for you.
With a little time and effort, you’ll be able to strip the powder coating from your wheels and have them look new again by painting them over.