For the longest time I've been debating what wheel to get. I wanted to stay with 16", but didn't know if I wanted alloy, steel, procomp etc. So, after seeing how successful people are at painting, I decided to have my go.

First off, I didn't want to dive all the way in. So I painted just the spare wheel. Painted with the rubber on. Didn't do the others cause I still need jack stands and the HOA is kinda against this in my complex. My last was even worse. So DIY is usually limited to what I can get away with in less than a night on the roof of the garages, or doesn't require much room in my current garage.

Now, for my actual process. Tons of write-ups out there. Pretty simple:
Sand with 320, or finer grit. I found coarser tended to scratch more Ryan anything. Use your fingers to feel the difference between super glossy and just smooth. When it doesn't feel slick, it's sanded. I would double sand everything and preferably in a way you don't remember how you sanded before.

The reason why is because I missed a few spots. I had to resand one and it didn't come out as well. The paint, or primer, looks like it won't dry. One spot had NO sanding and the primer literally wouldn't dry. The other part it wasn't done right and it looked creamy. It came off really easily when everything else was solid. Just redo those parts.

I used Rustolium automobile primer, in black. Figured going black already ... Right? Same brand of Flat Black paint on anything paint and lastly enamel. The primer I can get away with one coat, but went with 2 on everything.

Now that I know I can do it, and nit look horrible, I'm taking it up to have all the wheels balanced with weights on the inside and finishing off all the wheels this weekend.

I also painted the center cap red, and that was the only part I really had a problem. I don't feel like I did it right and it needs to be completely redone. I also thought about doing the spokes, but that was too much work. :-p

Here are the pics:

 

After everything is said and done.

Oh, and final cost:

Lifetime balance: $75
Primer, Paint and Enamel: $5 a can, 5 cans total for $25.
Sandpaper: $3.
Acetone: $3.50

Next are those fenders!

 

looks pretty good! I can't imagine being told I couldn't work on my jeep at mt own house though

 

looks like you did a pretty good job.

i am going to be painting my jeep army green coming up on xmas break. hopefully it turns out as good as your wheels!

 

Oh, and I should note. I only used two cans of primer, 2 cans of flat black paint, and 1 can of flat black enamel. I had bought a can per wheel, but even after 2'e coats of primer, 4 coats of paint and 3 of enamel, I didn't go through much.

 

Thanks. I was pretty surprised how close the red was and have considered using it to touch up any deep scratches. I did paint my muffler and touch up my bumpers as well. I dunno how the muffler will hold up, but it looks good for now and is stopping the rust for the time being.

With how long it took me to paint the wheels this way, I'd hate to see how long your project will take. My dad owns a body shop and I used to help him prep cars and that took a while with power tools and a paint booth. Good luck! You're braver than me.

 

We rent, so that's why. No one said anything even though I was out all day. Finished doing all my fluid changes too without issue. Florida is just so bad for HOA's typically. In my old town someone got sued for putting a basketball hoop in their backyard. Lame.

 

Looks good. My daughter has been on me to paint her wheels. Looks like I have no reason not to now.

 

Nice job! not sure I like the "slammed" jeep look though...

 

What's a "slammed" look?