I keep getting different answers from shops in town. I have stock rubicon wheels that I want to powdercoat dark gray. Do they need to be blasted or stripped before? Some say yes, some say no. Also what's a good price for powdercoating? I've gotten anywhere from 50-100 a wheel.
Thanks everyone.

 

I'm not 100% sure, but logic suggests they need to be prepped (sanded, blasted, whatever) prior to powdercoating in order for it to adhere to the metal. Otherwise it might flake off. I think $50/wheel would be fair, or $200 for all 5(spare).

 

I'm with BigRed on this. I know paint and powdercoat is different, but just seems to me that the surface would need to be prepped. As for price, anything close to $100 and you might consider new wheels. You'll be well on your way depending on size.

 

well i wound up paying $100 a wheel and they guy guaranteed them for life, when compared to the price of new black wheels i thought it was a good deal. From what he told me he stripped them and took longer than he anticipated, he told me the factory finish was a b*tch to get off. I do know he soaked them in some acid or something but didn't mention anything about blasting(doesn't mean he didn't). I'm happy with how it came it's been over a year now since and haven't had any problems however i really don't off-road some beach riding and mild dirt roads.

 

Glad you're happy - can't beat a lifetime warranty! FYI - It was hard to strip because most OEM wheels are powdercoated. You can get away with powdercoating over most OEM wheels with a good sanding, but if you get too many coats on there the coating will get brittle which can lead to issues ....