If you’re proud of your ride you will want it to look the best and stand out from the rest of the cars on the road.
That being said, there are many things you can do to change the appearance of your car and powder coating the rims of your car not only makes your car look great, but it also keeps your wheels protected from corrosion and chipping.
But how much does it cost to powder coat rims and is it better than a traditional paint job?
We have all that covered and more, read on to find out everything you need to know about powder coating your rims and see whether it’s something you might consider getting done on your own or with the help of a professional.
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How Much Does It Cost to Powder Coat Rims?
Powder coating your rims will depend on a number of factors ranging from the size of the rim to the material it’s made from. The problem with powder coating is that it can’t be achieved from your personal garage and would have to be applied by professionals using the right set of tools.
Due to the process and the way a surface is powder coated, you can look at anything from between $50-$70 for a single basic 13” rim which can go up all the way to around $150 for 26” rims. These numbers do vary and the exact amount boils down to size of the rim, type of powder coating and where you’re getting the job done.
Here’s a table highlighting the average cost to powder coat rims based on size and number of rims.
| Rim Size | Approximate Cost Per Rim | Approximate Cost for 4 Rims |
| 13” | $50-70 | $250-280 |
| 14” | $70-75 | $300 |
| 15” | $85 | $200-350 |
| 16” | $90-95 | $380 |
| 17” | $100 | $400 |
| 18” | $105 | $420 |
| 19” | $110 | $440 |
| 20” | $110 | $440 |
| 21” | $115 | $460 |
| 22” | $120 | $480 |
| 23” | $125 | $500 |
| 24” | $125 | $500 |
| 25” | $130 | $550 |
| 26” | $130-150 | $550 |
How Much Does it Cost to Powder Coat Rims: DIY vs Hire a Professional
Okay, let’s get this out of the way. It’s virtually impossible to powder coat your rims by yourself for cheap. You need industrial grade equipment designed specifically for the case and that alone costs anywhere from $5000 to $20000 depending on the grade of equipment you decide to buy.
It’s a lot cheaper if you ask a professional to get the job done for you and if you’re planning on getting all 4 rims done at the same time, chances are you may get a small discount from the professional. If you’re looking for the best rates possible, my advice is to check around different shops and compare the prices with the quality of job.
Powder Coating Maintenance Cost for the Rims
When you powder coat your rims, you have to remember that there’s some level of maintenance involved if you want them looking pristine. It takes hardly $30-40 per year to maintain your powder coated rims by approaching your service center.
But if you’re on a tight budget and would like to try maintaining them at home, you can follow these steps.
- Start by using a mild phosphate-free soap and warm to wash the rims
- Use a diluted citrus based cleaner for the rims and proceed to deep clean between the grooves
- Spray a bit of WD-40 on the rims to keep them safe from grime build-up
- Finally use a spray on sealer designed for rims that is either weatherproof or waterproof
What are the Different Types of Powder Coating?
Powder coating can be done using different types of powder coating materials. These materials create a touch and brilliant finish over your rims. Here are some of the main types of powder coating.
- Polyester – Powder coating with polyester is one of the most frequently used methods in the automotive industry. Polyester powder coating is available in a wide range of colors, is highly flexible and offers some chemical resistance.
- Epoxy – Epoxies are great options for powder coating your rims and offer high levels of chemical and corrosion resistance. Epoxy powder coating is affordable but the only drawback is that it can fade if exposed to the sun.
- Teflon – Teflon powder coating is one of the most expensive methods of coating your rims. Teflon can be used to powder coat components regardless of the size and is one of the most effective when it comes to mechanical damage. chemical damage, abrasions or corrosion.
- Super Durable Polyester – Super durable polyesters generally offer a higher level of protection and can last up to 10 years longer than other coatings. The best thing about super durable polyester is that they remain glossy and fresh no matter the humidity, heat or environmental conditions the rims have gone through.
- Epoxy-polyester Blend – The epoxy-polyester blend offers the best level of protection from external weather conditions and is much cheaper than regular epoxy.
Why is it Expensive to Powder Coat Rims?
Powder coating your rims can be an expensive task simply because unlike painting, it involves the use of special machinery and requires the expertise of a professional. Here are a couple of things you should know about why it’s costly to powder coat your rims.
- It’s not easy to handle car rims and special care needs to be taken while removing and replacing the rims from your car. 18-20” rims and larger are heavier to lift and you’d need a specially designed rack or hook to lift and move one around.
- Another reason why it’s expensive to powder coat rims is that each rim needs to undergo a lot of preparation. You will need to remove grease, dirt, grime, and even sandblast the rims to remove any external particles.
- You will need a high quality primer to keep the rims safe from corrosion before applying the powder coat. The reason why primer is used is because it acts as an additional layer of protection and this adds to the overall cost.
- The type of powder coating material you choose can determine how much you’re going to end up spending. The higher the quality of material, the more expensive it gets.
- Finally, unlike a regular paint-job that you can simply wash with water to keep it clean, powder coated rims require regular yearly maintenance if you want them looking their best.
Pros and Cons of Powder Coating your Rims
| Pros | Cons |
| Powder coatings offer a higher resistance to corrosion, chipping, flaking and muk from the road. It creates a non-porous layer that prevents water and other elements from damaging the rims. | Powder coating usually is around 6m in thickness and might not be ideal for everyone. |
| Powder coatings are safe for the environment and do not contain VOCs which are found in regular automotive paint. | In order to powder coat your rims you will first have to grind your rims before having the powder coat applied. |
| Though powder coating is expensive, it saves you a lot of money in the long run as you would have to only worry about the maintenance. | There is a possibility that you might face an issue with getting the right shade of color since the rims have to be baked in an industrial oven. |
| Powder coating on rims last longer than paint and can at times have a life span of 10-15 years. |
FAQ’s
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is the process of covering any surface with a layer of dry coating. Unlike paint that can be applied by using a spray gun, powder coating is applied electrostatically and is heat cured making it much more durable and long lasting.
Here, the powder coating agent bonds with the rims and this will protect them from chipping, abrasions, flaking and even rusting under natural conditions. It’s available in a wide array of colors so you can basically powder coat the rims of your car any color you like.
Is powder coating better than paint?
Yes, powder coating is better than paint in a number of ways. Powder coating lasts longer than paint as the particles bond in an electrostatically manner. Whereas paint is simply a surface treatment that can chip and fade at a faster rate. Also, there are no inconsistencies with powder coated rims, unlike painted rims that can have blemishes, spots or even an uneven finish.
Can any type of rim be powder coated?
Powder coating only works well when the rims are made from either stainless steel or steel. Aluminum can be powder coated as well, but it’s a dicey process since you’d be putting your rims through extremely high temperatures and can actually end up damaging them.
Another thing you should remember about powder coating is that the rims should not be damaged or dented as it becomes really hard to apply an even coating over it. It will look ugly and you would have wasted a lot of money for nothing.
How long does powder coating last?
Powder coating will stay on for a maximum of 20 years if you maintain it well. The overall lifespan of the powder coating will depend on the type of material used and what pre-treatment was given to the rims.
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