Removing paint from Car Wheels

DRussell · May 23, 2017

I bought four VW rims for my Jetta from a local individual. They are 17" aluminum factory wheels. My problem is the guy I bought them from painted them black over the aluminum, and on one of the wheels the black paint is peeling and coming off. I think the aluminum is painted from the factory as well. What can I use to get the black paint off without ruining the factory finish on the wheel underneath?

dr sportster · May 23, 2017

The problem is to eat off the black [and the clearcoat is going to come with it ] without etching the aluminum with the stripper. However there are lots of youtube videos on how to do it. Search how to strip aluminum wheels and you'll see many.

Stephen Newell · May 23, 2017

You can't really take the black off without doing damage to the factory paint. I don't think I would even attempt to save the factory paint, I would either chemically strip it all off or sandblast it. The aluminum will paint just fine. Just prime it with Dupont Variprime primer and use a wheel paint for a topcoat.

504 · Jun 18, 2017

To strip the paint AND THE CLEAR coat,use a hog pan and a gallon of paint thinner and let them soak. A faster way that still will not hurt the aluminum is Aircraft Paint Stripper,any good paint seller will have it, or at least know who does.

Removing paint from Car Wheels

DRussell

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dr sportster

Well-known Member

Stephen Newell

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504

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