Are you looking to give your ride a fresh new look? One affordable way to upgrade your vehicle’s appearance is by getting your rims painted. However, before diving in, you may be wondering, “How much does it cost to get rims painted?”
We will explore the factors that affect the cost and give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. So, let’s get rolling.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Rims Painted?
The cost of getting your rims painted can vary widely depending on your specific needs. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 and $250 per wheel, or between $200 to $1,000 for all four wheels.
However, it’s important to note that the final cost will depend on several factors, such as the size, material, and condition of your rims, as well as whether you decide to paint them yourself or hire a professional. So, it’s always best to get a quote based on your specific model and need to get an accurate estimate of the total cost.
How Much Does It Cost to Do a DIY Painting of Rims?
If you want to upgrade your rims on a budget, painting them yourself can be an excellent option. This approach can save you on the cost of labor, and you’ll only need to pay for the supplies. Depending on the quality of the paints and primers you use, painting your rims yourself can cost between $30 and $100. There are several paint options you can choose from, each with a different price point.
For instance, you can purchase four cans of multipurpose spray paint for $25 or Dupli-Color wheel spray paint for $60. Plasti Dip, a durable rubber coating, is another option that can be easily applied to your rims and removed when you’re ready for a new color. A Plasti Dip kit with four cans of plastic dip and two cans of gloss costs around $65.
Additionally, for an abrasion and corrosion-resistant textured look, you can use Rust-Oleum spray-on truck bed liner, which costs $14 per can. In addition to the paint, you’ll need other supplies like sandpaper, primer, painter’s tape, plastic sheeting, and drop cloth, all of which should cost no more than $30 depending on the supplies you already have.
How to Paint Your Own Rims?
Painting your rims yourself can be a rewarding and cost-effective project, but it requires several hours or even an entire weekend day to complete. Follow these steps to paint your rims:
- Remove your rims using your jack and lug wrench.
- Clean your rims with soap and a sponge, wash them off with water, and dry them thoroughly with a rag.
- Sand the rims using heavy-grit sandpaper to remove rust and paint. Gradually reduce the sandpaper grit until the rims are smooth, and wipe away all the dust before the next step.
- Cover the tire with plastic sheeting and painter’s tape to protect it from overspray, then apply primer to the rims and let it dry before adding another coat.
- Apply the paint evenly to the rims, let it dry, and repeat this step until you’ve applied three coats.
- Apply the top coat to add a glossy layer and protect your rim paint job.
- Install your wheels only after at least twenty-four hours have passed for the paint to cure.
What Are the Differences Between a DIY and a Professionally Painted Rims?
The rims of your car play a crucial role in its aesthetics and overall appearance. If you’re looking to update the look of your car or simply change the color of your rims, you may be wondering whether to paint them yourself or have them professionally painted. Here are the key differences between a DIY and a professionally painted rims:
Skill and Expertise
One of the primary differences between DIY and professionally painted rims is the level of skill and expertise involved. If you choose to paint your rims yourself, you’ll need to have some basic knowledge of car maintenance, including removing the wheels and lug nuts, sanding, and applying primer and paint evenly.
While painting your rims yourself can be a fun and rewarding experience, it may take several tries to get the perfect finish. On the other hand, professional rim painters have years of experience in painting and repairing car rims. They know the ins and outs of different types of rims, the various materials used in rim painting, and how to work with them for the best results.
Additionally, they have access to specialized equipment and products that the average person may not have access to, resulting in a higher quality finish.
Quality of Materials
When it comes to rim painting, the quality of materials used is crucial to the final result. If you opt for a DIY job, you may need to choose your paint and primer from your local hardware store or online retailer. While there are many options available, the quality of these products may vary significantly.
Low-quality paint and primer can result in a subpar finish, and the paint may chip or peel off over time. Professional rim painters use high-quality, specialized products that are designed to withstand the wear and tear of the road. The paint and primer used by professionals are designed to bond to the surface of the rim, resulting in a long-lasting, durable finish.
Durability
The durability of the paint job on your rims is also a key consideration. If you paint your rims yourself, you may find that the finish is not as durable as you would like. The paint may chip or peel off over time, especially if you frequently drive on rough roads or in harsh weather conditions.
Professional rim painters, on the other hand, use specialized products that are designed to withstand the elements. They also have the expertise to apply the paint and primer evenly and correctly, ensuring that the finish is as durable as possible.
This means that your rims will stay looking great for longer, with less need for touch-ups or repairs.
Warranty and Guarantees
One of the most significant advantages of having your rims professionally painted is the warranty or guarantee that comes with the service. Most reputable rim painting companies offer a warranty or guarantee on their work, which means that if there are any issues with the finish, they will fix it free of charge.
This gives you peace of mind and ensures that your investment in a professional rim painting job is protected. With a DIY job, you have no warranty or guarantee, which means that if something goes wrong with the finish, you’ll need to fix it yourself. This can be frustrating and may end up costing you more in the long run.
How to Save Money on Painting Rims?
If you want to paint your rims but don’t want to break the bank, there are several ways to save money on the project. Here are a few tips on how to save money on painting rims:
Do It Yourself
The easiest way to save money on painting rims is to do it yourself. By painting your rims yourself, you can avoid the cost of labor and just have to pay for the supplies. Painting your rims yourself will cost between $30 and $100 depending on the quality of paints and primers you use.
Purchase Supplies in Bulk
If you plan to paint your rims yourself, you can save money by purchasing supplies in bulk. For example, if you purchase a large can of paint, it may be less expensive per ounce than purchasing smaller cans of paint. Similarly, if you purchase sandpaper in bulk, you can save money in the long run.
Use Coupons and Deals
You can save money on painting your rims by using coupons and deals. Many auto stores and hardware stores offer discounts on supplies like paint, primer, and sandpaper. You can also find deals on online retailers like Amazon.
Compare Prices
If you plan to have your rims professionally painted, it’s important to compare prices between different shops. Prices can vary widely, and by taking the time to compare prices, you can find a shop that offers a fair price for the work you need done.
Choose a Simpler Paint Job
If you’re looking to save money on painting your rims, you may want to choose a simpler paint job. For example, a solid color may be less expensive than a multi-color design. Similarly, a matte finish may be less expensive than a high-gloss finish.
Consider Alternatives
If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider alternatives to painting your rims. For example, you can purchase rim wraps or wheel skins that can give your rims a new look without the cost of painting. You can also look into plasti-dipping your rims, which is a more affordable alternative to painting.
Conclusion
The cost of getting your rims painted can vary widely depending on various factors such as the size, material, and condition of your wheels, as well as whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional.
With careful consideration of your options and a little research, you can find a cost-effective way to upgrade the look of your car.
