Your car rims deserve the best wheel paint. Giving your hubcaps a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest way to customize a car but also something that easily shows imperfections.
If you’re not looking to use aerosol cans and want a professional finish, you need to know what kind of paint sprayer to use. In this case, you want to look into the best plasti-dip spray guns and the best HVLP paint sprayers depending on the type of vehicle wheels.
You also need the right paint for a uniform finish. Some choose spray paints for plastic surfaces but plasti-dip is another good option for automotive use – as long as you know how to clean a plasti-dip surface.
Best Wheel Paint for Rims [Our Top 5 Reviews]
As you would expect from Paint Sprayer Guide, we have put together a list of the best wheel paint products available today. Read on for our top 5 recommendations for automotive spray paint for rims that give the best coverage with the least blemishes.
Best Complete Set: DupliColor Scratch Fix All-In-1 Touch Up
Do your chrome wheels need some work done but all the different types of wheel paint confuse you? Get everything you need in a single package with this Duplicolor all-in-1 tool kit.
The pack of 6 spray paint cans features an abrasive prep tip, exact color match paint and a clear coat. That means you get all the three required spray paint layers in one handy package.
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When choosing the right spray paint for rims it is important to use spray paint from the same line. This ensures that every layer perfectly compliments each other for the most professional finish.
This specific set is for a black wheelset but there are other colors available. Besides black wheel paint, this all-in-1 scratch fix is also available in a clear coat and other metallic finish colors.
Each of the layers is dry to the touch in 30 minutes and you can freely handle the wheel after just 1 hour. The waiting time between getting the first base coat on and the final finish is what makes painting wheels a long process so this shorter waiting time is a great advantage.
Another reason why this is one of the best wheel paint options is that it is designed for high-performance cars. In other words, the wheel paint is suitable for high temperatures, is weather-resistant and does not damage easily from dust or debris.
Get the most protection for your wheel coats with this Duplicolor set. It is the best rim paint for cars that have to handle rough weather conditions.
What We Liked
- Includes all required coats
- Resistant to corrosion and other damage
- Quick dry paint
- High gloss durable finish
Best Color Matched: Dupli-Color Universal Chrome Perfect Match
This Duplicolor acrylic lacquer aerosol paint is great value for money. It offers professional-looking results at a DIY price.
Good wheel paint has a color that is made to perfectly match with the factory paint surface underneath. That is exactly what you can expect from this paint for wheels.
You get great coverage when painting rims with this spray can design. It has a 360 degree nozzle which lets you cover a wide surface area in less time.
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Another smart reason for choosing this Duplicolor product is the fast drying time. The aerosol paint dries in less than an hour which reduces the chances of runny paint and other imperfections.
A wide range of colors is on offer but if you are focusing on the best wheel paint color just stick to the Universal Chrome. That is the most common color for most car models.
The manufacturer recommends applying this acrylic lacquer paint directly over the factory finish or as the main coats after the Duplicolor Perfect Match Primer. For an extra high gloss finish, complete the wheel paint with the Duplicolor Perfect Match Clear Coat.
One can contains just over 11 ounces which is perfect for touch-ups. However, storing it is not ideal since the cap is prone to clog up.
What We Liked
- Great match for chrome on most car models
- 360 degree nozzle
- Covers wide area
- Affordable
Best High Heat Coating: VHT Gloss Wheel Paint Can
High heat resistance is one of the most important features for wheel paint. This VHT product is the one to bet on when you are looking for wheel paint that is the most resistant to high temperatures.
This polyurethane paint can handle temperatures as high as 250 degrees Fahrenheit at intermittent intervals. That is more than enough for most average car uses.
In combination with the primer color paint, clear coat and a curing process, this glossy paint can resist even higher temperatures. Using the correct method, this VHT wheel paint is capable of handling as high as 900 degrees celsius.
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You would think that such as high-performance black wheel paint takes a long time to apply but it doesn’t. Just like most other automotive spray paints it only takes 30 minutes to dry to the touch but should be left overnight before handling.
VHT recommends this product for aluminum wheels, steel wheels, wheel covers and steel caps. Note that plastic materials is not included on this list of recommended materials.
Is this your first time applying wheel paint yourself? The product designers kept in mind the needs of DIY-ers and made sure there are clear instructions on every spray paint can.
Take care of your wheels with this high-performance spray paint. Thanks to the handy instructions this is an automotive paint job that you can handle.
What We Liked
- Spray paint instructions on can
- Incredibly resistant to heat
- Protects rims from small damage
Best In-Between Finish: Plastikote Semi-Gloss Black Wheel Paint
A high gloss finish is often recommended to get the same shine as when it came out of the factory. But, what if you want your car to be more original?
If you are looking for spray paint that delivers a coat somewhere in between a matte finish and high gloss, this is the best spray paint for you. This is an automotive grade spray paint that is resistant to minor damage such as tarnish and rust.
You can use this same paint for grills and auto trim making it a versatile piece of equipment for in your garage. It is a long lasting finish that won’t get affected by chips or corrosion easily.
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Before applying this spray paint for rims, you want to start with a proper wheel cleaner. The cleaner the surface, the better the paint adheres and you may not even need a base coat if done properly (be sure to wear eye protection when using any type of paint stripper).
One customer complaint is that you have to know how to hold the spray can correctly. You might risk overspray if you don’t which is a waste of paint.
This particular product is only available in black so make sure it matches your rims. You don’t want your wheels to be mismatching after applying this coating.
What We Liked
- Primer & finish not required if applied properly
- Offers long lasting protection
Best Plasti Dip: Performix Multi-Purpose Rubber Coating Aerosol
Plasti dip is one of the most popular paint materials for automotive purposes because it offers a long-lasting waterproof layer. It is a great choice for your wheels and car that delivers protection from the elements for a long time. It can be applied with a Plasti Dip spray gun, or bought in aerosol form.
Plasti dip is rubber-based so it, unlike any other paint materials, is safe for use on your wheels because it is weather resistant and resistant to abrasion, corrosion, acids, and moisture.
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If you have never used plasti dip as a rim paint, you may want to look into the correct methods and tools to use. Overspray is an issue with plasti dip and you also need more time for drying in between each coat.
Just because it is based on rubber does not mean that the coats are thicker. In fact, when working with plasti dip it is necessary to plan in at least 3 separate coats for the best spray paint results.
One of the benefits of using plasti dip on your wheels is that it is relatively easy to remove again. This means that you can remove the paint if your first few tries did not turn out so well.
In that respect, plasti dip is one of the most forgiving materials you can use as a wheel spray paint. It is a smart choice for DIY-ers that are new to automotive painting.
What We Liked
- Can be removed if the final result is unsatisfactory
- Protects wheels from all kinds of damage
- Matte finish
Wheel Paint Buying Guide
Finding the best wheel paint requires answering the following questions.
What Kind of Finish Do You Want?
The three main kinds of wheel paint finish are matte, glossy and semi-matte. Most factory paints are glossy which is why they come out the showroom looking so shiny.
If you are simply fixing scratches or other damage on the wheels, you want to match both the shine and the color. Even a slight difference in the sheen or shade can become an eyesore.
However, if you want your car to have a fresh new look you can paint the wheels any finish or shade your wish. Just check that the spray paint that you buy provides full coverage.
2: What Kind of Resistance and Protection Does It Need?
You can’t use any regular paint as wheel paint. The paint material needs to be durable and long-lasting because your car wheels go through quite some heavy use.
You need to make sure that the paint does not get damaged by a high intermittent temperature, debris nor the weather elements. You want paint that waterproof and doesn’t scratch or peel off easily.
This is why you want to buy a good quality wheel paint and not just any product that is on sale. Yes, it is the more affordable option regardless but the cost does add up if you have to keep reworking your rims.
3: How Do I Match the Color
As mentioned, for touch-up jobs you want the color to match perfectly. There is a chance that you can find the exact color code in the car manual.
Alternatively, check the description on the spray can. Some brands will mention which specific models the product matches.
If you are in doubt about a color, go with the lighter shade. You can always add more coatings to add depth and darkness but you can’t make it lighter by adding extra coatings.
Frequently Asked Questions
I often get asked the same questions so to save you some time, here are some answers to the most common questions.
Can I Paint My Wheels?
Yes, painting wheels is easy enough for a DIY project. It doesn’t take too much mechanical knowledge, just a steady hand and understanding of materials.
Buy the best spray paint for the material of your wheels making sure it is weather-resistant, waterproof, heat resistant and durable. Watch tutorial videos on how to paint wheels properly and follow the instructions on the spray cans.
Is Painting Wheel a Good Idea?
Painting wheels is much more affordable than completely replacing the rims and hubcap. It gives your car a fresh new look and also helps cover some of the damage it has suffered over the years.
However, the result depends on your technique and materials. Make sure you use the best paint for rims for the most professional-looking results on a DIY budget.
What Is the Best Paint for Aluminum Rims?
Paint does not stick to aluminum very well so painting aluminum rims requires a little more prep work compared to other materials. The best method is to thoroughly clean the wheels and then use an etching primer before applying several coats of wheel paint until you get the desired color.
