Alloys before :
Well... Here goes a lil something.
The Stuff you need or rather the stuff I had
Alloys
Degreaser/ Soapy Water
Brush to clean the alloys thoroughly
Cloth/ towel to speed up the drying process
Assorted Wet and Dry
Primer
Filler
Spray Paint
Lacquer
Sanding Block
Air Mask
Masking Tape
Newspapers
Drill + Sanding bit
Fan
Fan Heather
Pressure washer
Step 1: Clean the Surface area thoroughly, i used Degreaser as 1 of my cv boots had a rip and the inside of the rim was dirty. Jetwashed and Degreased all four alloys.
2: Use the Cloth or towel to dry them before cleaning them again (2nd clean is optional. Only did it as mine needed it).
3: Use the Wet and Dry to get the Old paint/Lacquer off and to create a surface coarse enough for primer to stick to.
I started by using 240 then 600 then finally 800.
My Process was as follow: Sand down with 240 then a quick Jetwash, Dry with cloth then Sand down again with 600- Jetwash and
Dry with Cloth, then sand down with 800 - Jetwash then dry with cloth or towel to speed things up a bit
4:Mix the Filler and supplied hardener accordingly. And start filling. but beware not to overplaster the alloy as this will lead to more work later on, You want the filler to cover it up not overwhelm it.
5: Wait for it to dry
6: Sand with 240 (600 recommended), Clean it up (blow to remove dust or jetwash in my case) then use 600, Clean it up again then use 800 until the surfcase is nice and flush. If you have a sander- happy days!! i didnt so had to improvise. then the final Clean up.
7: Mask up well. Preparation is everything!!!
this step took forever as i wanted to keep the gunmetal grey insides and just paint the "face" of the allloy. I shall change the color of the insides later to a magical colour1
8:If its a cold day, heat up your spray paint while shaking or heat up and then shake to minimize big drops and uneven spray.
Start by applying an even layer of primer and wait for it to dry. Apply a second coat making sure you cover everywhere (on the alloy!) and a Third coat just to make sure.
9: Wait for this to dry and now you can do your Underlay in color. I chose Glossy Black.
10: Spray carefully from a distance of about 10inches or so and in light layers, you dont want to have any Runs in paint at this stage as that will be a nuisance to correct. do not point, paint and stare. Keep the paint moving for an even finish.
11: Wait for this 1st layer to dry or use a heater to speed up the process, then apply the 2nd and 3rd layer in the same fashion until you have a nice, satisfied grin on your face.
12: Either leave them to dry for 30mins or overnight then:
Use a fine 1200 grit paper and just coarsen up the surface slightly in order to prepare it for the lacquer.
13: Spay Lacquer again in a careful controlled manner, in even layers and build them up accordingly allowing it to dry inbetween sprays.
