Clear powder coat vs traditional clear coat

[sus195]

Hey everyone, I`ve recently purchased a new set of 5zigen FN01R-C wheels. I`m planning on putting them on for summer tires.



My problem is that it has a polished face but the inside well and sides of the spoke aren`t polished, they are textured- slightly rough. I can already imagine the brake dust being a problem unless I somehow religiously apply sealant/wax on them.



What are some of your opinions on clear powder coating vs a clear coat spray on these wheels? What would be the average costs of each? Would it be worth the hassle and would it even help? I`m not going for aesthetics rather an easier method of cleaning and protection for the wheels.



Thanks!

[togwt]

If you use a clear coating type product (Opti-Cat, Aquartz, etc) you will not alter the asthetics but still have a surface that brake dust can easily be removed from

[wascallyrabbit]

any competent painter working in the automotive field should be able to spray a clear coat on them. powder coating is a not harder but requires heat to cure the finish. powder coating isn`t done at most places, you would probably have to send them out for it. with proper maintenance from the beginning i wouldn`t think you have any real problems keeping the wheels looking good. i would start off with just regular washings then if that wasn`t working i would look in to getting the wheels clear coated.

[mikenap]

Both above are good answers. The only thing I have to add is that you have great taste in wheels!

[sus195]

Thanks for the recommendations, I`ll have to look into the costs of each.



If I left them as they are, I know that it would require a significant effort to clean due to the matte-like finish. Even if protected I would only be able to use a spray sealant (like Opti-seal) on them since I wouldn`t be able to just wipe off the wax.



and thanks mike- the rims are nice and light cast alu 18x7.5 @ 18.5 lbs! cant wait to put them on

[Accumulator]

sus195- Hey, those *are* nice looking wheels!



As noted, no biggie keepng them nice. I have wheels with texture and it`s juts not a big deal unless you *really* neglect them. And if you OptiCoat them, I bet that even pretty awful neglect wouldn`t be a much of an issue.



That`s what I`d do, hands-down- OptiCoat. Easy to do and you won`t believe how they clean up (I was utterly astounded and FWIW, I was prepared/predisposed to think the stuff wasn`t all that great).



But get the tires mounted first.

[sus195]

wow thats interesting, I have not come across Opticoat before and did not even consider it.



"Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 is a permanent coating that protects automotive paint over its lifetime! Unlike a wax or sealant, Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 will not wash or wear off. It acts as a second layer of clear coat which provides increased protection against the elements.



It certainly seems promising...and it might just be the easiest/cost effective route



If I`m considering permanent sealants, what would you think about CarPro Cquartz Ceramic Quartz Paint Protection? I have heard of this product but haven`t had any experience with it.

[mikenap]

wow thats interesting, I have not come across Opticoat before and did not even consider it.



"Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 is a permanent coating that protects automotive paint over its lifetime! Unlike a wax or sealant, Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 will not wash or wear off. It acts as a second layer of clear coat which provides increased protection against the elements.



It certainly seems promising...and it might just be the easiest/cost effective route



If I`m considering permanent sealants, what would you think about CarPro Cquartz Ceramic Quartz Paint Protection? I have heard of this product but haven`t had any experience with it.

OptiCoat will outlast Cquartz............by a lot.

[C. Charles Hahn]

I have to concur with the others here; Opti-Coat is the best choice by far for protecting those new wheels.

[SpoolinNoMore]

As if it needs any more mention, Opti-Coat is the solution to your problem. For the cost of a syringe of OC2.0, you`d save over having someone spray them with a layer of clearcoat plus you`d have enough left over to do another couple sets of wheels or do your vehicle as well.

[sus195]

Thanks for all the great input! I`ll be ordering some Opti-Coat and i`ll update you all on the progress

[Accumulator]

sus195- I`ll look forward to your report, especially after you`ve lived with the coated wheels for a while. For the first few weeks/months I was kinda unimpressed, then I started letting them get really nasty and gee...they cleaned up sooo easily and looked just-done. Finally dawned on me that they looked swell with virtually zero effort on the upkeep.

[David Fermani]

I`d Opti-Coat them after I have them powercoated. Win-Win! PCing is about $300-400.

[sus195]

Hello everyone!

So it`s been roughly a month since i`ve purchased the opti-coat 2.0 and applied them to my wheels. In total I`ve used about 1/4 of the 20ml syringe about (5ml), I applied very thin layers multiple times letting it dry for hours if not a day in between. Application was fairly easy, high spots were immediately leveled off and it didn`t show on the texturized surface.



I cleaned the wheels recently and I was impressed. Paired with P21s wheel cleaner and speed brush I don`t foresee any challenges ahead. Here are some pics of the application and a video of me washing (check out the beading action!)



Opti-Coat 2.0 on wheel update - YouTube

[Accumulator]

sus195- Glad you like it..thought you might, just coated another set of my wheels the other day.



Did you coat `em before having the tires mounted? Did the mounting damage the coating along the edges of the rims any?