Wheel Painting issues

[jlarocque]

I wanted to paint my steelies on my 00 ranger so I bought self etching primer and satin wheel paint. I prepped everything by degreasing sanding rinsing washing and wiping down with rubbing alcohol, applied the primer, followed manufactures instruction, tried to apply paint following instructions and this happened. Why did this happen and how can I fix it?

 

[Mark_88]

Humidity?

Someone posted an excellent article on painting things (general) and I did not realize that humidity (among others) can affect the outcome...dramatically!

If you are not living in Arizona or some other arid area then it could be responsible. There are other things...like painting outside on a windy day near a dusty road...or just a bad can or two of paint.

There are people who would actually pay big money for that effect though...

 

[jlarocque]

Im In Fl so humidity definitely could be the culprit. Bummer its hard to get a florida summer day without humidity. Any tips?

 

[Mark_88]

If possible, paint them in your basement with a dehumidifier running (remember to empty the bucket... ) and let them sit there until they dry.

Applying the paint too soon after cleaning them with alcohol might have an effect too...but check the finish on the primer before you apply the paint. If the primer is bubbling then the paint will just enhance the effect.

These are steel rims and there are a number of paints that can be used on the primer...but make sure the primer is good for the type of paint you use. Some are very specific so it's best to stick with the same brand name of paint that made the primer...then you can go after them for a refund if it doesn't work right...although that may be more pain that it's worth.

 

[jlarocque]

Well don't have a basement. But ill have to figure something out I guess. Thanks anyway.

 

[JoshT]

Humidity could be a big part of it.

Another possibility is heat. I live in central GA, and weather isn't a whole lot different that what you get down there. I've tried painting things in the summer before and had issues with the paint trying to dry before it hits the object. It gave a very similar look to what you have there.

And last, but certainly not least, incompatible paints. Did you fully remove the original paint before priming and painting or did you just scuff the old paint good first? It may be that the primer or paint isn't reacting well with the original paint. Personally I think that humidity and heat is the bigger issue.

Regardless of the cause I would say that the cure is the same... start over. It sucks, but the best way to fix that is removing the offending coat of paint and start over. If they were mine I would probably find someone in the area to sand blast them and start from a clean metal surface, of course if they were mine I'd probably also have them powder coated instead of trying to repaint. If you want to try painting them yourself again check into building a temporary paint booth since you don't have a place indoors to do it, Google will give lots of ideas for how to make one.

 

[SenorNoob]

One of the fenders on my dad's car looks like that. I think the paint was old cause it came out of the can that way. I had the same thing with my caliper brackets...

 

[Mark_88]

I just finished prime painting my seat tracks and they came out horrible...I'm pretty sure that was a bad (old) can of primer, but I'm not going to bother with it...the paint will smooth it out and unless someone is really fussy I doubt anyone will even notice...

 

[drsvox]

I think your problem may have been the rubbing alcohol. not knowing how long you waited for it to evaporate, probably wasn't long enough, got trapped under the primer and/or paint, and caused it to bubble...may also have reacted with whatever solvent the primer/paint was mixed with.

I would sand down, blow w/ compressed air, wipe or spray clean with something that flashes quicker...I use denatured alcohol, sometimes even brake cleaner. then blow it again w/ compressed air or force evaporation with a heat gun.

 

[lvwill]

looks a lot like over spray. try a little less pressure and move the gun closer to the work so you get a nice wet coat.

 

[Newaukum]

Looks like rustoleum hammered effect paint