The Complete Guide to Painting Steelies

In this video I show you how to completely repaint and restore your old rusty steel wheels to give them a new great look. I go through everything from prep work and rust removal to masking and painting techniques. This is a great home DIY project to make your old rims look great, and hold up to winter. I used Rustoleum Metallic Charcoal Stops Rust spray paint over Rustoleum automotive primer to get this great, shiny and smooth finish. The wheels are for my Volkswagen Rabbit. Recorded with a Canon t3i and edited in sony vegas. Thanks for watching!
Need paint for your wheels? Get it here! (Affiliate links for which I may be compensated)
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For additional content, check out www.cashedoutcars.com!

[@CashedOutCars]

Need paint for your wheels? Get it here! (Affiliate links for which I may be compensated) amzn.to/2icMwEq

[@jameseastwood4984]

I've done this a couple of times and I'd recommend deflating the tyre which opens up the gap between the tyre and the wheel. You can then paint further into the gap, then when the tyre inflates it covers the edge of the paint.

[@CashedOutCars]

That's a good tip, thanks!

[@BAMAMACLOWD]

I like that you actually remove the wheel weights

[@lunaindigo5258]

I paint for a living professionally and I find this video perfectly flawless..great job.

[@CashedOutCars]

+Allison Hines awesome, thanks for the feedback!

[@CashedOutCars]

+Mega Marowak early Miatas don't use clear coat at all

[@CashedOutCars]

+Mega Marowak correct but why would you clear coat a fender when the rest of the car isn't clear coated? It wouldn't match and it'd look silly

[@matthiaslittle4390]

luna indigo if you paint professionally you should know that you should always put clearcoat over raw paint to protect it and give it a good shine,I work with an professional car painter and I showed him this video and he said the same thing as I said,ALWAYS PUT CLEARCOAT NO MATTER WHAT.

[@CashedOutCars]

+Matthías Little thanks for sharing the video! It's not always about shine but if you'd like to clear coat what you paint go for it, this video is for single stage paint

[@MrAjd1982]

Little tip, instead of masking tape around the lip, use standard size note cards.

[@GeRaiDah]

When i painted my old car rims i had the car on jack stands and put the wheels on and had the car idling in 2nd gear while i painted, worked a treat

[@user-eg9wf4gq7i]

Nice! That beats the method I used: driving slowly with my wife running along side with a can of spray paint.

[@algypan]

That is ghetto 🤙🤙

[@elsey1976]

sounds like a robot version of ChrisFix.

[@fukeverybody3652]

ed elsey best comment ever

[@pontushaggstrom6261]

LOL YUP. wHO DID IT FIRST?

[@rhubarbpie2027]

This channel uploaded their video 13 days before ChrisFix, it's a shame this channel didn't get as much traffic as this one does a fine job of teaching.

[@stunyon]

@@rhubarbpie2027 yeah I agree but op is right he sounds like chrisfix

[@tannerwilson8459]

plot twist, it is chris fix

[@do_not_rotateyour_phone3957]

Put some colored lugnuts to add accent to your steelies.. it also adds 5hp

[@thomasarussellsr]

They look damned nice for steelies. Great job.

[@CashedOutCars]

Thank you!

[@bignormeister]

Great video, thanks man. Very solid, quality job. So refreshing to watch a KZbin video with no embellishments.

[@ryanegot6171]

I also have a 07 rabbit and I got rid of the Jetta rims that were on it before from the previous owner and went with the steelies. They look good on the car.

[@vilmfilm]

U killed a rabbit?

[@i_smack_rats757]

I have the exact car and im about to paint the rims on my snow tires 😂😂

[@andrewfarkas3435]

Thanks, now I completely know how to paint steelies!

[@tubedarren]

1:54 in and I’ve decided I’ll phone my powder coaters 😂

[@husky2117]

Great video! Easy alternative to buying aftermarket rims, thank you.

[@rayvenwulf935]

I work in a manufacturing warehouse where we paint and laminate.. And we also have a Woodworking shop and a metal shop.. When you spray.. You are supposed to start and finish each stroke off of the rim.. And never in heavy strokes that close.. To apply light coats.. You spray around a foot away and when you want to apply heavier coats.. Always a foot away and just do each stroke a bit slower to avoid runs and orange peel.

[@RamSharma-90_64]

Rayven Wulf thanks for the info

[@thomasbrooks1478]

Love this guy! Very straightforward, clear and no nonsense. Awesome!

[@CashedOutCars]

I appreciate that!

[@damontellegen3569]

You did a pretty good job thank you for the thorough explanation they look nice

[@CashedOutCars]

Thanks!

[@bobbyknoth6985]

Excellent job young man!!

[@tubularteddy3]

Great video. Very detailed. And I don't think you sound like a robot! You sound like you CARE!

[@CashedOutCars]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@geenotes1]

Or a robot that cares. Like Sonny from I, Robot.

[@djroach3237]

Looks super sweet!

[@CashedOutCars]

Thanks man!

[@moron95M3]

You can use playing cards wedged in the lip of the wheel for a quicker masking solution...works great.

[@andrewlukkuz369]

That's really smart bro

[@spyralspyder]

I blasted only the part you see through the hubcap.... It was dark and I just finished fan belt and brakes. I'm laaaaaazy... Also a huge fly got caught on my rim and I ground it in and sprayed over...

[@audibleadventures9004]

Flawless!

[@impulse9091]

very informational. i have a suggestion for rattlecanning though. when you paint start from off your subject and end off of subject so your ends dont get too much build up

[@CashedOutCars]

Good advice! That's what I try to do but for some parts on the large surface of the wheel that's difficult

[@Boatlife1964]

Really good guide and excellent results you achieved 👍

[@sun6v546]

U are the best instructor mate , Good on nyaaaaaa .................. :)

[@maachinimamaachinima]

I found your channel because of your DR350 video and I just have to say you must be the chrisfix of an alternate universe

[@scorpionwins6378]

I found it better to use an angle grinder on the surface to remove any rust. Just need to be careful not to contact the valve stem or the tire wall when doing it. The sandpaper should be the secondary step after angle grinding to smooth the entire surface out nicely. Also if you wedge index cards between the rim and the tire it forms an effective shield from overspray instead of having to use masking tape. But to each his own.

[@elobiretv]

Yeah this guy pretty much removed none of the rust, you can see it there when he's using a scotch pad on the wheel.

[@HiVizCamo]

That wax is a good idea (always is), nice upload.

[@CashedOutCars]

+bfjb70 sure is. Thanks!

[@colorado4521]

Good job! Thanks for the video.

[@ArchimedeanEye]

Outstanding video and great job on the wheels.

[@CashedOutCars]

+ArchimedeanEye thanks man!

[@jeffnations6649]

Those wheels are too nice to paint!

[@moodyjeep]

Nice Job Mate. Baz (uk).

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

Did a great job, came out looking factory.

[@CashedOutCars]

Thanks!

[@Mr.Moose5000]

Beautiful!!!!!! I will do this on my 04 accord

[@sethw997]

Last step: slap some closed end chrome lugnuts on there. Nothing like contrast (chrome bullet tip airstem)

[@CashedOutCars]

I agree that could be a great look!

[@barneymiller6204]

Nice job. Here are a couple of tips I would use. Use 3x5 index cards around the bead of the tire to be your first method of keeping paint off of the tires. Let some air out of the tire and tuck in the cards overlapping all the way around the rim. If you still want to mask it off it makes it easier and less tedious. Next, I would use etching primer on the wheel, this makes a most excellent surface for your final color coat.

[@grumpytuber]

Great video, thanks.

[@SouthwestORV]

Nice video dude! I may do this on our Crown Vic.

[@CashedOutCars]

Go for it! It makes a nice difference in look

[@DesertGeezers]

Clear instructions 👍👍

[@lightmcqueen95]

I will now do this same technique with my chasers for my Vp

[@shawnr741]

Just did this on my 2019 Elantra. Those plastic hubcaps looked horrible. The steelies look sharp

[@CashedOutCars]

Nice, enjoy em! I agree

[@AlysterGynn]

awesome job

[@dirtymushroom-hollybubba3796]

nice thorough job man... good-looking end product

[@CashedOutCars]

+dirty Mushroom - Holly Bubba thanks bud!

[@dirtymushroom-hollybubba3796]

CashedOutCars no prob

[@thersten]

interesting spray technique.

[@jehuhand8176]

When I painted my rims, I launched my car into orbit so that there would be less dust outside the Earth's atmosphere.

[@leoromeli7611]

To be fair i like the matte finish

[@stephenirwin2761]

Nicely done!

[@charredskeleton]

If you have the compressor you can make a sand blaster for 5$ youtube pop bottle sand blaster. Let the air out of the tires and "mask" with index cards.

[@leatherface2795]

nice paint job well done my friend

[@CashedOutCars]

Thank you very much!

[@colin5064]

In my experience you should de mask the painted wheels (before) the pain has dried, as this gives smoother paint edges Also use etch primer on steel wheels

[@jthet2001]

Would you use a primer sealer after the etch primer?

[@colin5064]

@@jthet2001 That would only be necessary if top coat or finish coat of paint is incompatible with the etch primer. Best to check this first with a test piece for any adverse reaction between the two paints.

[@johnf6267]

Awesome vid. Wonder what he’s up to these days?

[@CashedOutCars]

I'm still around!

[@smileyguyz]

No clear coat? It's worth it, it adds extra protection and gloss makes the wheels easy to clean.

[@CashedOutCars]

It's all personal preference, the process for clear coat would be the same. I personally like the bare paint, and after a winter of salt they still clean up super easily and haven't chipped or rusted.

[@cp111777]

Clear coat is smart idea

[@mpholerebolo2]

Nice one buddy

[@djs_projects_repairs]

Actually thinking of doing this and adding duplicolor colorshift just for the fun of it

[@somethingforeveryone4206]

Pro tip, instead of tape use a set of old playing cars. Slip one car overlapping the next in between the rim and the tire. Easiest way to do it with out removing the rubber.

[@bjbhehir]

Cash is pimping his ride!! Big Pimp'n!!!

[@CashedOutCars]

Hahahah budget pimping over here

[@catrevenger]

Good job mate!

[@JohnPooley-te9ei]

Nice1..Cashe & thank u

[@CashedOutCars]

You’re welcome!

[@sweejus17]

bro amazing job

[@theroyalcrownedtiger2946]

Great work.

[@sharronclark7485]

I was hoping to find an easier way! Did it this way once and it took foorreevverr!😏

[@brunoo5390]

If I’m going to paint a rim that’s still good It will look still good

[@botelloheritage12]

nice complete job 👍

[@CashedOutCars]

+botelloheritage12 thanks!

[@debbieforinger6771]

like a boss, kid, could be titled "How to make an instructional video"

[@CashedOutCars]

+Debbie Foringer I agree👍🏻

[@jimborambo958]

You sound like a 1940s news reel reporter from world war 2

[@dr.sorbitolmanitol3554]

greaat job !

[@ES350gitgapped]

Well mine look so bad that I think I'll just sand them, put index cards around the edge to mask off the tires, tape down some grocery bags or something, spray paint, and see what they look like. I'll spray on a clear coat if it's not too pathetic. Anything is better than what they look like now. I'll get some chrome center caps and pop those on.

[@dB-uv7wp]

Nice colour

[@bobgrob4]

Need center caps and be looking great

[@shahid8545]

Very informative bro. Thanks.

[@CashedOutCars]

Glad you enjoyed it! I'm working on another similar video on steelies now since I just painted another set

[@shahid8545]

CashedOutCars looking forward to it bud.

[@The_Joker_]

And there was this one time at band camp....

[@derrickmiller3562]

...I stuck a flute in my purple Volvo

[@willb3636]

What grit sandpaper did you use?

[@TheShamwari]

Excellent but what about the back side of the wheels, although never seen unless changing a tire they could be awfully rusty ??

[@rcharne]

If you are going to go through all the trouble to paint a steel wheel, just use POR-15. When people say it is a permanent product, it truly is permanent. And you can brush on the POR-15, and when it dries, you will have a nice gloss finish with no brush marks. And you won't have to worry about chips from stones or scraping curbs, as the POR-15 dries so hard.

[@CashedOutCars]

+rcharne I've heard good things about it! I haven't had any problems with normal paint like this either though, if it's done right it'll stick

[@snakeNP215]

Good job, too much work for some stock steelies for me lol

[@Ka3Ty]

From vintage vehicles to modern ones, there are a whole bunch of people like me that prefer the original steel rims over any possible after market rims. They not only look the best to me, but hold a better seal than any porous metals like aluminum.

[@brayanramirezpadilla9660]

Chris fix is that you?

[@musicislife2923]

How to paint from Inside ? Can you make a video on that as well

[@bjrn-erikmichalsen2825]

What kind of rust eater did you use?

[@medievalmusiclover]

Please tell me what kind of paint you recommend doing this job

[@MrEyad1990]

you sound exactly like chrisfix , but great video .

[@CashedOutCars]

+Eyad Jam haha I get that a lot, thanks!

[@jg726]

@@CashedOutCars How many cans of spray paint did it take for u to do all the wheels?

[@FhVW]

No clear coat? Nicely done paint job!

[@CashedOutCars]

I didn’t clear coat mine and they held up for years, but clear coat will add an extra layer of protection!

[@MrAjd1982]

Quality job right there. Plan to do this to my Explorer interceptor steelies.

[@CashedOutCars]

Thanks, enjoy your project!

[@MrAjd1982]

@@CashedOutCars What grit sandpaper did you use and any particular scuff pad?

[@masters40]

Nice job on the wheels. I went through the work of doing this last year on a set of winter wheels. In the middle of winter I ran my car through a car wash. After washing, I did a walk around and noticed the paint was coming off the wheels ONLY by the zinc wheel weights. So frustrating after all the work of prepping/painting! I'm wondering if the zinc wheel weights were acting as an anode. Has anyone else had this happen?

[@danieljanca]

Good question. Maybe adding a layer of fluid film / plastic coating spray to the wheel before applying the weights would help.

[@JMNTN]

You should do a clear coat, the paint will look bad over time without it

[@CashedOutCars]

You could use clear coat if you want, these same methods apply. It's been two winters and mine still look good but it's personal preference.

[@marcbruton836]

What was the point of removing the wheel weights if you were going to paint them anyway ?

[@chiefjoe8706]

Nice job. Why didn’t you use clear coat afterward?

[@CashedOutCars]

I liked the Matte look of the raw paint and ended up waxing them for a bit of protection

[@Lost_in_the_Blink]

do you need to paint steel wheels when you first get them? or only once they become worn?

[@DTGrosz]

Great video!---Question, I would use a drill will a wire brush to first remove rust & sand paper for wher I can't get in with the wire brush. I'm sixty and my hands just don't have the strength I used to - you don't use the power wire brush - any reason why?

[@CashedOutCars]

Thanks! You definitely could use a power wire brush, I just used the hand one to get in small areas and be as careful as possible.

[@Jayce.Raphael]

QUESTION : what do I do if I need to make a touch up on the wheel after I spray painted and applied clearcoat? I basically spray-painted my wheels and got my wheels rebalanced (new tires) and got new wheel weights put on. there’s steel showing where the old wheel weights were. Would I simply just spray paint and clearcoat that one area? Would I have to sand and respray the whole wheel?

[@CashedOutCars]

For a quick touch up, spray a bit of paint in a container and brush it on, followed by the same process with clear coat

[@Jayce.Raphael]

@@CashedOutCars Thankyou!

[@SpartanV295]

Is there any kind of cap I can put in the center ? I want to remove my wheel covers

[@sprintinvan8901]

Nice job. How long did you wait between coats?

[@CorbinBlanchardDesign]

Go by what it says on the can you're using - it will vary based on the paint you buy.

[@curvenut]

I would have removed the tire off the steel since between the steel and the tire, some rust may remain.

[@CashedOutCars]

You could do that, if you want to pay to dismount and remount tires. Also, when mounting the wheels there’s a high chance of them being nicked up anyway

[@silencilliste]

Why don't you protect the inside of the rims with tape and paper too?

[@billjones5178]

How much of a problem do I create if I do not mask off the rubber tire when painting black paint , rubber is also black! Does it hurt tire? Or is allowing overspray just look too tacky? Would be a lot easier? Also be easier if we demounted rubber tire, like at time when new tires r being installed!

[@CashedOutCars]

I wouldn't spray right onto the tire since the texture and color won't be the same! The risk of painting before they're mounted is it can get scratched while mounting, but most reputable and experienced shops should be able to do that no problem

[@isvaah]

Great video! Do you know where you got the silver center hubcap cover at 6:13?

[@rickyb007]

Would CLR work to remove the rust?

[@sarahivette7095]

Is there any product to avoid corrosion on a new one? What do you recommend for take care of them

[@vhfgamer]

If you want to avoid rust on new steelies, then make sure that road salt, debris, and mud get washed off at regular intervals. If you live in a state that doesn't salt the roads, you'll probably be fine for a very long time.

[@waitforjack]

You should make the tires shine too Make it all stand out from far away

[@CashedOutCars]

+Jack Mok I agree it'd look sweet, these are my winter beater wheels though😂shine and salt wouldn't mix well

[@davidm5963]

Looks great! I know this video is a few years old, but do you remember how many cans of primer/paint you went through? Was just one enough for all of the wheels?

[@CashedOutCars]

I believe it used about one can of primer and two or three of paint, I believe two though. It depends how many coats you go for!

[@emilecollin6927]

How much can of everything for four ?