Aluminum rims are often cheaper than steel rims, and aluminum's light weight might also help you save money by increasing your fuel efficiency. But aluminum rims are also known for corroding along the tire bead (where the tire meets the wheel) until the tires slowly lose air and end up flat. One of the best ways to prevent this is by maintaining the clear coat on your aluminum rims. If the clear coat is showing signs of cracking or pitting, it may be time to remove the old coat and apply a new one.
Have a tire shop or auto mechanic remove the wheels from the car and then separate the tires from the rims.
Blast any dirt off of the rims with a garden hose. Follow up with a nylon brush to scrub away any dirt, then wipe the wheel dry with a rag.
Pour paint stripper into a spray bottle, using a funnel to protect against spills. Screw the top of the spray bottle firmly into place.
Spray the paint stripper onto the surface of the wheel and wait 15 minutes.
Moisten a steel wool pad in paint stripper and scrub the rim with it. Keep re-moistening the pad and scrubbing until you've scrubbed the entire wheel.
Rinse particles away from the wheel with a bucket or a garden hose.
Re-spray to paint stripper onto any remaining paint or clear coat. Let it sit for another 15 minutes, then scrub with the stripper-moistened steel wool again. Rinse. Repeat this step until the wheel is down to bare metal.
Buff the wheel with fine steel wool and liquid sandpaper.
Rub down the wheel with mineral spirits, then rinse it with a bucket of water or a garden hose to get rid of any remaining fine particles of paint.
Mix the catalyst and clear coat components of a catalyzed urethane clear coat paint like POR-15's Glisten PC. Re-cap the bottle and let it sit for an hour. While you are waiting, prep the wheels for painting by rubbing them down with isopropyl alcohol.
Brush the first coat of clear coat into place, taking care to cover the entire exterior surface of the wheel. Wait about three hours for the clear coat to get tacky, then add a second coat.
Let the wheel sit in a protected area until the paint has completely hardened. This may take as many as three or four days.
Have the tire shop or auto mechanic mount the tires on your aluminum rims again and install them on the car again.
