Due to their vulnerable proximity to the road, wheels are exposed to dirt, rocks, and moisture, all of which can take their toll on the paint finish of the wheels. Wheels are also often driven into curbs and other obstacles, which can mar the finish. Some owners take matters into their own hands and repaint the wheels of their vehicles.
When it comes to painting wheels, there are a multitude of spray paints available at the local auto parts store for the do-it-yourself types. There are paints that are specifically designed for use on wheels, but there are also normal spray paints intended for a variety of uses. One such type is engine paint. Engine paint is formulated to provide a durable finish in the hot confines of an engine bay, which can cause normal paint to burn off much more quickly. Engine paint can be used on anything that can be painted with conventional spray paint.
The short answer to the question of whether you can paint your wheels with engine paint comes down to a simple answer, which is yes, you can. However, even glossy engine paint may not look as well as glossy wheel paint, particularly over time. There is usually a price difference between engine paint and wheel paint, with engine paint costing a few dollars less than wheel paint, which can run as much as six or seven dollars per can. Applying a few coats of clear spray paint over engine paint on a wheel will result in a superior look.
