I'm not the first (http://www.sr20deforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13275), but I recently painted my NX2000 wheels with gunmetal Dupli-color Wheel Paint, and the results aren't too bad:

http://www.ipa.net/~pmthomp/jimr/forums/azenis.jpg
This pic was taken as the sun was going down, so the lighting wasn't choice.

The rims are wearing the cartoonish 60-series Azenis I recently got for STS autocross duty. The awkward fender gap will go away once the 300/200 deal springs go on. Why paint? To punish the competition in style. ;)

Time: 15-20 hours of work (including wet-sanding). The primer was allowed to dry for a few days. The clearcoat went on right after the paint to prevent wrinkling, per the instructions.

Cost: $25 or so for primer, paint, clearcoat, sandpaper, etc. One spraycan of primer and paint barely got the job done on the rims alone. I didn't bother with the centercaps - they'd be useless for autocross and lapping use.

http://www.ipa.net/~pmthomp/jimr/forums/gunmetal.jpg

Though I was pleased with the final product, I can't suggest painting for everyone. If you're going to use your wheels on the street all the time, powdercoating would be a better choice. You trade price and color choices for durability.

Those look great. I am picking up a classic that needs some repairs and will probably buy some NX wheels to put on it. Thanks for the pics.

Very nice bro I like it alot!

Those look great! You've given me inspiration to paint mine. Did you sandblast them first or just sand? What kind of primer did you use?

TIA

Tim

I just wet-sanded. I took them up to my Dad's house to primer and paint them, and he saw them and said, "I could have to taken those to work and had them sandblasted." D'oh. NX2000 wheels are a compact seven-spoke design, making them a pain to sand and get full paint coverage because of all the crannies. B13 or B14 SE-R rims would be a lot easier.

(I'm thinking bare sandblasted metal with some clearcoat might look pretty good.)

I used a can of light grey Krylon automotive primer from Wal-Mart. Whatever primer you use, make sure to sand it smooth before you paint. A dark metallic paint magnifies rough spots.

I used tape and newspaper on the inside surface of the rims. It's a lot easier than trying to mask off everything from behind the spokes.

When you're all done, sand or scrape the edge where the lugs contact the wheel. If you don't, it will just clog up the work when the lugs try to seat on several layers of paint.

Those look pretty sweet there bro. Now you got me thinking of painting my B13 SE-R wheels gunmetal...:D

Originally posted by WaLdo98
Those look pretty sweet there bro. Now you got me thinking of painting my B13 SE-R wheels gunmetal...:D I'm getting the same idea...;)

Does or has anyone painted a set of the SE-R wheels gunmetal in the past?

i think those look great! Especially without the center cap.

na.. you suck.. only cause i payed for mine.. b14 se-r gunmetal.

180 hehe.. i know i know.. but its real powder coat. :D