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I bought some new wheel covers recently and noticed the wheels have rust where the factory wheel covers left them exposed. What's the best way to go about cleaning them up so rust is not visible through the new covers. I'm thinking of taking off the covers, washing down the wheels, applying CLR or similar product, and sanding down the entire wheel. Then possibly priming and spray painting over them with black spray paint with a clear coat to finish it off. Anyone have a similar issue or know the best product or procedure of doing this?

My son's 06 Vibe wheels are doing the same, so I bought the 17" Vibe alloy optional wheels to solve the problem!But if you want to repaint them, you are on the right track. I don't think you need to bother with the CLR since it is just surface rust. Just clean them, sand them down to scuff up the finish, hit them with some auto primer, then use some flat black paint on top. You could do the satin or gloss black if you wanted to, but I don't think you need any clear or anything. I would use auto paint simply because of the heat from the brakes, you can find it at the auto parts places.Good luck!

To do it right you'd use automotive paint with a hardener in it. This is most often done at an auto body shop. It will give you the most durable and long lasting finish.Going the way you plan, will work but have a relatively short life. Know that most paint out of a spray can is only of mediocre quality and will be easily affected by spilled gas and various chemicals found on the roads as you drive. Even the wheel cleaners you use to remove brake dust will eat away at your paint.Also, take off the wheel from the car, you're going to find that the side that is in, away from your vision, is just as rusty as the outside surfaces.I have the same rust issues on my 07 and plan to repaint them this summer. I have the proper equipment so I plan on removing mine, sand blasting them, applying an epoxy auto primer and then painting them with a quality auto finishing paint.Dave

I used DupliColor satin black and clear coat on the steel wheels on my former Sunfire SE Sedan. The paint held up well, looked great and was easy to apply.When we are ready for new winter tires, I am going to have the steel wheels for both our Vibes powder coated. Powder coating is another good option for wheels as well. It's relatively cheap and offers great protection.

Thanks for the tips! Can that Duplicolor stuff be found at an Autozone or Wal-Mart? Any brands I should look for or steer clear of? I'll skip the clear coat idea since it will mostly be out of view by my wheel covers and try to find an automotive paint that will hold up for the long term.

Quote, originally posted by chadhgraves »Thanks for the tips! Can that Duplicolor stuff be found at an Autozone or Wal-Mart?You're very welcome !Yes, you should be able to find it at Auto Zone.

chadhgraves wrote:I bought some new wheel covers recently and noticed the wheels have rust where the factory wheel covers left them exposed. What's the best way to go about cleaning them up so rust is not visible through the new covers. I'm thinking of taking off the covers, washing down the wheels, applying CLR or similar product, and sanding down the entire wheel. Then possibly priming and spray painting over them with black spray paint with a clear coat to finish it off. Anyone have a similar issue or know the best product or procedure of doing this?

try taking the surface rust off with 000 steel wool that you buy at the hardware store and it will not scratch the chrome. If you have steel wheels then you should sand blast them first then use prime and then paint them. I hope my auto maintenance tips would help you out. good luck

I'd try when you wash them, using steel wool to get some of the rust off.
It may save you loads of time sanding

I have had great success using Simple Green and a tooth brush for light rust, or a brass brush for heavier rust. Then I'd paint as noted above. Did this with some wheels and they looked brand new again.