After you install your lift kit, one of the first things you’re likely going to want to do next – if not at the same time – is upgrade your wheels. Big off-road tires wrapped around larger wheels are a staple within the community, but it’s important when you choose your custom wheels that you’re getting something that will be protected from the environments you’ll be driving through.
All wheels take a beating from the elements, terrain and time, and taking your vehicle off-road exacerbates that wear and tear. So it’s crucial to choose the right finishing process, so today we’re doing a unique durability showdown. We’re going to give you the rundown on both sandblasting and powder-coating, to highlight the advantages of wheels that have both instead of just sandblasting.
Sandblasting: Resetting the Canvas
The essential first step when painting a set of wheels, way before any flashy finish gets applied, is to strip everything down. That’s where sandblasting comes in, a process that utilizes high-pressure abrasive materials like sand or glass beads to remove old paint, corrosion and any surface grime. It’s an important process that doesn’t just clean the wheel, but preps the surface for strong adhesion. In other words, it’s a great way to enhance the durability of your wheels and their paint.
Here are a few reasons why sandblasting is such an important first step, and why any wheels you purchase or decide to customize on your own should be sandblasted:
- If purchasing and/or customizing pre-owned wheels, sandblasting can reveal hidden damage such as rust, cracks or pitting, helping you decide if they’re worth doing anything more to.
- As mentioned, sandblasting can help to ensure proper adhesion, as coating will always stick best to a clean, etched surface. Without taking this step, your paint might peel, flake or bubble.
- Though not a benefit, it’s also important to note that different types of wheels require different sandblasting methods, so make sure you’re using the right process for your steel, aluminum or alloy wheels.
Powder-Coating: Finishing With Fortitude
Now it’s time to move on to the finish, for which we’ve picked one of our favorites to highlight. Unlike traditional wet paint, powder-coating uses electrostatic charge to adhere dry pigment to your wheels, followed by heat curing to create a tough, seamless steel. Powder-coating doesn’t just create a truly stunning aesthetic for your wheels, it’s built for unmatched endurance. Here are some of its benefits:
- Thanks to its scratch and chip resistance, it’s ideal for all manner of vehicles, from daily drivers to off-road rigs.
- Powder-coating also protects your wheels against fading, brake dust and road salts thanks to UV and chemical protection.
- Lastly, you can choose almost any kind of custom color, from a matte black aesthetic to a neon orange pop to the shine of a gloss white. The possibilities might truly be endless.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Now hopefully we’ve at least convinced you that sandblasting is key in the customization of your wheels, or the wheels that you choose, but we’ve put together the following table to also highlight all of the extra benefits you get from the addition of powder-coating.
| Feature | Sandblasting Only | Sandblasting & Powder-Coating |
| Rust Removal | Excellent | Excellent |
| Finish Protection | Preemptive | Excellent |
| Chip & Scratch Resistance | N/A | Excellent |
| Custom Appearance | N/A | Infinite |
| Long-Term Durability | Preemptive | Excellent |
Get Sandblasted & Powder-Coated Wheels at Glover Customs
Whether you’re looking to customize a set of pre-purchased wheels or you’re looking to purchase an already-finished set, we’ve got you covered right here at Glover Customs. We partner with a ton of great wheel manufacturers, so we can help you find the perfect set to fit your rig. Alternatively, our expert technicians are ready and willing to turn your old wheels into something magnificent. In either event, we can ensure that your new wheels are sandblasted and powder-coated. Just give us a call to get to work whenever you’re ready!