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DIY: Matte Black Rims - $12 CHEAP~4 hours*, No Prep, No Fuss, Sex, 100% Reversible ,

134K views 336 replies 121 participants last post by  McDeshen 
#1 · (Edited)
So you always wanted matte black rims and regretted you got silver rims. or getting scratches on ur beloved rims...DON'T BE SAD. PROTECT IT!

before:



Parts needed:

jack
masking/painters tape
1 Spray Can of Black Plastidip Paint
- can be found at local hardware store. (got mine at ACE)
newspaper.

This is a 100% reversible process. Finish looks great. Its like spray on vinyl for your rims.
resists salt and snow. should last a year or so according to my buddies.

DO's: parking garage, nice 65-80 degrees, VENTILATED area, clean
Don't: windy, raining, outdoors (you dont want random **** to fly into your rim). ur room.

reversibility:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP_IKoxSgF4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLsu6TQPvq4

Step 1:
remove valve stem cap

step 2:
mask where the tire and rim meet. also mask the valve stem


step 3:
jack car up. remove tire/wheel. remove middle wheel cap.


step 4:
clean the rim with just water and towel (IMPORTANT). or go with degreaser to remove wheel wax.
Do not sand the rim or anything!!!!!!! This will make it easier to peel if you dont want it anymore. No other prep is needed cuz you want this to be reversible dont cha.

step 5:
spray the rim with a light coat using an ARC motion keep it moving smoothly. dont worry if you miss a bit you'll get it on the next coat. and wait 30 minutes. (you cant really mess up too badly . this stuff is pretty forgiving (compared to paint) if you spray too much. small bumps or imperfection will go away usually (within reason of course).



step 6:
spray rim 2nd coat till it looks wetish looking. wait 30 minutes.

step 7:
spray rim 3rd coat till it look wetish looking. make sure to get all spots near the tape. wait 30minutes

step 8:
remove all painters tape. spray missing spots lightly. wait 40.
dont worry if you accidently spray the tire a bit. it will blend in.... (only reason why you taped it in steps 5-7 was because a little will blend in while a lot will not.

step 9:
caution: if you mount it before 40 minutes. its not fully cured enough to be handled yet.

mount that sh1t



step 10: let it cure overnight or in the sun for a day in a garage environment. just to be safe.


PROS: temporary, no prep, great finish look (matte black)
CONS: temporary, rubbery feel (2 hours after last step), smells bad when you spray. NO NOT INHALE THIS B17CH. maybe i was a pu55y but i almost threw up when i accidentally forgot to hold my breath. DO IN OPEN VENTILATED AREA.
 
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#141 ·
I've 'Clear' Plasti dipped my tail lights. Here is the Final stage.







<hr><hr><b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> ( @ )( @ )<br>

<center>BMW <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> 323i <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Sedan</font><br /></center>
<div align="center"><img src="http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy188/sellsellsell2000/e46test.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<font size="1">OEM M-Tech II front & rear bumper <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Cluster Ring <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Grimace Fog Lights <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> DEPO corners <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> CCFL angel eye <br/>
330i Diff <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> REMUS Exhaust <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Heat Shield Cold Air Intake</font><br/>
<hr><hr>
</div>
 
#143 ·
:4ngie:

Is okay. I've used 'Clear' Plasti Dip, they are transparent NOT black. For the tint, i've used 'VHT Night Shade' to tint my tail lights. It is 100% reversible.

:D


<hr><hr><b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> ( @ )( @ )<br>

<center>BMW <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> 323i <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Sedan</font><br /></center>
<div align="center"><img src="http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy188/sellsellsell2000/e46test.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<font size="1">OEM M-Tech II front & rear bumper <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Cluster Ring <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Grimace Fog Lights <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> DEPO corners <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> CCFL angel eye <br/>
330i Diff <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> REMUS Exhaust <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Heat Shield Cold Air Intake</font><br/>
<hr><hr>
</div>
 
#145 · (Edited)
They look great. I was about to buy those smoked tail lights off ebay for $70.
Now i don't have to.

Best of all, it took 30 mins to complete. No prep, no fuss. Less effort, excellent results.

:woot:

<hr><hr><b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> ( @ )( @ )<br>

<center>BMW <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> 323i <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Sedan</font><br /></center>
<div align="center"><img src="http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy188/sellsellsell2000/e46test.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<font size="1">OEM M-Tech II front & rear bumper <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Cluster Ring <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Grimace Fog Lights <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> DEPO corners <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> CCFL angel eye <br/>
330i Diff <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> REMUS Exhaust <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Heat Shield Cold Air Intake</font><br/>
<hr><hr>
</div>
 
#146 ·
Be careful guys. Plasti dip is VERY sensitive!!!!!!

PErsonally I wouldnt do this because i have used plasti dip in previous vehicles interior and its SUCH a pain and I could NEVER clean it.
 
#154 · (Edited)
The 'Plasti Dip' are still on and holding strong.

Items I have used on:

1). Front Grill on my other car. That grill was so 'F' up and I couldn't get rid of the old paint on them. Please see link:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w202-c36-amg-c43-amg/1570979-diy-blk-plasti-dip-your-front.html

2). Rims on my e46.

3). Rim's wheel cap. I've used black 'Plasti Dip' for the color and CLEAR 'Plasti Dip to protect it. Please see link:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=827544

4). Smoked / Tint / Blackout Tail Lights using CLEAR 'Plasti Dip' as a base. Please see link:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=823543

5). Diffuser on my rear bumper

Before (these pix where taken when I got M Tech II bumper installed):









After:












The before pix where taken with a SLR. The after pix are taken with my camera phone.

Sorry for the poor quality on my camera phone.










<hr><hr><b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> ( @ )( @ )<br>

<center>BMW <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> 323i <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Sedan</font><br /></center>
<div align="center"><img src="http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy188/sellsellsell2000/e46test.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<font size="1">OEM M-Tech II front & rear bumper <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Cluster Ring <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Grimace Fog Lights <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> DEPO corners <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> CCFL angel eye <br/>
330i Diff <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> REMUS Exhaust <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Heat Shield Cold Air Intake</font><br/>
<hr><hr>
</div>
 
#153 · (Edited)
My experience with 'Plasti Dip' on my rims, I don't see any noticeable road rash after I covered them. At a glance you don't see them PERIOD; I have to look for them now.

As for cleaning, washing the 'Plasti Dip' covered rims; no cleaner(s) needed. I only use water hose to rinse them off. Bottom line is, you can't see dirt anymore after you cover your rims with 'Plasti Dip'. I usually go to my local car wash and uses their power wash and their soft brush. DO NOT go to those drive thru ones.

:thumbup:






<hr><hr><b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> ( @ )( @ )<br>

<center>BMW <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> 323i <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Sedan</font><br /></center>
<div align="center"><img src="http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy188/sellsellsell2000/e46test.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<font size="1">OEM M-Tech II front & rear bumper <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Cluster Ring <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Grimace Fog Lights <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> DEPO corners <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> CCFL angel eye <br/>
330i Diff <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> REMUS Exhaust <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Heat Shield Cold Air Intake</font><br/>
<hr><hr>
</div>
 
#159 · (Edited)
Need to redo my front sides and rear molding. They look really pale.

My rear molding looks really bad. Had to use old molding on my new rear bumper cause the after market didn't fit. :(

This is the old pix, but you can see how pale my moldings are.



Here are my recent pixs.






<hr><hr><b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> ( @ )( @ )<br>

<center>BMW <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> 323i <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Sedan</font><br /></center>
<div align="center"><img src="http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy188/sellsellsell2000/e46test.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<font size="1">OEM M-Tech II front & rear bumper <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Cluster Ring <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Grimace Fog Lights <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> DEPO corners <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> CCFL angel eye <br/>
330i Diff <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> REMUS Exhaust <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Heat Shield Cold Air Intake</font><br/>
<hr><hr>
</div>
 
#162 ·
im def doing this as soon as its nice outside!!!!
 
#166 ·
Wonder no more! :excited:

http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/1st-gen-car-care/49435-pjotsxs-diy-plasti-dip-chrome-trim.html

<hr><hr><b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> ( @ )( @ )<br>

<center>BMW <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> 323i <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Sedan</font><br /></center>
<div align="center"><img src="http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy188/sellsellsell2000/e46test.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<font size="1">OEM M-Tech II front & rear bumper <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Cluster Ring <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Grimace Fog Lights <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> DEPO corners <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> CCFL angel eye <br/>
330i Diff <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> REMUS Exhaust <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Heat Shield Cold Air Intake</font><br/>
<hr><hr>
</div>
 
#167 ·
This is even more crazy. The guy made his own diffuser.

http://www.srtforums.com/forums/f41/official-solar-yellow-srt-thread-7320/index48.html


<hr><hr><b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> ( @ )( @ )<br>

<center>BMW <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> 323i <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Sedan</font><br /></center>
<div align="center"><img src="http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy188/sellsellsell2000/e46test.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<font size="1">OEM M-Tech II front & rear bumper <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Cluster Ring <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Grimace Fog Lights <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> DEPO corners <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> CCFL angel eye <br/>
330i Diff <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> REMUS Exhaust <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Heat Shield Cold Air Intake</font><br/>
<hr><hr>
</div>
 
#172 ·
Try Lowe's, OSH, ACE, Home Depot.

Don't go online, but search online for their stores and call them one by one.

Good Luck.

<hr><hr><b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> ( @ )( @ )<br>

<center>BMW <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> 323i <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Sedan</font><br /></center>
<div align="center"><img src="http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy188/sellsellsell2000/e46test.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<font size="1">OEM M-Tech II front & rear bumper <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Cluster Ring <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Grimace Fog Lights <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> DEPO corners <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> CCFL angel eye <br/>
330i Diff <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> REMUS Exhaust <b><font color="yellow" size="2">/</font><font color="red" size="2">/</font><font color="black" size="2">/</font></b> Heat Shield Cold Air Intake</font><br/>
<hr><hr>
</div>
 
#174 ·
i have only seen black in my area. used this on my grills a year ago and never chipped or peeled. i recently repainted to give it a fresh new black though since after a year it dulled out a bit :p but ima try this on my wheels tomorrow and see whats up.
 
#175 ·
:woot: Found white at my local store for 14.99 :woot:

Gonna do these rims what do you guys think? Anybody wanna shop it for me? It is on order I have to wait till next friday.:banghead:

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Alloy wheel Personal luxury car
 
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