[1chanc3]

My buddy has a diamond graphite FX35. He wants to get his wheels powder coated. They are stock FX35 20" wheels.

He has narrowed it down to black color. He wants more opinions on whether to go matte black or gloss black. What are your thoughts?

[KingOfJericho]

We had one the same color with the same wheels. You have to be VERY careful when modding that car because it comes out of the factory on the cusp of looking "hood" so literally the first cosmetic mod pushes it over the ghetto edge. My advice is neither. It's a great looking car from the factory...

[Sandye90m3]

Gloss black, is more classy. Matte to me, sounds cheap and anyone can do it with the plastidip or spray cans.

Think about it, manufacturers do offer black rims as an option, and all of them use gloss black (I think lol). I've just never seen an OEM matte black rims.

[Inspired]

Gloss looks better than Matte IMO.

[TSM330i]

Be careful with powder coating. If the powder coater doesn't use the proper material, they'll have to bake the wheels at too high a temperature and it can weaken the aluminum and make them more prone to failure.

If you powder coat a BBS, Volk or Advan wheel, it will void your warranty.
I remember there was a thread about this and HRE and ADV1 both chimed in to say that they use a special, low heat powder coating so it doesn't affect the strength of the rim.

[Red Bread]

Less of an issue with heavier OE wheels. I had my M Coupe wheels powder coated and tracked the bejesus out of that car with no issues. Given the temp readings from lasers on track wheels, I'm inclined to call shenanigans on this anyway.

But gloss black over matte. Something like bronze would be my choice.

[secretsquirrel]

Gloss is better. Gray cars can sometimes look crappy with dark wheels by default and shiny wheels will look better on it (and give it more contrast) than matte.

[Sniz]

neither, is there a selection for that?

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Less of an issue with heavier OE wheels. I had my M Coupe wheels powder coated and tracked the bejesus out of that car with no issues. Given the temp readings from lasers on track wheels, I'm inclined to call shenanigans on this anyway.

But gloss black over matte. Something like bronze would be my choice.

I understand that you didn't have any issues with your wheels, but the fact is that is does affect strength.
BBS, Volk and Advan are all major manufacturers of wheels and will void the warranty if you powder coat their wheels.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by TSM330i

I understand that you didn't have any issues with your wheels, but the fact is that is does affect strength.
BBS, Volk and Advan are all major manufacturers of wheels and will void the warranty if you powder coat their wheels.

I think it's more complicated than that. Do those same manufacturers void warranties for track use? I've seen wheel spoke temps higher than powdercoat cure temps at the track.

I'd guess it has more to do with the manufacturers lack of control over the process, specifically around keeping the mounting points properly taped, the edge of the rim clean, etc.

Temp is an easy scapegoat, and a shoddy powdercoat job is a valid risk, but I know plenty of track rats with pc'ed wheels and none have had issues.

It's a risk, sure, but not the holy shit freak out event some folks would have you believe.

[NickyC]

ITS THE INTERNET POWDERCOAT ALL GONNA DIIIIIIEEEEE Aaaaaaaieeee

[Proper Motion LLC]

If your friend is interested, i do powder coating in 562 area code. www.paintmywheels.com

[Inspired]

What is your price?