I Finally Used Up My Sunday To Paint My Alloys.

zazer · 28th February 2010, 02:42

It was a warm morning and as the sunlight made its way through the window my dreams started to fade and I slowly opened my eyes. It was a Sunday morning and my god this was the best day of the entire week, but unlike the millions of Sundays I wasted sleeping or watching TV today was going to be different. I wanted to do something productive and creative. Hmmm as I glanced down at my black mondeo parked below I knew at once how to use my Sunday. I was going to paint my alloys!

9:30 Finished brushing my teeth and just switched on the lappie.

10:00 Have searched all possible combinations to get a step by step guide on how to paint my alloys but to my dismay most of the articles ask me not to paint my alloys myself or they are too complicated. In the process I did go through an article by a fellow team-bhpian where in he described his experience painting his Ford Fusion alloys in detail (gave me the required confidence and a basic idea about the process).

10:30 Asked my girl if she would like to accompany me for a small ride. Soon both of us were off to small paint shops in and around Hebbal asking them for a can of paint.

11:00 After visiting over ten shops and hearing a series of NO`s I realized that the closest and the best place to buy paint cans is commercial street, so off we went to commercial.

11:30 We found the right place and I just got myself two cans of white (I wanted black but later decided to go with my girl`s choice of white) automotive paint for Rs 190 each. I also picked up a sheet of water proof 320 and 1000 emery paper and a masking tape costing Rs 50 and Rs 20 respectively. On the way back picked up a small bottle of Pril dish washing liquid.

12:00 Back home I started the first step i.e, removing the wheels. I had planned on doing one wheel at a time hence I started loosening the bolts of my front tyre but again to my dismay they won`t bulge this time the problem was with my ranch. I guess they were too worn out and hence it wasn’t holding the nuts firmly.

12:10 I decide to go ahead with my plans. So I drove my car to the nearest tyrewala and asked him to replace my front tyre with my stepney.

12:30 Though am back home terribly tired after running around in hot scorching sun but my enthusiasm keeps me going. It took me some time to lift the tyre to my first floor apartment but eventually I managed to get the tyre to my bathroom.

12:45 The tyre is thoroughly cleaned with pril using a toothbrush and scotch bright(a small rug used to clean utensils).

1:00 I am finally done rubbing the scratches and the uneven parts with the emery paper. I had to call my dad to know that the emery paper is used to even out the surface so that the paint sticks to it better. Well finally it was time to get the tyre back to my drawing room and cover its edges with newspaper and masking tape. I took some time out to cover the nozzle too.

1:10 The tyre is properly masked and am really hungry. I wait impatiently for the home delivery guy as my girl takes the liberty of shaking the paint can for me.

1:15 I decide to stop waiting for the food guy and get done with the first tyre. I make sure I switch off the fans and open my main door and then I slowly start to spray the white paint evenly over the alloys. Soon I realize my mistake. I was spraying it very close to the alloy as a result I had already used up 3/4th of the can and the paint layer was thick and uneven paint layers were very much visible. But as it dried up it started to look better. By the time I was done with my lunch, I was actually impressed with my work.

2:30 I decide to put the alloy back and start with the second one. So I run back to the tyre wala and ask him to replace the newly painted alloy and shift the stepney to the other side. On my way back I did see people giving me a weird look I guess it was because I was running a white alloy, a black stepney and two silver alloys.

4:45 I get done with the second wheel. This time I spray the paint from a distance and it works out to be just perfect. Though surprising but true this time I required only 1/4th of a can. It takes just a couple of minutes to dry. I run to the tyrewala to put the newly painted alloy back and get another alloy to work on.

6:30 I finish the third wheel

9:15 I get done with the fourth and the final wheel. I rush to the tyre wala to get it fixed. I reach him just in time. He gladly changed the fourth wheel for me and I finally put the black rim stepney where it belonged, in the boot.
9:30 I look at the car and am impressed

. My girl looks at the car and says I couldn’t have done it without her and asks me to thank her for choosing the white paint.

10:00 I am back home and I finally take a bath and magically transform back from a dirty mechanic to a much cleaner boy and as I have my dinner I wonder if I could have utilized my Sunday any better?

satheesh1909 · 28th February 2010, 03:29

Neat work man, the alloy looks cool in white

khan_sultan · 28th February 2010, 08:57

That's a nice way to spend a sunday. The work looks simple to read but can imagine the amount of hard work that goes into this.

PS: Just noticed that your alloy wheel may have some bends also.

zazer · 28th February 2010, 09:43

Thanks guys

. Khan yes I did see the bends I guess i will go and get them repaired sometime during the weekend.

gaddiwale · 28th February 2010, 13:22

Kudos to you and your better half (I could see her cleaning the alloy). I'm sure that both of you took great pain on a holiday but I must say the end result is wonderful. Hats off to you both. Request you to please post photos of the car.

rocky080 · 28th February 2010, 13:46

great going zazer the wheels looks cool. Is that a bent alloy i see ? how fast do you drive man ?

NutsNBolts · 28th February 2010, 13:49

Nice work and a handy DIY Zazer. Was there anu problem when re-fitting the tyres? like paint scraping due to nut/wrench movement?.

Cyrus43 · 28th February 2010, 14:02

Just a Word of caution from a seasoned DIYer. Esp when it comes to painting. Bosny White is VERY soft for a few hours after you apply it. Take extreme care!

Bumble Beast · 28th February 2010, 14:19

Great work, a Sunday well spent. Shows your enthusiasm towards your car. Bravo !

nitrous · 28th February 2010, 14:33

Good DIY.
But, you should have had the bent wheels repaired to perfect balance before the painting.

s3va · 28th February 2010, 15:01

Excellent job man. Do post the pics once you fit them back onto the car.

ikoneer · 28th February 2010, 15:19

Very impressive DIY work. A back breaking activity, you should be proud of your fitness.

Did you have the compressor or you used vacumn cleaner for the spray paint.

Please post pics of the car with the white alloys

Wolffe · 28th February 2010, 15:45

Good job dude! Post pics of the car with the alloys.
@ikoneer-he has used Bosny Spray paint can-no need for compressor or vacuum cleaner.Just open cover and paint away.

Rehaan · 28th February 2010, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by zazer

....will go and get them repaired sometime during the weekend.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitrous

....you should have had the bent wheels repaired to perfect balance before the painting.

I actually have a contradictory view on this.

If an alloy is bent and its not causing any problem (leaking air etc), i'd refrain from bending it back (which might weaken that part further).

As for the balancing, i guess that could always be taken care of by dynamic balancing.

cya
R

PS - Nice job Zazer, though please also put up some pictures taken with them on the car in day light.

kpzen · 28th February 2010, 18:09

Nice job Zazer.
Would like to see some BEFORE and AFTER pics of the car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rehaan

If an alloy is bent and its not causing any problem (leaking air etc), i'd refrain from bending it back (which might weaken that part further).

As for the balancing, i guess that could always be taken care of by dynamic balancing.

28th February 2010, 02:42	#1
zazer BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bangalore/Vizag/Damanjodi Posts: 68 Thanked: 5 Times	I Finally Used Up My Sunday To Paint My Alloys. It was a warm morning and as the sunlight made its way through the window my dreams started to fade and I slowly opened my eyes. It was a Sunday morning and my god this was the best day of the entire week, but unlike the millions of Sundays I wasted sleeping or watching TV today was going to be different. I wanted to do something productive and creative. Hmmm as I glanced down at my black mondeo parked below I knew at once how to use my Sunday. I was going to paint my alloys! 9:30 Finished brushing my teeth and just switched on the lappie. 10:00 Have searched all possible combinations to get a step by step guide on how to paint my alloys but to my dismay most of the articles ask me not to paint my alloys myself or they are too complicated. In the process I did go through an article by a fellow team-bhpian where in he described his experience painting his Ford Fusion alloys in detail (gave me the required confidence and a basic idea about the process). 10:30 Asked my girl if she would like to accompany me for a small ride. Soon both of us were off to small paint shops in and around Hebbal asking them for a can of paint. 11:00 After visiting over ten shops and hearing a series of NO`s I realized that the closest and the best place to buy paint cans is commercial street, so off we went to commercial. 11:30 We found the right place and I just got myself two cans of white (I wanted black but later decided to go with my girl`s choice of white) automotive paint for Rs 190 each. I also picked up a sheet of water proof 320 and 1000 emery paper and a masking tape costing Rs 50 and Rs 20 respectively. On the way back picked up a small bottle of Pril dish washing liquid. 12:00 Back home I started the first step i.e, removing the wheels. I had planned on doing one wheel at a time hence I started loosening the bolts of my front tyre but again to my dismay they won`t bulge this time the problem was with my ranch. I guess they were too worn out and hence it wasn’t holding the nuts firmly. 12:10 I decide to go ahead with my plans. So I drove my car to the nearest tyrewala and asked him to replace my front tyre with my stepney. 12:30 Though am back home terribly tired after running around in hot scorching sun but my enthusiasm keeps me going. It took me some time to lift the tyre to my first floor apartment but eventually I managed to get the tyre to my bathroom. 12:45 The tyre is thoroughly cleaned with pril using a toothbrush and scotch bright(a small rug used to clean utensils). 1:00 I am finally done rubbing the scratches and the uneven parts with the emery paper. I had to call my dad to know that the emery paper is used to even out the surface so that the paint sticks to it better. Well finally it was time to get the tyre back to my drawing room and cover its edges with newspaper and masking tape. I took some time out to cover the nozzle too. 1:10 The tyre is properly masked and am really hungry. I wait impatiently for the home delivery guy as my girl takes the liberty of shaking the paint can for me. 1:15 I decide to stop waiting for the food guy and get done with the first tyre. I make sure I switch off the fans and open my main door and then I slowly start to spray the white paint evenly over the alloys. Soon I realize my mistake. I was spraying it very close to the alloy as a result I had already used up 3/4th of the can and the paint layer was thick and uneven paint layers were very much visible. But as it dried up it started to look better. By the time I was done with my lunch, I was actually impressed with my work. 2:30 I decide to put the alloy back and start with the second one. So I run back to the tyre wala and ask him to replace the newly painted alloy and shift the stepney to the other side. On my way back I did see people giving me a weird look I guess it was because I was running a white alloy, a black stepney and two silver alloys. 4:45 I get done with the second wheel. This time I spray the paint from a distance and it works out to be just perfect. Though surprising but true this time I required only 1/4th of a can. It takes just a couple of minutes to dry. I run to the tyrewala to put the newly painted alloy back and get another alloy to work on. 6:30 I finish the third wheel 9:15 I get done with the fourth and the final wheel. I rush to the tyre wala to get it fixed. I reach him just in time. He gladly changed the fourth wheel for me and I finally put the black rim stepney where it belonged, in the boot. 9:30 I look at the car and am impressed. My girl looks at the car and says I couldn’t have done it without her and asks me to thank her for choosing the white paint. 10:00 I am back home and I finally take a bath and magically transform back from a dirty mechanic to a much cleaner boy and as I have my dinner I wonder if I could have utilized my Sunday any better? Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 03:29	#2
satheesh1909 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Chennai Posts: 51 Thanked: 9 Times View My Garage	Neat work man, the alloy looks cool in white
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 08:57	#3
khan_sultan Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Noida/Bangalore Posts: 4,946 Thanked: 6,467 Times View My Garage	That's a nice way to spend a sunday. The work looks simple to read but can imagine the amount of hard work that goes into this. PS: Just noticed that your alloy wheel may have some bends also.
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 09:43	#4
zazer BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bangalore/Vizag/Damanjodi Posts: 68 Thanked: 5 Times	Thanks guys . Khan yes I did see the bends I guess i will go and get them repaired sometime during the weekend.
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 13:22	#5
gaddiwale BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: BANGALORE Posts: 406 Thanked: 96 Times	Kudos to you and your better half (I could see her cleaning the alloy). I'm sure that both of you took great pain on a holiday but I must say the end result is wonderful. Hats off to you both. Request you to please post photos of the car.
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 13:46	#6
rocky080 BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 305 Thanked: 39 Times	great going zazer the wheels looks cool. Is that a bent alloy i see ? how fast do you drive man ?
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 13:49	#7
NutsNBolts BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Jammu Posts: 817 Thanked: 41 Times View My Garage	Nice work and a handy DIY Zazer. Was there anu problem when re-fitting the tyres? like paint scraping due to nut/wrench movement?.
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 14:02	#8
Cyrus43 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: London Posts: 5,019 Thanked: 230 Times View My Garage	Just a Word of caution from a seasoned DIYer. Esp when it comes to painting. Bosny White is VERY soft for a few hours after you apply it. Take extreme care!
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 14:19	#9
Bumble Beast BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Pune Posts: 116 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	Great work, a Sunday well spent. Shows your enthusiasm towards your car. Bravo !
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 14:33	#10
nitrous Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: UAE/Lon/Madras Posts: 6,965 Thanked: 333 Times View My Garage	Good DIY. But, you should have had the bent wheels repaired to perfect balance before the painting.
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 15:01	#11
s3va BHPian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Dubai Posts: 646 Thanked: 7 Times View My Garage	Excellent job man. Do post the pics once you fit them back onto the car.
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 15:19	#12
ikoneer BHPian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: chennai Posts: 486 Thanked: 14 Times	Very impressive DIY work. A back breaking activity, you should be proud of your fitness. Did you have the compressor or you used vacumn cleaner for the spray paint. Please post pics of the car with the white alloys
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 15:45	#13
Wolffe BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Motorcity Madras Posts: 169 Thanked: 5 Times View My Garage	Good job dude! Post pics of the car with the alloys. @ikoneer-he has used Bosny Spray paint can-no need for compressor or vacuum cleaner.Just open cover and paint away. Last edited by Wolffe : 28th February 2010 at 15:47.
	() Thanks