Wheels/Tyres: So you want to paint your wheels...

[S40T3]

Just re-painting my Virgos. Originally sprayed white with aerosols, the paint has yellowed (thanks to village dogs!) and was hard to spray into corners without getting runs. I'm now brush-painting and have been masking the tyres. I think that I have found the best way to mask neatly around the rim.

1) Apply a short length of tape so that it just overlaps the rim - about halfway over the bead. Press the outer edge of the tape firmly onto the tyre, but avoid pressing onto the rim - pic 1

2) Use a credit card or similar to wedge the tape down into the groove between rim and tyre - pic 2

3) Smooth down, stand back and admire your handywork - pic 3

Possibly teaching some of you to suck eggs, but hope this is of use to those who have yet to mask their wheels.

[Volvorama]

Made a big metal cake-tin thing with adjustable clamp.....

[Antz]

For masking wheels off I use a pack of playing cards. Stuff them short edge in between the tyre and rim. It acts as masking and takes seconds to do. No more fannying about with masking tape.

[Laney760]

Cheers for that Antz, I want to spray my Aurigas without taking the winter tyres off once the summer wheels are on! I would never have thought of that!!

[Steve and his 244]

The other way that i use (because i paint mine with a spray gun and it gets everywhere) is some old rags and shirts etc - remove valve and let all the air out - you can pick up a valve remover tool for naff all if you havent already got one. Go round the edge of the (now soft) tyre and just push the rags between the wheel and the tyre and it traps them.

[guitarman]

Originally Posted by Antz

For masking wheels off I use a pack of playing cards. Stuff them short edge in between the tyre and rim. It acts as masking and takes seconds to do. No more fannying about with masking tape.

That's an ace idea....