Plastic hubcaps (wheel trims in the UK) take spray paint very well. Without prep, though, the paint peels at the first wash or the first time you clip them on. Here is the method that lasts, the mistakes that ruin it, and when printing is the better option.
What you need
- a degreaser (isopropyl alcohol or panel wipe) and a clean cloth;
- fine sandpaper (400 to 600 grit) or a scuff pad;
- masking tape;
- a can of plastic adhesion primer, the step everyone skips;
- your color spray, then a can of clear coat.
Step by step
- Remove the hubcaps and wash them: brake dust stops paint from sticking.
- Degrease the whole face and let it dry.
- Sand lightly to dull the surface. You are not removing material, just breaking the shine.
- Mask the clips and the back: only the visible face gets painted.
- Spray the plastic primer in a thin coat.
- Apply the color in two or three thin coats, 8 to 12 inches away, with the recoat time printed on the can.
- Clear coat twice to protect the color.
- Let it dry 24 hours before refitting, longer if it is cold.
The mistakes that ruin it
No primer. On plastic, paint alone does not bond: it comes off in flakes.
Thick coats. They run and dry badly. Three thin coats beat one thick one.
Painting in the cold or damp. Pick a dry spot between 60 and 77 °F (15 to 25 °C).
Refitting too soon. Clipping a hubcap on flexes it slightly, and soft paint cracks.
Going for a pattern. A solid color, yes. Flames, a logo or a photo by hand is another story.
What about painting steel wheels?
That is a bigger job: take the wheels off, mask or remove the tires, treat the rust and use wheel paint. It lasts, but plan a full day per set. And once hubcaps go on, the steel wheel barely shows.
Paint or print?
| Paint them yourself | Have them printed | |
|---|---|---|
| Work | A weekend, drying included | None, 5-minute fitting |
| Colors | Whatever the store sells in cans | Any, including your exact shade |
| Patterns, logo, photo | Simple stencils only | Yes, across the whole face |
| Hubcaps | Your old ones, if in good shape | A new set of 4 |
| Budget | The cost of materials | From €99.90 per set, shipping included to the UK |
Want color without the spray can? See our colored hubcaps, or design yours with your own image. Before ordering, check what size hubcaps you need, and to keep them clean, read how to clean hubcaps.
See also
- Wedding car decorations
- Tuning hubcaps
- Retro hubcaps
- Fiat 500 hubcaps
- Renault Twingo hubcaps
- Fiat Panda hubcaps
- Dacia Sandero hubcaps
- Motorhome hubcaps
- Van hubcaps
- Colored hubcaps
- Car gifts for him
FAQ
What paint works on plastic hubcaps?
A spray paint for plastic or car bodywork, always over a plastic adhesion primer, and finished with clear coat.
Can you paint hubcaps without sanding?
Not recommended: without light sanding and primer, the paint does not bond and peels quickly.
How long before refitting painted hubcaps?
At least 24 hours, longer in cold weather. The full cure time on the can is often longer.
Can painted hubcaps go through a car wash?
Once the paint has fully cured, yes. Keep a pressure washer at a distance, it can lift a chip.