[Alexia]

Has anybody powder coated the 16" rims that come on an 04' or similar Rubicon? Can you powder coat the stock rims? How did it come out? Does it scratch easy or is it pretty hard? Any other suggestions as I like that black look on the rims. Thanks in advance.

Powder coating aluminum rims can be done very carefully. Due to how the process of powder coating is done when the aluminum rim is baked there is a chance that is can crack, even internally, and eventually lead to failure.

I would go for painting them with normal paints.

 

[Alexia]

Thanks for the warning with the possible cracking of the rim. If that's true I will look into painting them.

It mainly happens due to inconsistent heating. One portion of the rim gets hotter than the other and cracks where it is not visible.

Powder coating rims has been done plenty of times though with high quality ovens.

 

[Alexia]

If you do plan on painting start by roughing up the factory clear coat and painting on top of that. Note, some enamels react badly to the factory clear.

This example from the rims I painted is a semi-gloss.