Proper preparation is the foundation of a high-quality wheel finish. For this project, the focus was on preparing alloy wheels for powder coating, ensuring every wheel was stripped down correctly and ready for a durable, long-lasting result. This type of prep work is essential for anyone looking for powder coating in New Orleans that holds up over time.
Why Wheel Preparation Matters
No matter how good the powder coat color is, it will only perform as well as the surface underneath it. Old paint, clear coat, and contaminants can cause adhesion issues, peeling, or bubbling if they’re not fully removed.
That’s why professional wheel prep is a critical first step in the powder coating process.
Common Problems Caused by Poor Wheel Preparation
One of the biggest reasons powder coating jobs fail is improper preparation. Skipping or rushing the stripping process can leave behind old coatings, embedded brake dust, or chemical residue that prevents proper adhesion.
Common issues caused by poor prep include:
- Powder coating peeling or lifting
- Bubbling under the finish
- Uneven texture or visible defects
- Reduced lifespan of the coating
For customers looking for reliable powder coating in New Orleans, professional wheel prep is what separates a long-lasting finish from a short-term cosmetic fix.
Stripping Alloy Wheels to Bare Aluminum
For this job, the wheels were:
- Chemically stripped to remove previous coatings
- Brought back to bare aluminum
- Carefully handled and staged to avoid damage before coating
Stripping the wheels evenly ensures that the powder coat bonds directly to the metal, creating a smooth and consistent finish once cured.
Prepping Multiple Wheel Sets Efficiently
These photos show multiple sets of alloy wheels being prepped at the same time. Handling higher volume projects like this requires the right equipment, experience, and workflow. It’s also a good example of the behind-the-scenes work customers don’t always see when searching for powder coating in New Orleans.
Ready for Powder Coating
Once stripping and prep are complete, the wheels are ready for the next step: powder coating and curing. Starting with properly prepped wheels means:
- Better adhesion
- Cleaner final appearance
- Longer-lasting results
At Armadillo Automotive, we take preparation seriously because it directly impacts the quality of the finished product. If you’re looking for professional powder coating in New Orleans, especially for alloy wheels, proper prep is where it all begins.
Why Professional Wheel Prep Makes a Difference
Alloy wheels are exposed to extreme conditions: heat, moisture, road salt, and brake dust. Preparing them correctly requires more than just cleaning — it takes experience, proper chemicals, and controlled processes.
Professional wheel prep ensures:
- Every surface is evenly stripped
- No hidden contamination remains
- The powder coating cures properly
- The final finish looks consistent across all wheels
When choosing a shop for powder coating in New Orleans, experience in wheel preparation is just as important as the coating itself. Proper prep is what allows the powder coat to perform and look the way it should for years to come.