How Much Does It Actually Cost to Powder Coat Wheels? 
3 hours ago
Want to refresh your car's look or restore a set of classic rims? Powder coating is the best way to get a durable, beautiful finish. But what is the actual cost to powder coat wheels?
While prices vary, you can expect to pay between $75 and $200 per wheel for a standard job. For a full set of four, this typically lands in the $300 to $800 range.
If that sounds like a wide range, it is. The final price on your invoice depends on several key factors. Let's dive into what's included and what can make that price go up or down.
What's Included in a Standard Wheel Powder Coating Price?
When you get a quote, it should (and usually does) include the entire professional process. This isn't just a quick "scuff and spray" job.
A standard price for powder coating wheels includes:
1. Tire Removal: The tires must be unmounted from the wheels.
2. Chemical Stripping: The old paint or coating is removed in a chemical bath.
3. Sandblasting (Media Blasting): This crucial step removes any remaining corrosion or paint and etches the metal, creating a "profile" for the powder to grip.
4. Outgassing & Prep: The wheel is heated to release trapped air and oils, then masked to protect the lug holes and mounting surface.
5. Powder Application: The wheel is coated with your chosen color.
6. Curing: The wheel is baked in an oven to melt the powder into a hard, shell-like finish.
7. Tire Remounting & Balancing: Your tires are put back on and balanced.
Ask your shop if these services, especially tire mounting and balancing, are included in the quote.
4 Factors That Change Your Final Price
Why would one person pay $300 and another $800? Here are the four main variables.
1. Wheel Size It's simple: more metal means more material and more time. Coating a set of 15" standard car wheels will be cheaper than coating a set of 24" heavy-duty truck wheels.
2. Wheel Condition This is the biggest variable. A quote assumes the wheels are in good shape. If your wheels have heavy corrosion, curb rash, or bends, they will need repair before they can be coated. This repair is a labor-intensive, additional cost.
3. Color & Finish
· Standard Colors: Black (gloss, matte, satin), silver, and white are usually the cheapest options because the shop buys these powders in bulk.
· Custom Colors: A specific color-matched-red or a unique bronze will cost more.
· Specialty Finishes: Multi-stage finishes like candy, metallic, or "chrome look" powders require multiple coats and more complex processes, significantly increasing the price.
4. Wheel Complexity A simple, flat 5-spoke wheel is easy to blast and coat. A complex, multi-spoke or mesh-style wheel (like a BBS) has dozens of nooks and crannies that take far more time to prep and coat evenly. This extra labor will be reflected in the price.
Is It Cheaper to DIY Powder Coat Your Wheels? In short, no. Not for a single set. A basic DIY kit costs over $150, and you'd still need a sandblaster and, most importantly, an oven large enough to cure a wheel. The equipment cost for a one-time job far exceeds the professional price.
While wheel pricing is specific, you can see how it fits into the average powder coating cost on our main guide.
Conclusion The cost to powder coat wheels is an investment in durability and style. For a standard set of 4 wheels in good condition, expect to pay $300-$800. For the most accurate price, contact a local shop and be ready to show them your wheels so they can assess their size, style, and condition.
While prices vary, you can expect to pay between $75 and $200 per wheel for a standard job. For a full set of four, this typically lands in the $300 to $800 range.
If that sounds like a wide range, it is. The final price on your invoice depends on several key factors. Let's dive into what's included and what can make that price go up or down.
What's Included in a Standard Wheel Powder Coating Price?
When you get a quote, it should (and usually does) include the entire professional process. This isn't just a quick "scuff and spray" job.
A standard price for powder coating wheels includes:
1. Tire Removal: The tires must be unmounted from the wheels.
2. Chemical Stripping: The old paint or coating is removed in a chemical bath.
3. Sandblasting (Media Blasting): This crucial step removes any remaining corrosion or paint and etches the metal, creating a "profile" for the powder to grip.
4. Outgassing & Prep: The wheel is heated to release trapped air and oils, then masked to protect the lug holes and mounting surface.
5. Powder Application: The wheel is coated with your chosen color.
6. Curing: The wheel is baked in an oven to melt the powder into a hard, shell-like finish.
7. Tire Remounting & Balancing: Your tires are put back on and balanced.
Ask your shop if these services, especially tire mounting and balancing, are included in the quote.
4 Factors That Change Your Final Price
Why would one person pay $300 and another $800? Here are the four main variables.
1. Wheel Size It's simple: more metal means more material and more time. Coating a set of 15" standard car wheels will be cheaper than coating a set of 24" heavy-duty truck wheels.
2. Wheel Condition This is the biggest variable. A quote assumes the wheels are in good shape. If your wheels have heavy corrosion, curb rash, or bends, they will need repair before they can be coated. This repair is a labor-intensive, additional cost.
3. Color & Finish
· Standard Colors: Black (gloss, matte, satin), silver, and white are usually the cheapest options because the shop buys these powders in bulk.
· Custom Colors: A specific color-matched-red or a unique bronze will cost more.
· Specialty Finishes: Multi-stage finishes like candy, metallic, or "chrome look" powders require multiple coats and more complex processes, significantly increasing the price.
4. Wheel Complexity A simple, flat 5-spoke wheel is easy to blast and coat. A complex, multi-spoke or mesh-style wheel (like a BBS) has dozens of nooks and crannies that take far more time to prep and coat evenly. This extra labor will be reflected in the price.
Is It Cheaper to DIY Powder Coat Your Wheels? In short, no. Not for a single set. A basic DIY kit costs over $150, and you'd still need a sandblaster and, most importantly, an oven large enough to cure a wheel. The equipment cost for a one-time job far exceeds the professional price.
While wheel pricing is specific, you can see how it fits into the average powder coating cost on our main guide.
Conclusion The cost to powder coat wheels is an investment in durability and style. For a standard set of 4 wheels in good condition, expect to pay $300-$800. For the most accurate price, contact a local shop and be ready to show them your wheels so they can assess their size, style, and condition.