Painting wheels

Kind of a basic simple question to those who painted wheels to the stock theme. After masking the aluminum and painting the black parts black, do you apply clear coat on all or not?

Hi Satan,

After sanding down with scotch brite pads, polishing the rims and the side of the spokes, I used a good quality satin paint (acrylic) that doesn’t require a primer. Job done.

Hi Satan,

Hahaha Not the first time I was called this name. Imagine, once during an official job introduction - 'Mr. Satan', LOL

I did the same. What I meant is those sliver color clean pure aluminum 'spokes' which I had to mask before painting black, and the round thin rim. I polished them but they are not painted nor protected. So, I am between choosing to keep them this way and keep polishing once in a while (as I did with other bikes), or paint the whole black/silver theme with a coat of clear.

My 1300, and my XS Eleven, have a satin finish, so presumably no clear coat.

I see what you mean now Stan. If you clear coat them, you will get a glossy look on the black parts too, unless masked off.

What I meant is this - mine are not uniform color. I kept the sim and 'spikes' aluminum. Now wondering if I should give it a clear coat to protect the aluminum - I now there is no need for clear coating the black. It' very durable and good surface. But masking black to spray clear on those thin lines is not something I would be willing to do. So - leave it alone or spray all. Wondering what other chose in this scenario. I think stock wasn't clear coated. At least these weren't.