Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: pitbull on March 15, 2016, 01:48:58 PM

Title: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: pitbull on March 15, 2016, 01:48:58 PM
So I picked up a set of marvic, 5 spoke magnesium wheels, but I don't think the gold colour will go well with the cromo tank. I think I want to just paint them semi-gloss black.

I've painted stock wheels before and they turned out really nice.

Is there any special consideration for magnesium wheels? Is it even a good idea?
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: Speeddog on March 15, 2016, 05:29:24 PM
Paint is good.

Pull the tires if necessary to confirm the bead areas are good.
If the existing finish is compromised and the mag is corroding, best to seal that with... something.
Our painter folks can chime in.
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: ducpainter on March 15, 2016, 07:50:56 PM
Is the gold actually paint or is it the chromate cating?
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: Howie on March 15, 2016, 10:10:17 PM
I believe it is the chromate coating, and I think you can paint over it if you want.
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: pitbull on March 16, 2016, 10:37:13 AM
Quote from: ducpainter on March 15, 2016, 07:50:56 PM
Is the gold actually paint or is it the chromate cating?

Yes, I believe it's the chromate coating.
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: ducpainter on March 16, 2016, 04:41:58 PM
Quote from: pitbull on March 16, 2016, 10:37:13 AM
Yes, I believe it's the chromate coating.
A picture would make me certain, because some of the Marvics were painted. The Marchesini's were not and gold is typically chromate.

If it is indeed the chromate...don't touch it with abrasive. Wash it, epoxy prime it, and paint wet on wet.
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: pitbull on March 17, 2016, 01:14:13 PM
Thanks very much ducpainter.

The wheels are being shipped as I write this. As soon as I get them I will post a pic.
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: ducpainter on March 17, 2016, 04:44:25 PM
I'll look for it
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: pitbull on March 23, 2016, 12:57:42 PM
The wheels finally arrived.

I'm no expert, but they look painted to me. In the add pics they looked chromate, but in person they are far less shiny and look painted.

They are in really nice shape and I wish I liked the gold colour, but I think I gotta go black.

I'm pretty happy with them, for $1,200

(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h156/magnus157/20160323_145839_zpsbyzqbqlp.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/magnus157/media/20160323_145839_zpsbyzqbqlp.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: koko64 on March 23, 2016, 01:11:21 PM
Bargain [thumbsup]. Good score.
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: pitbull on March 23, 2016, 02:23:01 PM
Quote from: koko64 on March 23, 2016, 01:11:21 PM
Bargain [thumbsup]. Good score.

I thought so too. I got lucky and saw them in the classifieds on the ducati ms forum within a couple hours of the being posted. I've wanted to upgrade the wheels for a long time, but couldn't afford the $2,000 + for any of the other options available.
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: Speeddog on March 23, 2016, 03:04:24 PM
Can you weigh those on a good scale and post up?
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: pitbull on March 23, 2016, 03:16:06 PM
Quote from: Speeddog on March 23, 2016, 03:04:24 PM
Can you weigh those on a good scale and post up?

Will do, for sure.

I have a good quality scale at home that should get an accurate weight.
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: pitbull on March 23, 2016, 03:26:41 PM
Ok, just ran out to the garage and weighed them.


front marvic magnesium = 6.4 lbs
rear  marvic magnesium = 8.8 lbs
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: koko64 on March 23, 2016, 03:38:39 PM
Could they be chromate with a clear coat over them or is that a gold colour option? Hard to tell on screen rather than in true life.

Nice and light. Always wanted but never considered light wheels for my Monster unless it was a great deal like these.
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: Howie on March 23, 2016, 04:03:12 PM
They sure are pretty.
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: pitbull on March 24, 2016, 03:28:09 AM
Quote from: koko64 on March 23, 2016, 03:38:39 PM
Could they be chromate with a clear coat over them or is that a gold colour option? Hard to tell on screen rather than in true life.

Nice and light. Always wanted but never considered light wheels for my Monster unless it was a great deal like these.


They honestly look painted to me. They look less shiny in person than in pictures.

Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: ducpainter on March 24, 2016, 03:59:29 AM
Painted.
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: pitbull on March 24, 2016, 11:27:09 AM
Quote from: ducpainter on March 24, 2016, 03:59:29 AM
Painted.

So, a very light sanding and then paint?
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: ducpainter on March 24, 2016, 04:15:47 PM
Quote from: pitbull on March 24, 2016, 11:27:09 AM
So, a very light sanding and then paint?
Whatever you do don't sand through. It's easy on edges. If you sand through the magnesium will need to be treated or it will corrode under the paint.
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: pitbull on March 24, 2016, 06:24:15 PM
Thanks very much. I will be very careful not to sand too much.
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: Speeddog on March 24, 2016, 07:24:53 PM
I used Scotchbrite when I painted my mag Marchesinis.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3038/3078640591_93e0e0d256_z.jpg?zz=1) (https://flic.kr/p/5G3QAc)
Title: Re: Painting magnesium wheels?
Post by: pitbull on March 25, 2016, 06:39:28 AM
Quote from: Speeddog on March 24, 2016, 07:24:53 PM
I used Scotchbrite when I painted my mag Marchesinis.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3038/3078640591_93e0e0d256_z.jpg?zz=1) (https://flic.kr/p/5G3QAc)

sounds like a good idea, that's what I will do.

A buddy is trying to sell me on plasti-dip.

Anyone have any experience with it?