Painting magnesium wheels?

[pitbull]

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?

[Speeddog]

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.

[ducpainter]

Is the gold actually paint or is it the chromate cating?

[Howie]

I believe it is the chromate coating, and I think you can paint over it if you want.

[pitbull]

Is the gold actually paint or is it the chromate cating?

Yes, I believe it's the chromate coating.

[ducpainter]

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.

[pitbull]

Thanks very much ducpainter.

The wheels are being shipped as I write this. As soon as I get them I will post a pic.

[ducpainter]

I'll look for it

[pitbull]

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

[koko64]

Bargain . Good score.

[pitbull]

Bargain . 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.

[Speeddog]

Can you weigh those on a good scale and post up?

[pitbull]

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.

[pitbull]

Ok, just ran out to the garage and weighed them.


front marvic magnesium = 6.4 lbs
rear  marvic magnesium = 8.8 lbs

[koko64]

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.