Updating the appearance of wheel rims is one of the most affordable and effective ways to change the perception of the entire car. Car owners are often faced with a choice between expensive powder painting in specialized centers and restoring the coating themselves. In this context spray paint Motip has proven itself as a reliable solution that allows you to obtain results close to the factory one, without the use of complex equipment.
Black remains a timeless classic in the world of automotive design, but it requires a special approach to surface preparation and choice of materials. Products of a German brand Motip Dupli offers a wide range of shades, from deep gloss to aggressive “black moiré”. The correct choice of composition directly affects the durability of the coating in aggressive environments such as road chemicals and gravel.
In this article we will analyze in detail the technical nuances of working with Motip black enamels, compare different series of products and create a step-by-step algorithm of actions. The key difference between Motip professional aerosols is the presence of special additives that increase the elasticity of the dried film, which is critical for wheel rims. Understanding the chemistry of the process will help you avoid common mistakes such as chipping or swelling of the paint after several months of use.
Review of Motip black paint series for rims
The brand’s assortment is not limited to one universal can, and the choice of a specific product depends on the desired visual effect and operating conditions. The main attention should be paid to specialized series designed specifically for difficult-to-paint surfaces, which include light-alloy wheels made of aluminum and magnesium.
Series Motip Disc Black is a specialized product, often with a moiré or shagreen texture. This texture not only gives the wheels a brutal look, but also perfectly hides minor surface defects that could remain after grinding. Unlike smooth enamels, textured coatings are less susceptible to minor scratches from washing.
For those who prefer a classic smooth finish, the manufacturer offers lines High Gloss and Matte. Gloss versions create a black chrome effect that looks very expensive but requires perfect base preparation as it highlights any imperfections. Matte options, on the contrary, give the wheel a noble, velvety appearance and visually “ground” the car.
- 🎨 Disc Black Matte: Heat-resistant matte enamel that can withstand heat up to 150°C is ideal for hiding uneven surfaces.
- ✨ High Gloss Black: Deep glossy color with high hiding power, requiring varnish to maintain shine.
- 🛡️ Alu-Spray Black: Special formula for aluminum alloys with enhanced anti-corrosion protection.
- 🔥 Heat Resistant: Compositions designed for extreme temperature loads, relevant for brake systems.
⚠️ Attention: Not all black Motip paints are suitable for rims. Conventional universal enamels may not withstand the heat from the brake discs and will begin to bubble. Always look for the "Disc","Alu" or "Heat Resistant" markings on the cylinder.
When choosing, it is also important to consider the compatibility of the paint with the disc material. For forged and cast wheels, the chemical composition of primer and paint may differ. Using the wrong solvent or base may result in a chemical reaction and peeling of the coating in areas where the metal is most stressed.
Required tools and surface preparation
The quality of the final coating depends 80% on preparation. Even the most expensive paint Motip will not adhere to greasy, oxidized or poorly cleaned surfaces. The preparation process requires patience and a certain set of tools, without which it is impossible to guarantee the result.
The first step is always to remove the wheels and thoroughly wash them. It is necessary to remove all road dirt, bitumen stains and old polish residues. To do this, it is better to use specialized car shampoos and degreasers, avoiding aggressive household chemicals that can leave a greasy film.
☑️ Disk preparation checklist
Mechanical treatment includes removing chips and rust. To do this, sandpaper of various grits is used, ranging from P80-P120 for rough sanding and ending with P400-P600 for finishing sanding. It is important to achieve a smooth surface, since the spray paint is applied in a thin layer and does not hide deep holes.
After sanding comes the degreasing stage. Use antisilicone or a special degreaser for body work. Wipe the surface with a lint-free cloth, changing it as it gets dirty. Do not touch the prepared surface with your hands, as skin oil will impair adhesion.
| Material/Tool | Purpose | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Sandpaper P80-P400 | Removing old paintwork and rust | Critical |
| Degreaser | Removing oils and silicones | Critical |
| Masking tape | Tire paint protection | High |
| Primer for aluminum | Improved paint adhesion | High |
| Respirator | Respiratory protection | Required |
Don't forget about rubber protection. Even if you plan to paint the wheel assembly, you must carefully seal the sidewall of the tire with masking tape. Black paint on rubber cord is not only unsightly, but can also lead to the destruction of the rubber structure over time under the influence of solvents.
Application technology: primer, paint and varnish
The process of painting wheels with Motip black paint consists of several successive steps, the violation of which leads to defects. First the primer is applied. For discs, it is recommended to use acid primer (if there are pockets of corrosion) or epoxy primer for maximum adhesion and anti-corrosion protection.
Priming is carried out in thin layers. Don't try to paint over the metal the first time. Hold the balloon at a distance of 20-25 cm from the surface and make smooth movements. Between layers it is necessary to maintain a pause of 10-15 minutes for the solvent to evaporate. Usually 2-3 layers of soil are required.
Is it necessary to sand the soil?
Yes, after the primer layer has completely dried (usually after 24 hours), it is recommended to sand it with fine-grain paper P600-P800. This will remove the shagreen and provide a perfect smoothness for the final color.
Applying the blackest paint Motip requires a similar approach. Shake the can for 2-3 minutes after the metal ball appears. Make the first layer very thin, almost transparent (the so-called “fog layer”) to improve adhesion. Apply the next 2-3 layers more intensely, but avoiding drips.
The final step for glossy series is the application of automotive varnish. The varnish protects the pigment from fading and mechanical damage. Matte paints usually do not need to be varnished unless you want to change the gloss level. The varnish is applied in 2 layers with intermediate drying.
- 🌡️ Temperature: The optimal temperature for painting is +18...+22°C. In the cold, paint takes longer to dry and may become dull.
- ⏱️ Drying time: Interlayer drying is 10-15 minutes, complete polymerization is 24 hours.
- 💨 Distance: Hold the balloon strictly perpendicular to the surface at a distance of 20-25 cm.
⚠️ Attention: If you use paint with a “moire” or “shagreen” effect, do not rub the layer with varnish under any circumstances, otherwise the texture will be lost. Such coatings are often self-sufficient.
It is important to remember about the “lifetime” of the mixture in the cylinder. After starting use, it is recommended to use the container for several hours, as the valve may dry out and the solvent inside may lose its properties. If work is interrupted for a long period of time, turn the can over and press the sprayer to clean the channel.
Typical mistakes and defects when painting
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes encounter defects if they ignore technology. The most common problem is shagreen (orange peel), which occurs due to too far a spray distance or high paint viscosity at low temperatures.
Another common mistake is the appearance of bubbles or craters. This happens if the surface was poorly degreased or water got on it. Bubbles can also occur if you apply the next layer of paint on top of the previous one, “locking” the solvent inside.
Drips (“tears”) are the lot of beginners who try to paint over the disc in one pass. Motip black paint has good coverage, but requires care. If a drip does form, do not try to remove it immediately. Allow the surface to dry completely, then carefully sand away the defect and polish the area.
Peeling of paint in layers most often indicates the absence of a primer layer or the use of an unsuitable primer for non-ferrous metals. Aluminum oxidizes instantly in air, and without a special primer, the paint adheres only to an oxide film, which quickly comes off.
To eliminate minor defects, polishing pastes can be used. However, if the defect is deep, you will have to redo the entire disk again. In the case of black, this is especially noticeable, since any contrast defect catches the eye.
Care of painted wheels and durability
The service life of the coating depends not only on the quality of the paint Motip, but also on operating conditions. In the first weeks after painting, it is recommended to wash the wheels only with water without using active chemicals to allow the paintwork to completely polymerize.
In winter, aggressive reagents can quickly destroy weak spots of the coating. Regular washing of wheel arches and rims is a prerequisite for long paint life. Use soft sponges and special wheel shampoos that do not contain abrasive particles.
Use ceramic disc spray wax every 2-3 months. It creates a hydrophobic layer that repels dirt and brake dust, making cleaning much easier.
If chips from stones appear, do not wait until moisture gets under the paint and corrosion begins. Touch up the damaged area with a small amount of black paint using a brush or toothpick. Spot repairs will prevent rust from spreading under the coating.
When washing, do not use a Karcher under too high pressure near edges and defects. A jet of water can drive moisture under the paint layer if adhesion in this area has been compromised. Careful care will extend the life of your tuning for several seasons.
Comparison of Motip aerosol with powder coating
Many car enthusiasts hesitate between spray painting themselves and turning to a professional for “powder”. Powder technology provides a more durable finish, but Motip aerosols have their own distinct advantages, especially in certain use cases.
Powder coating requires removal of all rubber, balancing weights, and often complete disassembly of the rim. This entails tire fitting costs. The aerosol allows you to paint the disc without removing the rubber (with careful gluing), which saves time and money.
| Parameter | Aerosol Motip | Powder painting |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low (500-1000 rub.) | High (from 2000 RUR/piece) |
| Difficulty | Medium (requires skill) | High (requires oven/chamber) |
| Layer thickness | Thin, light | Thick, durable |
| Maintainability | High (local) | Low (needs complete repainting) |
In addition, powder coating makes the wheel heavier due to the thick layer of polymers, which affects the unsprung weight. Aerosol enamel lays down as a thin film, practically without changing the weight of the wheel. For sports cars this can be an important factor.
Motip spray paint is an ideal solution for updating the appearance of wheels without disassembling them and with the possibility of local repairs in the future.
If your disc has a complex spoke geometry that is difficult to reach with a spray gun in a powder production facility, an aerosol tube with a long nozzle (or a separate torch) will do a better job. You can vary the angle of inclination and achieve coloring in the most difficult to reach places.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
How many cans of black Motip paint do you need for 4 discs?
For standard R15-R17 wheels, 2-3 400 ml cylinders are usually required for a set of 4 wheels. This takes into account the application of 2-3 layers of paint and preliminary priming. If the disc has a complex multi-spoke structure, the consumption may increase.
Is it possible to paint Motip wheels in an unheated garage in winter?
Strongly not recommended. The temperature of the air and the metal itself must be above +15°C. At low temperatures, the paint lays out in flakes, does not spread, takes forever to dry and eventually falls off quickly. In addition, condensation may form in a cold room, which will kill adhesion.
Is it necessary to varnish the black paint?
If you are using glossy black enamel (Gloss), varnish is required to protect against scratches and UV radiation. If it is a matte or textured paint (moire), varnish is usually not required and may even ruin the appearance (glossy spots will appear).
How long after painting can you put wheels on a car?
Although the paint may feel dry to the touch after just an hour, it will take 24 hours to fully cure at room temperature. It is better to operate the car (drive on the roads) no earlier than every other day, and carry out a full wash with chemicals only after 7-10 days.