When you put new wheels on your car, you want them to deliver an impressive contrast between their color and the vehicle’s body.
One of the best contrast options is between black and white. That means you could put white rims on a black car or dark edges on a light one.
The idea that it’s just the rims is what needs to be considered. You’re updating the entire wheel instead of just the edge of it in almost every circumstance. If you only update the rim component, you’ll end up with a two-toned look that could be unflattering.
White Rims on a Black Car
Black cars demand attention. You want the wheels and rims to harmonize that impression of luxury and performance. That’s why contrast is essential when selecting the right colors to match your vehicle. The best high-contrast choice you can make for your style is white rims on a black car.
If you own a black vehicle, you have the epitome of a good-looking car. It doesn’t matter what the size, make, or model is with this choice.
Your presence demands attention.
When you choose the wheels to go with your vehicle, the first choice is to consider a steel or alloy product. Once you know what you want in that area, color selection becomes the next priority.
Although white rims on a black car require more cleaning and maintenance, you’re already taking the time to wash down your vehicle consistently because it shows the dirt and grime that it picks up on the road. Adding a few minutes to take care of your wheels won’t negatively impact your routine.
If you use white wheels, the contrast with the black creates an edgy look that speaks of aggressive performance. People will see the play in colors first, which causes them to give your vehicle a closer examination.
When you keep up with your maintenance and care, your vehicle will become something that no one can ignore because of its aesthetics.
How Hard Is It to Find White Wheels?
When you start shopping for white wheels, you’ll find that it isn’t easy to obtain this color unless you’re working with a specialty supplier.
The first search results are almost always for trailer wheels. When you find brand-name suppliers, they’re almost always given low marks.
That means you have two options available. You can shop at today’s best wheel and tire brands or customize the look with your own paint.
The first option is more convenient, but it can also get quite expensive. When you work with stores like Performance Plus, Tire Rack, Car ID, or Discount Tire, the cheapest models tend to be around $300 each. If you need off-road options, the cost is often $800 or more.
If you need racing wheels for your vehicle, all-white rims can cost up to $1,900 each. That’s why it helps to know how to paint your wheels to get the perfect look.
Steps to Follow When Painting White Rims for a Black Car
1. Gather your materials. You’ll need the following items.
- Wheel cleaner, degreaser, or soap.
- Clean rags.
- A wire brush, either manual or attached to a drill.
- Several sandpapers with various grits.
- Steel wool.
- Mineral spirits.
- Painter’s tape.
- Plastic sheeting.
- Self-etching primer.
- Metal spray paint.
- Clear coat.
2. Decide where you’ll paint the rims. It’s usually better to do the work inside to avoid the wind that causes overspray. You’ll want to be in a space that contains zero dust. If you decide to work outside, you’ll want to verify that the pollen count is low for the day.
3. Take the wheels off your vehicle. The paint tends to have more drips and runs when you leave them attached and work vertically.
4. Clean the wheels to ensure that you get an excellent finish. Start with the degreaser or soap, spraying all the surfaces to ensure the grease and grime get removed. It helps to pay special attention to the areas between the spokes to ensure you get everything. Finish by cleaning the site with your rags until they wipe dry without residue.
5. Remove any rust or paint chips with a wire brush. All the corrosion and damaged areas must get cleaned to bare metal to ensure your work sets correctly. If you don’t get it all, the site will continue expanding underneath your update.
6. After cleaning with the wire brush, give the wheels a good sanding with 300-grit sandpaper. Follow up that effort by doing it again with 500-grit products.
7. When the sanding work is complete, go over the entire wheel with steel wool to obtain a smooth finish.
8. Wash the wheel, dry it thoroughly, and wipe it with mineral spirits. Once the product has worked for 15-20 minutes, the surface should feel smooth to the touch. If you encounter any blemishes, return to Step No. 5 and repeat until achieving this result.
9. It is time to use primer once the wheel is dry and clean. Protect your valve stem and tire from the overspray by using plastic sheeting and painter’s tape. Then place the wheel on a drop cloth, tarp, or newspaper bed to protect the surrounding area from overspray.
10. When you apply the primer, the goal is to create an even coating using a thin application method to avoid having runs form. Allow each coat to dry according to the instructions on the product.
11. Give the wheels an even coat of white paint (or your preferred color). The label on your product should tell you the proper distance for holding the aerosol can. Although you can use a brushed-style item for this step, the spray application eliminates the risk of leaving marks or bristles behind with your work.
12. Apply the top coat. You might need two applications to get the protection the wheels need for your driving conditions. Each one should receive a light touch and be allowed to dry before the next one.
13. Remove the overspray protection once everything is dried. It’s usually better to let everything dry overnight to ensure a solid cure occurs. Please remember to remove the tape from the valve stem before reinstalling the wheels.
14. If you haven’t rotated your tires in a while, now is the perfect time to take care of this chore while the wheels are off.
Alternative Colors to White for Your Rims on a Black Car
If you don’t like the idea of using white rims with a black color, here are some additional color considerations to consider for the perfect look.
| Red: | This color is popular with black cars because it makes the vehicle look more fashionable, stronger, and relatable. |
| Pink: | Although this choice might not be the first color that comes to mind, it will make your vehicle stand out from the rest. It’s also a fun way to support breast cancer awareness and support. |
| Black: | A monochrome look for a black vehicle can make it look menacing. It’ll also emphasize the body shape and overall style, which works well for many sports cars. |
| Silver: | This option is a good compromise if you don’t like white rims because it’ll deliver more contrast without forcing you into something monochromatic. |
| Gold: | If you want your vehicle to have an expensive or classical look, this color choice delivers exceptional results. |
| Blue: | This safe color works with almost every shade of black imaginable. It’s a great choice if you swap wheels between vehicles a lot. |
| Green: | If you want a unique look for your vehicle, this selection is an excellent option that draws immediate attention to your wheels’ shape and spoke design. |
| Yellow: | When you want to give your car a sportier look, this color stands out as one of the best. |
How Easy Is It to Paint New Rims?
White rims on a black car can provide an outstanding result. It can also be more contrast than some drivers want, which is why choosing an alternative color can be helpful. You can also stick with standard chrome if you’re going to keep everything simple and classic.
I won’t lie. Although the steps I’ve outlined will deliver a successful result, the first effort is almost always a messier experience than you expect.
There might be a piece of painter’s tape that flutters, causing some primer to get on your tire. You might forget to put a tarp underneath, causing you to have paint on your concrete floor.
Once you get the hang of the process, the final two rims typically turn out better and the work is finished faster.
If you don’t want the hassle of finding white rims, I highly recommend grabbing the Method Race Wheels 305 NV for your vehicle. It offers a modern update on a classic look, using aluminum to ensure your car stays in its weight tolerance.
Once you’ve got the wheels and have them cleaned and prepped, I suggest using white VHT Wheel High Performance paint to achieve the look you want. It delivers a highly reflective finish that resists peeling, flaking, and cracking with its enamel/acrylic-based formulation. I’ve found it to be a long-lasting finish that dries quickly and is very simple to apply.