The Process
@ Mpesik, I would love to sell you my Nova wheels, but I see way too many Nova for sale and nobody wants to buy them. It will look really Sh!ttae on your car and I don't want you to be embarrassed with them on your Lotus so I'll just keep these wheels
Thank you all for all of the comments
And now, the Process:
1- Take a look on YouTube "Plastidip". There are a couple good videos with DYC (DIP YOUR CAR) by "Fonzie". He has GREAT tips and techniques on dipping.
2- Mask off what you don't want to be painted. However, you don't need to mask it off, if you prefer to peel particular areas of paint. Have your kids do some work like I did. They did a superb job of taping/masking!
3- Decide where to paint. I did it outdoors and then regretted it when the wind kicked in, which caused some imperfections. I should have done it inside!!!! You can paint outside, but just tarp it well and check for no winds on the day of painting. Painting indoors will generate a lot of fumes which are very strong, so wear a respirator.
4- Lay down a base color (gray) if you're doing a light color. Dark colors are thicker, use less paint, and applies easier i.e. Black, gray, or blue. Light colors are thinner and need more layers if you don't lay the base color down.
5- Spray on 5-6 coats of color. The more you lay on, the easier it is to peel. Wait 15 minutes between each coat. But if you're doing an entire car, by the time you are done with one side, it's about 15 minutes.
6- Stand back and SMILE or kick and scream if it doesn't come out right.
7- Be ready to explain to your neighbors what you are doing, because more likely they will want you to plastidip their cars.
8- Wait a day for wash, wax and detail.
9- Change the colors whenever you get bored.
I bought my spray system at DYC.com. Good system for the price, but you can use a Wagner gun HVLP. I used 4 gallons total 1 gray / 3 white, but I think I can use another one. Just make sure you STIR THE PAINT WELL with a stir stick or you will have problems.
Now for the wheels. I removed the wheels off the car. Use index cards between the wheel/tire to prevent over spray on the tire. I just sprayed it with cans. Easier to control.
1 can per wheel. You can spray gloss over them for easier cleaning.
Home Depot or Lowe's are the cheapest prices for cans. My wheels cost less than $25 (all four) not bad at all!
BEST THING, IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, PEEL IT.