From HybridJDMHonda on SHO

I cant afford to powder-coat my rims, what do I do?

Here’s what you do if you cant afford powder-coating:

Go to your local auto store(Checker) and pick up the following:

Airplane paint stripper-- this just strips the existing paint, chrome, etc off your wheel. Get about two cans ~ $5.00/each
Dupli-color engine enamel-- this is what you will use to paint your rims, they have tons off different colors (graphite gray looks dope!) get 4 cans ~ $3.50/each
Wet-dry sanding paper-- get a really light grit (made by 3M) to sand down your wheels A LITTLE! ~ $5.00
Dupli-color engine enamel clear coat-- if you want a more glossy/shiny look pick up 1 can of this ~ $3.50/each

These prices aren’t exact!! But pretty close .

If you (or a local tire shop can) take your tires off! If not get some index cards, and/or newspaper and masking tape. Tape off the tire with so you don’t get any paint/stripper on it.
Once you have done this, place your wheels on dirt, wood, etc and spray some of the stripper on the wheels (follow the instructions on the can for the other steps). Do light coats until MOST of the paint is gone.
Now LIGHTLY sand the wheels.
After you have done your "prepping" you can paint! Hold the can a little ways away from the wheel and spray a light coat on. Do this until you are satisfied with the tone (usually about 5-6 coats).
Lastly if you want, spray 1-2 LIGHT coats of clear coat on. This will make the rims shiny and if you do too much clear coat you will regret it.

That’s pretty much it! If you do a half-ass job the paint will begin to chip. If you do a good job they will last for a while. Good luck!