Tips & Advice
Wheel Powder Coating Colors: Complete Bay Area Gallery
Blackout Window Tinting
6 min read
From classic black to custom candy colors, see what's possible with wheel powder coating. Gallery, color trends, and pricing guide.
New wheels cost $2,000-8,000. Powder coating your existing wheels? $400-800—and you get exactly the color you want.
Here's what's possible.
Why Powder Coating Over Paint
Before we dive into colors, understand why powder coating dominates for wheels:
| Factor | Powder Coating | Wet Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 15-20 years | 3-5 years |
| Chip resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Chemical resistance | High | Low |
| Heat tolerance | 400°F+ | 200°F |
| Color depth | Superior | Good |
Wheels take abuse—brake dust, road debris, curb rash. Powder coating handles it.
Classic Colors (Most Popular)
Gloss Black
The #1 request. Clean, aggressive, matches everything.
Best for: Sports cars, luxury vehicles, trucks wanting a murdered-out look
Finish options: High gloss, semi-gloss, satin
Matte Black
Stealthier than gloss. Hides imperfections slightly better.
Best for: Off-road trucks, performance vehicles, those wanting subtlety
Maintenance note: Shows brake dust more than gloss
Gunmetal / Anthracite
The factory sport wheel look. Dark gray with slight metallic.
Best for: German cars, factory-plus appearance, those who don't want black
Bronze / Copper
Currently trending. Works surprisingly well with many colors.
Best for: Japanese sports cars (WRX, BRZ, 370Z), white/gray cars
White
Bold and distinctive. Makes wheels pop.
Best for: Contrasting dark vehicles, show cars, unique builds
Metallic & Effect Finishes
Hyper Silver
Brighter than chrome, easier to maintain.
Best for: Luxury vehicles, classic restorations, clean builds
Champagne Gold
Subtle warmth without being flashy.
Best for: Earth-tone vehicles, elegant builds, unique taste
Candy Colors
Translucent finish over metallic base. Depth that paint can't match.
Popular candy options:
- Candy Apple Red
- Candy Blue
- Candy Purple
- Candy Green
Best for: Show cars, custom builds, enthusiast vehicles
Prismatic / Color-Shift
Changes color based on angle. The showstopper option.
Best for: Ultimate attention, car shows, unique builds
Two-Tone & Custom Options
Machined Face + Powder Body
Keep the machined lip, coat the rest.
Best for: Factory-plus look, sport wheels, BMW/Mercedes style
Color-Matched Custom
We can match almost any color—your vehicle's paint, a specific brand color, anything.
Process: You provide color sample or code, we match it
Accent Colors
Different color for center cap recess, spoke faces, or lips.
Best for: Detailed builds, show vehicles, brand matching
Color Selection Guide
Match Your Vehicle
| Car Color | Best Wheel Options |
|---|---|
| White | Black, gunmetal, bronze, gold |
| Black | Black, chrome, gold, red accents |
| Silver/Gray | Black, gunmetal, bronze |
| Red | Black, gunmetal, dark bronze |
| Blue | Black, gunmetal, silver |
| Dark (blue/green) | Black, bronze, gold |
Consider Your Style
Clean/OEM+: Gunmetal, anthracite, hyper silver
Aggressive: Gloss black, matte black
Unique: Bronze, gold, custom colors
Show: Candy, prismatic, two-tone
The Powder Coating Process
Step 1: Media Blasting
Complete removal of old finish. Reveals bare metal and any damage.
Step 2: Repair (If Needed)
Curb rash repair, crack welding, straightening. Done before coating.
Step 3: Primer Application
Specialized wheel primer for adhesion and corrosion protection.
Step 4: Color Application
Electrostatically charged powder adheres evenly. Multiple passes for coverage.
Step 5: Curing
Baked at 400°F for chemical bonding. Creates the durable finish.
Step 6: Clear Coat (Optional)
Additional protection and gloss. Recommended for metallic/candy finishes.
Total time: 3-5 business days for a full set
Pricing Guide
| Service | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Single wheel | $100-$150 |
| Full set (4 wheels) | $400-$600 |
| Single color + clear | $450-$700 |
| Two-tone finish | $600-$900 |
| Candy/special effect | $700-$1,000 |
| Curb rash repair | +$50-$100/wheel |
Prices vary by wheel size and condition
Before You Decide
Bring Your Car
Colors look different on screen vs. in person. Stop by and see actual powder samples against your vehicle.
Consider Brake Dust
Light colors (white, silver) show brake dust more. If you hate cleaning wheels, go dark.
Think About Resale
Classic colors (black, gunmetal) appeal to more buyers. Crazy colors may limit resale.
Ready to Transform Your Wheels?
Stop by with your vehicle or send us photos for recommendations:
📞 Call 408-848-8468 — discuss color options
📍 Visit our Gilroy shop — see samples in person
📷 Send photos for quote — we'll suggest options
Related Services
- Wheel Services: Powder Coating
- Complete Wheel Guide: Everything You Can Powder Coat Beyond Wheels
- Brake Upgrade: Brake Caliper Coating Guide
