White underneath the clearcoat, how do I fix it?

[Mike Tonon]

So I have the Alcoa aluminum rims with the clearcoat on them. I’m starting to see white/corrosion under the clearcoat. Can I sand it off and reclearcoat the entire rim?

Thanks

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Yes you can remove it and recoat them, but I'd use some kind of paint stripper such as "Aircraft Paint Remover" from Autozone. Try it on a small spot on the backside to be sure it doesn't mess with the aluminum in some adverse way..

If you don't do it really soon, that corrosion under the clear will really start to pit the aluminum deeply. It probably has some deep pits already to be honest. Getting the pitted sections to match with the same "finish" (polished vs machined finish) will be difficult though.

Also, you'll have to use a 2 part automotive clear like professional paint shops spray on cars, otherwise it will yellow quickly in the sun and peel off within a couple years or less.

Unless you want to spend $20 per can for the aerosol 2 part clear coat like "2K Clear" brand, but one can may just do all four wheels if you prep them well before you ever "pop" the can to mix the 2 parts..



GB