Masking tires Painting wheels

[Moondoggie]

I"ve finished painting my 340 Utility, but want to paint the wheels without removing the tires. What is the best way and material to mask the tires when I spray the wheels?
 

[B-maniac]

I guess it goes without sayin' if ya ain't dismounting them the ya ain't planning on breaking the bead away from the rim either then. Get some "automotive quallity" green 3M preferably 3/4" tape. It will turn the radius of a tractor tire without parting or pulling up. Press it down extra tight. Make sure and wipe the tire where you are going to mask with laquer thinner to get it clean. After the 3/4" then mask the rest of the tire with newspaper or whatever you have. Nothing tackier than a tire with paint overspray on it. Take your time and get the tape edge right down in as far as you can to the edge of the rim. Shave off any mold nibs that might hold the tape up.
 

[Moondoggie]

Thanx for the info. I""ll take my time and try to get the masking tight.
 

[sflem849]

A little thinner on a rag should take care of any overspray if you get it right away.
 

[davediehl@hotmail.com]

On the rims I paint with tires on, I deflate the tires. It will lower the bead enough to properly paint with less going on the visible part of the tire.
 

[Masking tire]

A lot people have put a thin coat of vaseline on the tire so the paint won't stick. There may even be a special type of stuff just for tires. Just be extra careful not to get any on the rim.
 

[TaylorMutts]

I've painted a lot of wheels lately. I remove the valve core so the tires fully deflate. I then stick 3x5 cards just under the rim, all the way around the rim. Have not had any issues with overspray, and once done painting just remove the cards, reinstall the valve core and inflate the tire. Much faster and easier than masking.
 

[sflem849]

Very cool idea Taylor.
 

[RTR]

[TaylorMutts]

I have only done this with automotive wheels, but since you are not even breaking the bead on the tire, I don't think this will be an issue. Deflating the tire allows you to squish it down enough to insert the cards. The larger the diameter of the wheel, the easier it should be to paint in this fashion.

Good luck!