'65 hubcap paint

[Tony S.]

I'm in the process of restoring my original '65 hubcaps. I just got my caps back from the stainless guy who polished them and they look great. The problem is, I can't get the dark gray paint to stick in the designated areas. Any suggestions on how to get the paint to stick?

Thanks.
Tony

[Jack H.]

Re: '65 hubcap paint

With ordinary paint, it's not going to stick to the smooth, freshly polished surface. Expect it to 'flake' away the first time you wash especially if you use a power hose.

Solution: use a self-etching primer and then apply your color coat over the primer. The alternative is to mix a self-etchant additive into the final paint for a one-shot application.

Paints rated as self-etching have an acidic base allowing them to 'bite' the target surface. You can get self-etching primers in rattle can form from SEM. Most commerical auto paint distributors have it off the shelf.

These SEM paints are frequently used to 'black out' exterior items like WSW arms, radio antenna masts, luggage racks, Etc. Expect to pay something like $12-15 for a single rattle can, but it will work, mon!