MK3 Supra Wheel Refinishing with WestNet Paint Enamel

Factory MK3 Supra Wheel Options

Toyota offered several wheel designs across the MK3 Supra production run. Each had a distinct finish:

Materials Needed

• 3–4 cans of WestNet Paint Enamel in your wheel color (Silver Aluminum or Smoke Grey)
• 2 cans of WestNet Crystal Clear for top coat
• 400-grit and 800-grit wet sandpaper
• Automotive degreaser / wax-and-grease remover
• Wire brush or Scotch-Brite pad for corrosion
• Masking tape, paper, and plastic bags for tires
• Index cards or playing cards for masking the tire bead

Preparation Process

Step 1: Remove Wheels

Remove the wheels from the car. While it is possible to paint wheels on the car, removal gives full access to the barrel and inner lip. Work on a clean, well-ventilated surface.

Step 2: Clean Thoroughly

1. Wash each wheel with soap, water, and a stiff brush to remove all brake dust, road grime, and tar.
2. Use an iron remover or dedicated wheel cleaner for embedded brake dust that soap cannot remove.
3. Rinse and dry completely.

Step 3: Sand the Surface

1. Sand the entire wheel face with 400-grit wet sandpaper. This removes the existing clear coat and creates tooth for the new paint.
2. For curb-rashed areas, start with 220-grit to flatten the damage, then follow with 400-grit.
3. Sand corrosion spots (white aluminum oxide) down to clean metal with a wire brush, then smooth with 400-grit.
4. Feather all edges where old paint meets bare metal.

Step 4: Degrease and Mask

1. Wipe every surface with wax-and-grease remover on a clean cloth. Use a fresh cloth for the final wipe.
2. Tuck index cards between the tire bead and the wheel lip to protect the tire sidewall.
3. Alternatively, wrap the tire in plastic bags and tape to the wheel lip.
4. Mask the valve stem and any weights you want to preserve.

Painting Process

Step 5: Apply WestNet Paint Enamel

1. Shake the can for at least two minutes after the mixing ball begins to rattle.
2. Hold the can 10–12 inches from the wheel. Start with the spoke recesses and barrel, then move to the face.
3. Apply a light tack coat first. This establishes adhesion and catches any contaminants before full coverage.
4. Wait 5–10 minutes. Apply a second, slightly heavier coat. Build coverage evenly.
5. Apply a third and fourth coat for full opacity. Silver and metallic colors typically need one more coat than solid colors.

Step 6: Apply Clear Coat

1. Wait 15–20 minutes after the final color coat.
2. Apply 2 coats of WestNet Crystal Clear, with 10 minutes between coats.
3. The clear coat provides additional brake dust resistance, UV protection, and a smooth, glossy finish.

Step 7: Cure and Reassemble

1. Allow 48 hours for full cure before mounting tires or installing on the car.
2. Handle wheels carefully during this period—the paint is touchable in hours but not fully hardened.
3. Remove masking materials carefully after the paint is tack-free (approximately 30 minutes).
4. Mount tires using a lubricated bead (avoid petroleum-based tire lube on fresh paint).

Color Matching Tips

OEM Silver Match

WestNet Silver Aluminum (#C0C0C0) provides the bright silver finish used on base model and Sport Roof MK3 Supras. It is also the correct color for aftermarket wheels that use a standard bright silver.

OEM Gunmetal Match

WestNet Smoke Grey (#5A5854) matches the darker gunmetal finish found on Turbo model wheels. This color is also popular for custom refinishing of any MK3 wheel for a more aggressive look.

Custom Options

Many MK3 Supra owners refinish their wheels in non-factory colors. Popular custom choices include:

• WestNet Gloss Black for a modern, aggressive look
• WestNet Dark Machine Grey for a dark, understated metallic
• WestNet Anodized Bronze for a period-correct bronze accent, popular on white and black Supras

More MK3 Supra Paint Guides