To lacquer or not to?

[Farmer mk1]

Hi,
Ive had the tractor wheels shot blasted and I’ve painted them but I was wondering whether to lacquer them or not? Not sure if it is a good idea or a bad idea.
Anyone done this to some before?
The tractor isn’t a show tractor so will be used for farm work so don’t know if it’s good for stone chips or not.

Thanks
Farmer mk1

 

[Robt]

Why wouldn’t you? It will add another layer of protection. There really is nothing to lose

 

[Farmer mk1]

Heard abit that if it chips then it will get water in and then go abit steamy looking

 

[box]

I personally wouldn't bother. But, if you decide to spray something over the top, make sure you prep the paint correctly (i.e., degrease it with wax & grease remover, then scuff it up with 400 or 600 wet & dry, then rub it down with wax and grease remover again), otherwise the clear coat/lacquer will peel/flake off over time.

If you wanted durability, ideally you should have used a proper 2k base coat/clear coat paint system from the start. What paint have you used?

 

[Farmer mk1]

I have just used paint from the dealers, I believe it is just a 1k paint under coat and top coat. The lacquer I have if I want to is a 2k with hardner which I’ve been told is fine to use on a 1k paint. Will the top coat need rubbing down abit with some fine wet and dry or will it be ok to go ontop of the last coat of paint?

 

[box]

Definitely need to rub it down, give the clear coat something to bite into or it'll just fall off. What colour are the wheels? Don't say silver.

Don't forget the wax and grease remover. Wipe it on with one rag, wipe it off with another rag (preferably white) before it dries - you'll be amazed at how "dirty" a clean surface is. If there's any oily residue leftover and you paint over the top of it, you'll end up with fish eyes.

 

[killie_cowboy]

Mate of mine got his newly sprayed silver McCormick rims clear coated as well and started chipping pretty soon. I wouldn't bother.