Tire paint sales have been on the rise in the United States, and it seems more drivers are becoming attracted to the unique look that painted tires can offer. However, if you are new to the party, there are a lot of unanswered questions you may still have. Here, you’ll find your complete guide to everything you need to know about tire paint:
What kinds of tires does tire paint work best on?
A common misconception is that tire paint can only work on a limited number of tires. However, so long as your tires aren’t something completely out of the ordinary, these paint pens should be able to work on your tires just fine. Whether you are using Goodyear, Michelin, Bridgestone, BF Goodrich, or any other common retail brand in stock, your tires can, in fact, be painted. Be sure that your tires are clean and rid of dirt, sand, shine, gravel, or any other foreign substances before you begin the application process.
What distinguishes good tire paint from bad?
If you’re considering painting your tires, the last thing you want to do is choose a brand that will not perform. When deciding which brand you want to use, it is generally a good idea to begin by looking at various customer reviews online and elsewhere. Here are some good things to keep in mind when comparison shopping:
- Be sure the kind of paint you are using is waterproof and designed specifically for tires. Some people will try to save money by using paints reserved for art or other projects, but these tend not to last nearly as long on tires, and they also have the tendency to smear once they begin to get wet.
- Try to find paint that comes with an application kit—this will make things much easier for you.
- For your own sake, the sake of the environment, and for the sake of the tires themselves, you should try to look for paints that are chemically sound. This means looking for tire pens that have little to no halogens, chlorides, and xylene. The ingredients should be available from the manufacturer.
How can I apply tire paint myself and still have it look good?
You don’t have to be an artist in order to paint your tires and have them look professionally done or factory ordered. As long as you clearly follow the directions (below), maintain a strong attention to detail, and make sure you give your tires a long enough time to dry before taking them out on the road, you can create a masterpiece with ease.
- Begin by making sure your tires are clean and rid of any dirt, grease, shine, or other foreign substances. Usually, soap, water, and rubbing alcohol should be enough to get them into suitable painting condition—but be sure to do a good job.
- Use a wire brush to scuff the tires before painting. Doing this creates a surface in which tire paint will be able to grab hold of the tire the best.
- If the tire pen has not yet been used or has not been used in a while, be sure to shake the pen before using it to make sure the ingredients are adequately mixed together.
- Apply the paint lightly, slowly, and carefully. Just a little bit of tire paint can go a long way, and if you press too hard, you’ll create a mess. Furthermore, it is important to make sure apply your tire paint evenly to assure that there are no cracks, bumps, or inconsistencies.
- Once you have a full, even coat of paint applied, be sure to give your tires plenty of time to dry. Usually, you need at least 12 hours to do this, so don’t begin painting if you are going to need to drive somewhere shortly after.
- Make any final touches and touch-ups as needed; the best tire paint brands should be able to last for a while, but periodic touch ups will help assure the tires are looking crisp and clean.
Is tire paint something that I can remove if I change my mind?
Tire lettering paint is designed to last, so removing it is no easy task. However, with a nylon brush, some common household ingredients, and a little bit of elbow grease it can, in fact, be removed. By simply using water, baking soda, lemon juice, and vegetable oil, you will immediately have a clean and easy solution that can be used to remove almost any common brand of tire paint (without causing any harm to the tire itself).
- Begin by drenching your tire with water
- Sprinkle an even layer of baking soda wherever there is paint, and then add lemon juice on top of the baking soda
- Scrub vigorously until all paint is removed—this will probably require a good deal of time and effort
- Apply vegetable oil over the tires, let them sit for a few hours, and then rinse
Why should I choose paint instead of stick-on lettering?
There are several problems with stick-on lettering that, fortunately, can all be avoided by using a paint pen instead. Stick-on lettering has a tendency to peel, and eventually fall off. Furthermore, as time goes on, stick-on lettering—especially in the case of white lettering—will become increasingly dirty over time and impossible to clean. Though white painted lettering may also get dirty over time, because it is paint, it can easily be touched up.
By keeping these simple purchasing, application, removal, and comparative tips in mind, you can easily customize your car or motorcycle in no time.
