If you’re looking to refresh the look of your car without spending a fortune, you might be wondering: can you spray paint Honda Civic hubcaps? The answer is a definitive yes. With the right preparation and materials, you can give your factory wheel covers a brand new appearance that matches your style. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing paint to the final clear coat, ensuring you get professional-looking results at home.
Can You Spray Paint Honda Civic Hubcaps
Spray painting your Civic’s hubcaps is a very achievable DIY project. It’s a cost-effective way to change their color from a worn-out silver or grey to a sleek black, metallic, or even a custom hue. While it requires patience and attention to detail, the transformation can make your entire car look newer and more personalized. The key to success lies almost entirely in the preparation work.
What You’ll Need: Tools and Materials
Gathering all your supplies before you start is crucial. You don’t want to be halfway through sanding and realize you’re missing something. Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need to get the job done right.
- Your Honda Civic hubcaps (removed from the car)
- Spray paint designed for plastics and wheels (2-3 cans)
- Spray primer for plastic
- Clear coat spray (gloss, satin, or matte finish)
- Fine-grit sandpaper (320-grit and 600-grit are good choices)
- A sanding block or sponge
- Painter’s tape
- Newspaper or a large cardboard box for a spray booth
- Degreaser or isopropyl alcohol
- Microfiber cloths or tack cloths
- Gloves, a respirator mask, and safety glasses
- A well-ventilated workspace (like a garage with the door open)
Step 1: Removing and Cleaning the Hubcaps
First, you need to take the hubcaps off your Civic. Most pop off by hand, but you might need a flat tool wrapped in cloth to gently pry them loose. Be careful not to bend the clips. Once they’re off, give them a through cleaning. Use soap, water, and a degreaser to remove all brake dust, road grime, and old tire shine products. Any residue left on the surface will prevent the paint from sticking properly.
Deep Cleaning is Non-Negotiable
After the initial wash, wipe down each hubcap with isopropyl alcohol. This step removes any invisible oils and ensures a perfectly clean surface for sanding. Let them dry completely before moving on. Rushing this step is a common mistake that leads to paint peeling later.
Step 2: Sanding for Paint Adhesion
This is the most important part of the whole project. You must sand the entire surface of each hubcap. The goal isn’t to remove the old finish completely, but to scuff it up so the primer has something to grip onto. Use your 320-grit sandpaper and sand every inch, including the edges and any grooves.
- Sand in a circular motion to create an even, dull surface.
- Pay extra attention to any chipped or damaged areas.
- After the initial sanding, you can use a finer 600-grit to smooth out any deep scratches.
Once sanded, wipe away all the dust with a tack cloth or a damp microfiber. There should be no dust particles remaining.
Step 3: Applying the Primer
Primer is your foundation. It helps the paint stick and can also help hide minor imperfections. Always use a primer formulated for plastic. Shake the can vigorously for at least two minutes. In your ventilated area, apply the primer in thin, light coats. Hold the can about 8-10 inches from the surface.
- Apply the first coat in a sweeping motion. It will look spotty and incomplete—that’s okay.
- Wait 10-15 minutes for it to become tacky to the touch.
- Apply a second thin coat, aiming for full, even coverage.
- Let the primer dry completely, ideally for at least an hour or as the can directs.
If you see any runs or drips, you can lightly sand them smooth with your fine-grit paper once the primer is fully dry.
Step 4: The Painting Process
Now for the main event. Shake your color paint can for a full two minutes. The technique is the same as with primer: thin, even coats. Start with a light “tack coat” that barely covers the primer. After 10-15 minutes, apply your first real coat. You’ll typicaly need 3-4 coats for solid, uniform color.
Be patient between coats. Applying paint too thickly is the number one cause of runs, sags, and a sticky finish that never fully dries. Let each coat dry according to the paint can’s instructions before adding the next. The hubcap should look completely dry and even before you apply clear coat.
A Note on Paint Choice
Choose a high-temperature or wheel-specific spray paint if possible. These are formulated to withstand the heat from your brakes and are more resistant to chips from road debris. They also often have added flex agents for the slight give in plastic.
Step 5: Protecting with Clear Coat
The clear coat seals in your color and provides a durable, protective layer. It adds depth to metallic paints and gives a professional finish. Wait at least 24 hours after your last color coat before applying clear. Apply 2-3 thin coats of clear, following the same patient process. A good clear coat is what makes the finish last through car washes and weather.
Step 6: Curing and Reinstallation
This is the hardest part: waiting. The paint may feel dry to the touch in a few hours, but it needs time to fully cure and harden. For best results, let the hubcaps sit for at least 48-72 hours before handling them much. Avoid reinstalling them on the car for a full week if you can, to prevent any damage from road vibrations.
When you do reinstall them, line them up carefully and tap them into place with the palm of your hand. Avoid using tools that could scratch your new paint job.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Sanding: Paint will peel without a scuffed surface.
- Painting in Humidity or Cold: Ideal conditions are 70°F and low humidity.
- Heavy Coats: Causes runs and extends drying time dramatically.
- Not Using Plastic Primer: Adhesion will be poor.
- Reinstalling Too Soon: Soft paint can be easily damaged.
How Long Will Painted Hubcaps Last?
With proper preparation and application, a spray-painted hubcap job can last several years. The durability depends on your driving conditions, how often you wash the car, and the quality of the products used. Using a wheel-specific paint and clear coat will give you the longest lifespan. Minor touch-ups are always possible if you get a rock chip later on.
FAQ Section
Do I need to sand Honda Civic hubcaps before painting?
Yes, absolutely. Sanding is the most critical step for getting the paint to adhere. Without it, the paint will likely chip or peel off very quickly.
What is the best spray paint for plastic hubcaps?
Look for spray paints labeled for use on plastic and automotive applications. Brands like Rust-Oleum Automotive, Krylon Fusion for Plastic, or specific wheel paints from Dupli-Color are excellent choices.
Can I spray paint my hubcaps without taking them off the car?
It is not recommended. You cannot properly clean, sand, or mask the tire and brakes. You’ll get overspray on your tires, rotors, and paint, and the finish will not be durable.
How many coats of spray paint should I use?
Plan for 2-3 coats of primer, 3-4 coats of color, and 2-3 coats of clear coat. Always apply multiple thin coats instead of one or two thick ones.
How long does it take to spray paint 4 hubcaps?
The active work (cleaning, sanding, masking) might take 2-3 hours. The painting process, with drying time between coats, spreads over a full day. The full curing time before reinstalling is best at about a week.
Can I paint over chrome or textured hubcaps?
You can, but chrome requires more aggressive sanding to dull the entire surface. Textured surfaces can be painted, but they will remain textured; the paint won’t fill in the pattern. Ensure every part of the texture is scuffed.
Spray painting your Honda Civic hubcaps is a satisfying project that can dramatically improve your car’s look. By following these steps carefully—especially the cleaning, sanding, and thin-coat techniques—you’ll achieve results you can be proud of. Remember, the prep work makes all the difference. Take your time, work in a good environment, and you’ll have great-looking hubcaps that last.