PVD finish is a term used to describe a method of painting wheels. There are many brands that use this method, and only one for the paint. It is not the paint that is PVD-faceted!
PVD finish is a method of painting wheels where you use a primer and then apply a specific paint formula to each tire. Once these two layers are combined, you can add patterns, decorations, or whatever you wish onto the wheel.
There are several reasons to use this type of finish. You can start with essentially no experience on the wheel and feel confident enough to add some first signs of PVD off on them. You can also do some very nice rebranding projects where you change only the finish but not the wheels themselves.
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What is the process for PVD?
PVD is a process that creates a shiny, durable finish on wheels. There are three main steps in PVD die-casting: printing, firing, and painting.
Printing is the process of placing a master model into a special material and letting it develop textured surfaces to form the wheel. This can happen via solid or printed cases, or through either traditional or digital printers.
Firing is the process of placing the wheel into an oven and letting it develop heat enough to form the case. This can happen via hot metal discs or printed casings.
Paining is the process of applying liquid paint to the surface of the wheel. This can happen via painting with brush strokes or through digital painting tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustratorio.
Who uses PVD?
PVD is a newer finishing technology that has gained momentum in the past year. When people talk about PVD, they are usually referring to powder-dering, or the process of changing the finish on a wheel before production.
Powder-dering a new finish is an expensive process that can cost more than $1 per square foot. However, it is highly coveted by top fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Gucci who offer it exclusively.
The beauty of PVD is that you can change the color as much as you want! You can use solid or patterned finishes, choose materials or not, and even choose one or two color changes for your wheels.
There are many social media platforms where you can find new colors for your wheels.
What are the benefits of PVD?
When a wheel is painted, the paint is transferred to the wheel via a process called top-down painting. This means that once the paint is placed on the wheel, it cannot be removed!
Top-down painting has become increasingly popular as a way to update your wheels. There are many companies that offer this service, and you can have several painted on your drivetrain or other parts of your bike.
One of the benefits of this is that you get all of the rich color from the paint being applied and then recieving some UV exposure to keep those colors strong.
Another benefit is that these new paintings can be matched up with existing tires to make a matched replacement set.
What colors can I get with PVD?
There are three main colors for PVD finish wheels. These include black, blue, and red. All three look great!
They are highly customizable as far as color schemes and louvres. You can get them in solid colors or foil, or even check and powder-coatable!
Solid black looks great, but you can get very cute with some red and blue combos. Even looking at solid black wheels can be fun!
The other two colors are pretty popular: bright orange and hot pink. Both of these look great!
If you want to go more cool with your wheels, then these colors also have matching padded overlays.
Is it worth it to get PVD finish on my wheels?
There are several reasons to get PVD finish on your wheels. Let’s start with the cost. At most places, you will charge about $10 for a small bottle of PVD finish that you can coat your wheels in. This fin is sold online for $3, making it extremely affordable!
Second, getting PVD finish on your wheels gives you a “classy” look. Many people opt to get this on their non-dress shoes as well. Just look at those beautiful leathers and rich colors!
Last, getting PVD finish on your wheels gives you some protection. When you fall or have an accident that hurts yourself, a protection like this helps prevent damage to yourself and your equipment. You can also use this on skateboard trucks and other equipment to protect it from wear and tear.
What are the drawbacks to PVD finish on wheels?
There are some big drawbacks to PVD finish on wheels. Most notable is the cost. While not expensive, PVD finish on wheels can be more cost- prohibitive than other finishes such as leather or rubber.
Since it is sealed with a wax, it cannot be tossed in the washer or dryer which is problematic for those that want to show off their bike ride. It will also need to be maintained regularly which can be costly.
Another problem can be cleaning. Because it is sealed with a wax, it can not be automatically cleaned like an iron or rag would. It must be manually removed and cleaned with another tool or product.
Do I need to wash my car more often with a PVD finish?
A very common question about PVD finish is how often you should wash your wheels. After riding with them for a while, does the finish need to be washed?
To answer this question, we need to go over some basic rules about PVD finish washing. Firstly, because of the possibility of contamination by dirt and oils, the only way to safely clean your wheels is with a ride-safe solvent such as dishwashing liquid or floor wax.
Secondly, since this process can sometimes result in slight feathering or bubble formation on the wheel, it is good practice to let the wheels dry completely before attempting to straighten them. This way you do not risk further compaction of the shape of the wheel and loss of legibility.
Finally, since there are sometimes safety concerns when cleaning PVD finishes with conventional solvents such as benzene or alcohols, then proper brush care is also needed.
How much does a PVR finish cost?
The cost of a PVD finish varies by size. Small, medium, and large tires are typically more expensive than small. A medium tire can cost as much as a small one due to the larger diameter of the tire.
The price does not factor in until you look at it! After you have put on your tires and headed out, check the steering caliber and wheel thickness to make sure they are correct for your vehicle.
Wheel finishes can be painted or painted over. An easy way to do this is with a fine-bristle brush. You can also use spray cans or paint powder, but make sure it is completely dry before applying new finishing material!
Checking and replacing wornouts parts is the most cost-effective way to go with finishing your wheels.