rim painting question...

[Bigcam59]

Well I'm thinking of painting a set of aluminum rims for my next project and I have a question. Is it easier to paint the rim before or after building the wheel?
I like the idea of using straws to mask the spokes, but I've never done it before and appreciate any feedback

 

[scrumblero]

if they are already in pieces, I would paint them first, it turns out cleaner. I don't think I would pull em apart just to paint them tho... (even tho I have before.. :roll: )

 

[jerrykr]

use an old frame to hold the wheel while painting the rim. you can spin it while painting!

 

[yoothgeye]

If the wheel will already be apart I'd say paint it, that way you don't have to hit it from all kind of crazy angles to get the paint around the spoke nipples, then you could let it cure and put painters tape over it to lace the wheel so the dangling spokes won't scratch it up.

If you do not have to have the wheel apart, do the straws. If you need more advice on that I can give it, or you can look at my build off thread for The 76er.