Does power coating alloys weaken them?

[Legojon]

So... I've done the Google... and of course, its always possible to find someone who's wheels have cracked just days after having them powder coated. Plus, I read some wheel manufacturers recommend you don't because it weakens them.

I realise there's going to be loads of people that have done it. So just wondering if I'm worrying for nothing? Also, is there anything I should watch out for? Eg, do they all use acid baths or is there a safer way to strip them?

I've found a place that will do it in a day locally for £240 a set. BUT... they don't rebalance afterwards. Is that a problem?

Oh... and does it make them more difficult to clean? I know that sounds weird but at the moment they are effortless to clean. Does the powder coating change the smooth texture?

 

[cupra_ahhh]

I wouldn't have thought so as it's a coating. It's a cosmetic change that's put on top of a physical structure that's forged (if it's OEM or big named aftermarket wheel). But what do I know. Having said that, I had a set powder coated and one of them buckled, but they weren't OEM, they were replica wheels.

I'm thinking it was a coincidence as they were old.

 

[t121anf]

Powder coating won't change the surface, blasting them prior to doing so might.

Like painting it's depends how good your coater is.

 

[OldManPooley]

Its the high heat during the process of powder coating that supposedly weakens them