Hubcaps -- correct black detail paint?

[Senorpablo]

I'm restoring my set of hubcaps and I'm not quite sure of the correct black paint to use. The paint on the hubcaps now is fairly flat. I'm not sure if that's due to them being 40+ years old, or if that's the correct color.

Does anyone know how these came originally from the factory?

Here are the type of hubcap I'm restoring, though I'm not sure if the paint on them is correct either:

Screenshot_12.jpg

[BobbyFord]

I believe it's semi-gloss black.

[72BahamaBlue]

The 1 I have that's in really nice original condition seems to match the Rustoleum satin black, but then again, it is 40 years old.

I've wondered, how did Ford mask the caps for painting? Some sort of cutout that fit over? That would be nice to find...

[Senorpablo]

The 1 I have that's in really nice original condition seems to match the Rustoleum satin black, but then again, it is 40 years old.

I've wondered, how did Ford mask the caps for painting? Some sort of cutout that fit over? That would be nice to find...

I think they probably used some kind of paint stamping or screen printing like setup. I have one hubcap and you can see the edges are all uniformly off in one direction like it wasn't set quite at the correct angle when it was painted.

I spent at least an hour masking the one I've prepared so far. Not much fun, but I can't wait to peel it off and see how it looks when it's done.

[HIO Silver]

Household spray can paint (Rustoleum/Krylon) will typically chalk up after a year or two and you'll be back to doing it again. I suggest using an automotive-grade paint and an inexpensive Harbor Freight paint gun ($10 to $15).

[72BahamaBlue]

Household spray can paint (Rustoleum/Krylon) will typically chalk up after a year or two and you'll be back to doing it again. I suggest using an automotive-grade paint and an inexpensive Harbor Freight paint gun ($10 to $15).

That's good advice. I used the larger cans of "Professional" Rustoleum semi-gloss on a trailer hitch, chalked up within months. Looks like I'll be respraying some sheet metal pieces this summer. Lesson learned.

[tarch58]

Duplicolor makes a Ford semi-gloss paint DE1635 Engine paint that I use in my detail shop and works well on most surfaces. Just be careful how many coats you use...the more coats the more shine. You can get it at most parts stores that carry Duplicolor paint (autozone, oreillys, advanced auto, napa).

[72stepside]

I too have had pretty good luck with duplicolor engine paint on non-engine applications that see lots of sunlight. I'm gonna use that semi-gloss black on the one hubcap I have that needs touching up. I was very fortunate to find a really nice set of 4 with only one needing attention.

[Mach428]

I did the same thing to my 60 F-250, same bright hub caps. I used "fine-line" tape to mask around the crown and detail surrounds. Then I lightly sanded the unmasked areas and misted them with a good primer, then applied satin black being careful not to get the area too wet. I used Krylon.

The result was perfect and they look awesome. This WILL take a good amount of time to do but the result is worth the effort.

Let us see yours when finished!

[Mach428]

Whoops, 69 F-250

[tsherry]

OK--third time I've tried to post this.

I used a paint pen from Hobby Lobby--exterior grade black enamel. 10 minutes per cap and done. I've since used it on other car projects and will never touch a paint brush and canned paint or waste a pile of time masking and spraying these again.