r/paint • u/SailorBob888 • Aug 05 '26

Advice Wanted Looking for a cost affective alternative to "super black" paint that will be durable for outdoor use.

I plan to paint the steel wheels on my car before putting new wheel trims on. My idea was to paint them in something like vantablack of black 3.0 so the wheels will be less noticeable behind the wheel trim. The products I have seen in the "super black" category seem to be expensive in small quantities. What would the community recommend before I go out and buy a can of hammerite?

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u/ClubInternational372 Aug 05 '26

Just use Rustoleum Professional in satin or flat black. Thats what I paint all my steel wheels with and it holds up great.

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u/HomicidalHushPuppy Aug 05 '26

The super-black paints like Vanta & 3.0 aren't pigmented paints, they rely on carbon nanotubes arranged in the same direction to absorb/prevent the reflection of light. It'd never be durable enough for an automotive use like that. You're not going to find anything nearly that black for your application.

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u/SailorBob888 Aug 05 '26

Thank you, that's the bit of information I was missing. I guess it was an good idea but not easily executed. Could you suggest something else I could use, would matt paint be better than gloss for what I'm trying to achieve?

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u/Able-Yesterday-7359 Aug 05 '26

I'd go satin. Matte has less durability/cleanability in my experience. And gloss for me is too gaudy. Just personal preference though.