Can I remove the top layer of paint safely on this beetle wheel?

[jonat]

The original paint looks to be present underneath all this top layer of paint which must have been painted by brush years ago. This is the spare tyre in the boot.

Is there a way to remove this top thick layer safely without damaging the original bottom paint?

[KTPhil]

Unlikely. And it probably isn't pretty since someone felt the need to respray it.

I'd remove as much paint as possible mechanically, then smooth it, and respray with Wurth or other matching silvertone paint.
_________________
Current Fleet:
- '71 Fastback
- '69 Westfalia
Retired:
- '67 Beetle
- '65 Beetle (x2)
- '65 Bus
- '71 Squareback

[jonat]

[hitest]

Originally those wheels (and many other models) were coated from the factory completely in black. Then a template was laid over just the fronts for a coat of silver paint. You can see the fade around the lug bolt areas.

That said, I often powder them black and spray a good coat of silver myself. The result is more factory on the inside rim face as well.
_________________