ok question is: I have some aluminum rims that I bought awhile ago and the PO had painted them silver cause they  were oxidized bad I assume.  So I have sanded them down to bare aluminum with 150 grit and finished sanding with 220 to smooth it all out, so question is what prep would you do to allow plasti-dip to stick best, or would you just wipe down with cleaner and paint?

My son actually plasti-diped his rims black on his CRV a couple years ago.  He didn't sand them first though.  He simply cleaned them, then sprayed them.  I didn't think it would last very well, but they have held up pretty well fro two years now.  He doesn't off road his CRV either though.

Since your rims had already had the clear coat worn or taken off of them, it probably doesn't matter much.  I'd run a cleaner over them to remove any oil residue, allow them to dry and then just spray them.  The plasti-dip will at least provide some protection to the metal.

that's what I was thinking, just wipe with cleaner and spray. should I mount the tires first or spray then mount?

I'd mount the tires first so you don't remove plasti-dip during the mounting and balancing phase.  Son unit sprayed his on the vehicle.  Did his grill as well as the spare tire on the back of the CRV.  Like I said, it has worn surprisingly well.  If it gets scratched up then respray.

I am looking forward to the results.  I have been thinking hard about doing the same to my factory aluminum wheels.

Did my stock rims when I put new sneakers on this past spring.

Look AWESOME when done.

Couple of hints :

Follow directions - do not scuff up too much as benefit of being able to peel off becomes harder
Spray in open area, this stuff stinks
Spray in several light coats - if willl appear that it is laying uneven, but it lays out REAL nice on its own
Best price for the Dip it was on Amazon, order an extra can or two
No worries if they touch the rims while mounting tires, just spray over it.

Very easy to clean up and they are holding up VERY well so far.

how many cans for 4 rims??

I usually just clean good and spray. I recommend a can per wheel and I lay it on thick. At least, usually 3 coats as the more you apply the better it is to peel off if ever needed.if you lay it on thick enough it will come off in one big piece considering. If it's thin it will take a wwhileto remove.

good to know thx

I did some parts for my Sport last weekend.  I did the factory roof rack and the black trim pieces on the back corners.  It turned out well, but it took a few coats hide the fading in the plastic trim pieces.  I am happy with the results and will be using it on other parts soon.

Keep the can vertical.  If you lean the can too much, it alters the color.  I was trying to reach around and between components and tipped the can too much.  The affected area was very noticeable.

I sprayed my hood and it came out blotchy. I did three light coats. I got blotches of different textures. Almost like over spray. Maybe I tipped the can too much? Guess I can just peel off and try again.