I would rather NOT have to use sandpaper to get into all the holes in my wheels, and I don't have access to a sand/sodium blaster. Anyone ever try "etching primer" or something like that to prep wheels for paint? They are gunmetal now and I am going to rattle can them silver.

 

I use self etching primer on most metal surfaces I prime for paint, including my rims. It's made specifically for application on bare metal.

 

^+1 Only use etching primer on bar metal. If you don't want to sand them all, your best bet would be to scuff them with a grey scotch brite pad, clean them with a wax and grease remover, then spray them with an adhesion promoter, then a primer/sealer, then paint and clear.