[phutton]

Sunbeam wheels were always painted by dipping after they had been assembled, so you will never see an original photo showing bright plated nipples. Powder coating may be the best way for restorations as there is less tendency for runs to form, but a good spray painter can get  a fabulous result with wet paint.

P.

[Greybeard]

I'd go along with Vic on that one. Powder coating is very dependent on the surface preparation to be long lasting. It's also a swine to remove the next time around 
A good etch primer base coat followed by a 2-pack primer and topcoat is the way to go. If you use a black filler/primer then you don't need too much in the way of top coat which helps reduce chipping. With practice you can also get a superb from-the-gun finish that cellulose struggles to match - unless you're very good at it.

Steve

[VicYouel]

Brickwoods (see  suppliers list) do a nice rebuild job with painted spokes and shiny nipples. Their prices are reasonable and it really is not owrth doing it ones self IMHO

I find the diadvantage of powder coating is that when the edge is broken (like fitting a spoke or bolt/spindle) a path is  created for water and corrosion can set in resulting in the powder coating pealing off over time.  So I much prefer 2 pack paint.
Vic

[Mike hall]

I have never rebuilt a bike with painted wheels.Can anyone advise me as to the best procedure, and the merits of paint versus powder coating?  I am just about to rebuild a B23.