Stripping Wheel Question

I plan on stripping the outside rim portion of my wheels and polishing over the next couple days. I have plenty of experience polishing metal, but not much using stripper, so I have a few questions for those that have done this before:

1. Some people remove the tires, some mask (notecards, etc...), and some do nothing at all. Has anyone here that has done this noticed any tire degradation/problems after contact with stripper?

I've worked with methylene chloride and chloroform systems in a lab environment and it will expand and break down rubber, but we are talking 10+ hours under reflux. I'm thinking 30 minutes under atmospheric shouldn't have any noticeable effects, but it is worth asking.

I realize removing the tires is the "best" method, but I would prefer not to do it.

2. Has anyone found a masking tape that will leave a reasonably sharp transition from the polished surface to the remaining paint?

Any tips?

Thanks

I just used masking tape and it was good. Just make sure you press it down firmly all the way around the rim first. However, I did this about a month before I was buying tires any way just in case. Worked out fine for me.

i stripped it with the tyre on and no damage there. Posted Image

Yeah, my tire is probably good for another month, maybe 2, so I wasn't terribly concerned. This is really the reason I didn't want to take it off for this, then put it on for another month, and take it off again.

Anyway, hope to have some pics to share tomorrow. Thanks for the tips guys.

The bright green 3M painter's tape sticks better than regular tape, and leaves a nice crisp edge. Wash the wheel with soapy water to get rid of most of the brake dust & bugs before you start.

i have done my rear wheel after a harsh winter it started flaking so i had to be done. I did end up stripping the whole wheel and went for a black look with gold accents. New paint scheme i am doing to the whole bike. I left the tyre on and so far no problems at all. I've put 2500+ miles on her since. I used 3M tape to mask the wheel, laid it on heavy and it was fine. for the transition i used a pin striping tape, came out excellent with the black and gold. Just take your time and get the curve right.

Good Luck