I did this by accident, and I know others have (or are going to paint) their own wheels..... I know I should have masked the bolt seats, but here is the proof why you dont...

I checked them today , both fronts ok (they have been off since for brake pads) osr fine, nsr TWO bolts tightened up with the torque wrench!

if you painted your bolt seats, please do take the time to re-torque

Shark.

I was fortunate and was coached through my wheel respray by lots of lovely helpful Briskodians.

 

As such some wadded up loo roll stopped my bolt seats from getting contaminated, worked fine, didn't spoil the finish and was simpler and less fiddly than tape.

 

that said mine were dipped not painted (good option for the technically less gifted AKA me)

I never masked any of my bolt seat on the 3 sets of wheels I sprayed and have never had any issues

I made these changes in my rings. Or better yet, these are my custom rings.