Painted new rims of course I hope for the best on mounting the tires - most turn out well. Wheels I need to refinish - paint - I usually blast if needed, prime outer, prime and paint inner and inside wheel and edges, have tires then mounted, prep the outside of the wheel, carefully mask and then paint the wheel with tire on the rim.
Just a preference on past experiences. Tape does not like to stick to rubber very well.
If I have older tires, I may sandblast rims with tires on them.
Powder coated rims have a more durable finish for mounting tools.
We all want perfect but sometimes settle for less.
