Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think I've ever heard of an OEM powder coating a factory wheel. They're usually just painted, if that's of any consolation.
correct. Not a single OEM i am aware of PC's their wheels or even their brake calipers.
PC'ing is an expensive process to do correctly and would be difficult to to on a mass scale.
And yes, i've heard from plenty of PC'ers that their process is "safe". I've also spoken to many materials engineers who have reiterated some of the concerns with PC'ing such as taking the temperature up too high and rapidly cooling the part after.
BUT, there are plenty of successful painting techniques out there that you dont need to PC. The OEM bullitt and FR500 anthracite wheels are painted and clearcoated and have a great finish IMHO...so it can be done very well with paint. Same goes for brake calipers...the OEM red bullitts and brembo brake calipers are painted...not PC'ed.