A wheel masking system for more efficiently and effectively masking vehicle wheels for painting and touch-ups. The wheel masking system generally includes a tire mask and rim shield which may be simultaneously or interchangeably utilized to mask portions of a wheel during paint or touch-up operations. The tire mask includes a disc member which fits the contour of the wheel's side wall and tapers to nest at the tire bead on the inside diameter to protect portions of the wheel and side wall from paint. The rim shield fits over the lug nuts of the wheel to mask the rim of the wheel from paint.