How to Do a Repair of Alloy Wheels
By Anna O Sullivan
Oh man, did you just hit a curb and are now in need of a repair of the alloy wheels on your car? I'm feeling you man, that is harsh. If you want to do this auto wheel repair cheaply, without going to rim repair shops, here is a step by step instruction on repairing mild scuffs. Deeper scruffs and gouges will likely need the help of a professional.
First you're going to need to go to an automotive paint store and find a good can of paint that matches the colour of your wheels. If you think you're going to walk in and find one can marked 'silver' you're in for a shock. If there aren't at least a dozen different shades of silver you are in the wrong store. You'll have to ask a sales representative if you don't know your colour, I won't know it for you. While you're out get some knifing putty, 250,400 and 800 grit sandpaper, masking tape, filler spray, and clear lacquer.
Start by taking the wheel off your car, doing this sideways will not be any fun. Lay the wheel down and give it a good wash. You must get it perfectly clean or you may as well not even try to do this. Dirt, wax, and grime are your enemy here.
Get your 250 grit sandpaper and start smoothing down the scrape. It doesn't have to be completely smooth, just get rid of the burs. Once you knock down the worst of it switch to the 400 grit to get it smoother and to help protect the finish that isn't damaged. Your trick will be to keep the sandpaper wet the whole time you use it, it makes it less aggressive and it will clog up less, rinse it off regularly.
Now get out your putty. Don't be afraid to put on more than you need, and wait a moment for it to firm up before shaping it. Now wait for it to set completely, be sure to read the instructions for your putty and follow them exactly. If you get impatient you get bad results. When it is set get the 250 grit sandpaper wet and start smoothing it down, move on to the 400 when you're getting close to a level finish with the rest of the tire. Run your fingers over it to get a feel for lumps.
Mask off the area to be sprayed, get it done right. You don't want your tires to turn out the colour of the spray. With that done hit it with the filler spray, go for 3 coats. Once it is dry, usually overnight, get your 800 grit sandpaper, get it wet, and sand that area smooth. Now you can finally start your final coats with the silver you've picked out. I'd say four coats with 15 minute intervals between each coat will do. Once this is dry give it a light go over with the 800 and get your lacquer finish out and use it to give the new paint that last bit of protection it needs. Remember this lacquer is thinner than paint, putting too much on will cause it to run. Once this is all dry you're all done, you've done a basic repair of your alloy wheels.
Touchup in a Flash Inc. is an environmentally friendly automotive paint repair service company that provides cosmetic vehicle repairs.From paintless dent repair, broken bumper repair, wheel rim reconditioning, car accessory installation to complete detailing and polishing, the company is experienced with quality cosmetic services for all types of vehicles.
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