Alloy Wheel Repair and
Refurbishment
Alloy wheel repair and refurbishment varies from
each provider.
A FULL refurbishment would usually follow
similar steps as to what I've listed below:
First would be to expose the alloy wheel face by
pushing the tyre down (obviously when it’s deflated), using a tyre press
or similar.
The alloy wheel is then rubbed down, or filled and
flattened (for more serious alloy damage). This repair and refurbishment
procedure is similar to car bodywork repair.
The alloy wheel is then primed, allowed to cure
(dry) and then a layer of basecoat (the actual colour) is then applied.
This is a very difficult part as it requires a lot
of experience to obtain a great finish when doing the refurbishment.
Spray painting can be very tricky and alloy wheels usually have a lot of
‘nooks and crannies’ that need to be covered evenly when spraying.
There is an art to the method for the repair and
refurbishment when spraying to get a great finish, as the paint can
easily run if too much is applied or areas can be missed. If not noticed
it will effect the overall finish of your refurbishment.
When the basecoat has ‘cured’ (dried), then the
lacquer coat is applied (sometimes a second basecoat is applied). This
mainly gives the alloy wheel that ‘shiny’ look and also offers
protection from the elements (protection).
Once cured, the tyre is re-inflated and the alloy
repair and refurbishment is complete. |