How to Repair Alloy Wheels

How to Repair Alloy Wheels

Alloy wheels are becoming very popular because of their light weight and their very accurate steering. While durable, they can get grimy and dirty. Here is a guide on how to repair alloy wheels.

Required Tools and Materials

Polish
Clear coat
Spray paint
Scratch filler primer
Sandpaper (240-grit and 400-grit)
Spot putty
Paper
Masking tape
Paint thinner
Rag
Cleaner

Step 1

Use a cleaner to clean the wheel. If there is some paint residue, use a rag to wipe it off.

Step 2

Put some masking tape on the tires and other sensitive areas. This will prevent any spills or stains from affecting them. Aside from masking tape, you can also use paper.

Step 3

If the wheel has minor damage, put a layer of putty on the damaged parts. You only need to apply a small amount when you repair alloy wheels. Give the putty time to dry.

Step 4

Get the 240 grit sandpaper. Use it to sand the putty. You have to sand lightly. Next, apply 400 grit sandpaper on the putty. Keep sanding until the putty is flushed to the rest of the material.

Step 5

Get the scratch filler primer and use to spray the part you sanded. Use the rag to wipe off any extra spray.

Step 6

Apply more spot putty in the damaged part. Sand the part with the 240 grit sandpaper. Keep sanding until the surface is uniform with the surface. Apply a second spray primer coat. Allow it to dry. Sand it a bit with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper.

Step 7

Apply some spray on the wheel. You will need to apply two coatings of paint. The color should correspond to the one on the wheel. The can should be shaken prior to the second coat application.

Step 8

Apply two clear coat sprays. There should be an interval of half an hour between coats. The last step is to polish the wheels.

Tips and Warnings

You should enfold the sandpaper in a wood piece to ease the sanding. If the problem is just dirt and grime, clean the wheel with soapy water.

Pour one fourth cup of dishwashing soap into 2 gallons of water. Dip a soft cloth in it and wipe the wheel. You can also use a garden hose to clean the alloy wheel. Let the wheel dry before using it.

If you are going to repair alloy wheels, you need to be patient. This is needed when you are applying the putty and sanding it.