Biggest Alloy Wheel Correction Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid

Alloy wheel repair kits are often cheaper than a professional repair, but they cannot fix massive scratches or deep scrapes, and are unlikely to give a perfect finish. If your car is damaged, it might be best to go to professionals who can do alloy wheel correction and elsewhere. Below is a step-by-step guide for using alloy wheel repair kits, as well as tips for success.

What’s in The Kits, and How Do They Work?

alloy wheel repair kits work by creating an even surface over the damage and repainting the area.

They contain:

·         Filler/primer

·         Paint (spray or brush-on)

·         Sandpaper

·         Lacquer

·         Protective gloves

·         Applicator tools, brushes, wipes and sponges

Though the kits contain sandpaper, it is worth using several sandpapers to get the smoothest finish.

Important tip: Before you buy the kit, check the paint colour! Some kits come in a variety of colours, so choose the kit closest to your wheel colour.

How to Use an Alloy Wheel Repair Kit:

You should always follow the instructions that came with your kit, but this guide is good advice for general procedure:

·         Clean the wheel –remove all dirt, dust and grease – or it might affect the finish.

·         Sand the damaged area so none of the alloy is sticking up.

·         Use a finer sandpaper to smooth out the damaged area. Wipe away the dust, and allow to dry.

·         Now fill in the damaged area. If you’re using putty, mix a small amount and press it into the cracks/gaps before smoothing it out. If you’re using a spray, apply it in layers, allowing it to dry between applications.

·         Let the filler dry, and use a fine sandpaper. The finish must be as smooth as possible.

·         Wipe down the area, and allow to dry. Tape off the area before painting.

·         Apply the paint in thin layers, allowing it to dry between coats. If you’re using a spray can, shake it well and watch for drips. If not, use a fine brush.

·         Use a piece of kitchen roll or a fine sandpaper to smooth out clumps and paint build-up.

·         Allow the paint to dry completely.

·         If your repair kit contains a lacquer, apply it in a light mist to avoid running, allow it to dry and apply another coat.

Tips for Using an Alloy Wheel Repair Kit:

·         Our top tip is to wet your sandpaper. This stops clumping and reduces the risk of scratch marks.

·         Test the paint before you apply it. This will give you an idea of thickness and coverage.

·         Take care not to sand any undamaged parts of thewheel or you’ll add more scratches.

·         Putty filler can dry and set quickly in hot weather, so mix small batches and use immediately.

·         Get the filler as flush as possible to the surface of the alloy, as it saves time later.

·         To get the best finish, be delicate when sanding and painting.

·         Take the wheels off and lay them on a flat surface to stop the paint running.

Problems with DIY Repair Kits:

The main problem with alloy wheel repair kits is the finish. We recommend searching for professionals in your area – such as wheel powder coating in Trafford – if an imperfect finish will bother you.

Furthermore, repair kits rarely match the paint colour perfectly. The only way to get a perfect match is to use a colour-matching machine, which repair professionals offering wheel powder coating in Trafford and elsewhere usually do.

Alloy wheel repair kits are great for light damage, but not ideal for larger areas or unusual paint colours. In those cases, you’re better off seeking professional help, so look for garages that offer wheel powder coating in Trafford or wherever you are.