Wheel Repair and Painting
When we perform wheel repair one of the main focuses for a good finish is the colour matching after the wheel repair, it is important to be able to colour match the wheel repair by eye.
After the wheel repair is complete we use this colour to paint the wheel repaired section for a matching finish. If needed we can change the Wheel Colour for our customers to something custom and we call this a wheel respray or complete wheel painting.
Painted Wheel Repair also means that your wheel will be 95% to brand new when the repair is completed.
There is a 2 year warranty on all our painted wheel repair. We use a 2 pack paint for wheel repair and it is as strong as any brand new car body work paint.
Shadow Chrome Wheel Repair
Shadow Chrome is a specialty colour which is very difficult to match and paint.
We can offer wheel repair of shadow chrome wheels to a near perfect matching finish by using our Wheel Repair Colour Matching System .Most shadow chrome wheels are very hard to match , we can offer a 95% colour match on a shadow chrome wheel repair.
When repairing machined wheels which have fine CNC lines and a gloss coat on them, we fix the machined part using sanding and polishing technique.
After the damage is repaired we buff and polish your wheels to a high shine.
This machined wheel repair method requires no painting but the repaired area will be slightly noticeable compared to the rest of the wheels.
Example Image
The below image will show the difference in shine after a sanded polished repair on a machined wheel.
Our wheel repair technician has over 10 years experience repairing and colour matching wheel repairs. We have repaired most styles of wheels and colours including two tone wheel repairs and wheel repair that requires filler or extensive work. Some wheel repairs can take longer due to the complexity of the work.
We offer full respray , blackout wheel painting. Our process includes hand cleaning , machine and hand sanding , de contamination of the wheels thenunder coating and various layers of coatings to achieve the desired result.
We use only the highest quality 2 pack paints and products to ensure that your wheel repair is stronger than or equal to a factory finished wheel.
We back all our wheel painting and wheel repair work with a 2 year warranty unless specified otherwise during quoting
Alloy wheel repair requires understanding of surfaces, metals, materials and their properties.
There are some types of wheel damage which we cannot repair such as cracked wheels or wheels with missing sections.
Car Wheels in need of repair can come in many types of finishes and constructs.
Some of these include - chrome plated wheels, painted wheels , pure alloy wheels, powdercoated wheels, machined wheels, two piece wheels, 4x4 steel wheels and some are a combinations of these eg.( shadow chrome wheels, 2 tone wheels etc ).
Each of these wheel repairs has a different repair process and labour time.
We will advise you on what is the best method of wheel repair for your situation.
At Wheel Buddy - we offer 2 pack painting only for all our repair and respray of wheels.
A lot of people ask , what is the difference between 2 pack and powder coating wheels, how strong is it or which is better?
Here is a description of both methods :
Powder Coating
Powder Coating is a process where you take a wheel and heat it up to such a temperature that any powder sprayed around or near it will fuse to the wheel.
Afterwards you need to wait for the object to cool down.
It is very long lasting and usually this method of color application is used in industrial processes.
eg. a lot of shopping center fittings and building industry materials are powder coated using this method.
Pros : High Durability and long wearing, chip resistant. Usually a little bit cheaper than 2 pack
Cons : Cannot achieve high gloss , selection of Colors is limited.
2 Pack Painting
2 pack spray painting is a process where a wheel is sanded with machines or by hand to create tiny grooves.
These grooves allow for the paint to sit inside them grab onto them and stick to the object.
A painter or a machine sprays the paint over the wheel to the desired finish level.
2 pack paint is very durable, unlike common house paint or spray can paint, 2 pack paint is made of 2 parts,
1. the paint itself and 2. the hardener .
When the 2 parts are combined the product has to be used immediately as it will begin to harden from the chemical reaction. This makes 2 pack paint perfect for repairing and refinishing of alloy wheels
Pros : High durability and Long wearing , chip resistant , Large Color Selection , Can do High gloss , Satin , can do metallic and pearl finishes.
It is the industry standard for automotive paint.
Cons : More labour intensive and more complicated to prepare an object correctly. Slightly more expensive than powder coating
In summary both methods are durable and strong when done correctly, it comes down to budget and logistics for most people.
We prefer the 2 pack paint for wheels because of the large selection of finishes and applications and for its mirror gloss properties.
Sometimes we come across damage on wheels which goes too deep to be sanded and smoothed.
The only options in this case are to either weld in new alloy material to the wheel or to apply standard automotive body filler to the wheel damage.
We prefer to work with filler in this case because it is more affordable for the customer and because it offers a lot of repair method shaping flexibility.
If you have lots of deep gouges in your wheel we can fill them in with a special metal filling compound and then shape that compound to bring the level of the damage up high enough to get a smooth uniform finish with no hint of a hole or gouge.
This technique does take more time and it is limited to being done only on painted wheels but the results can make even the worst wheels look like new.
For machined face wheels the only option is to weld in new alloy material and then machine them.
Shaping body filler is pretty easy it can be shaped with most abraisives, sand paper , files etc,
Because shaping and filling does take conciderable time , the cost of a filled wheel repair is generally a little bit more
For more info on this topic try youtube which has lots of demonstartions and strength tests.
Automotive Wheel Repair and Painting: An In-Depth Exploration
The wheels of a vehicle significantly influence its overall appearance and performance. However, they are also among the most vulnerable components, susceptible to damage from potholes, curbs, and harsh weather conditions. One common type of damage is known as "gutter rash," which occurs when wheels scrape up against curbs or other solid objects, often leading to unsightly scratches and dents. Fortunately, automotive wheel repair and painting offer solutions that not only restore the functional integrity of wheels but also enhance their aesthetic appeal. This essay discusses the detailed methods used to repair gutter rash and the numerous advantages of repainting or customizing wheels.
Understanding Gutter Rash
Gutter rash is a term used to describe the damage inflicted on alloy wheels, primarily resulting from careless parking or driving. The harsh impact with a curb can leave the wheel's surface scratched and marred, detracting from the vehicle's overall visual appeal. While gutter rash can be a cosmetic issue, it can also lead to more serious complications like wheel structural problems, tire leaks, or imbalances if the damage is significant. Therefore, addressing this damage promptly is vital.
Methods of Repairing Gutter Rash
1. Assessment and Inspection
The initial step in any wheel repair process is a thorough assessment. Skilled technicians carefully inspect the wheel to evaluate the extent of the gutter rash. This inspection involves looking for various types of damage, such as superficial scratches, deep dents, or bends that may have occurred as a result of the impact. Technicians may also examine the rim's structural integrity to determine if repairs are viable or if a replacement is warranted.
2. Cleaning the Wheel
Once the assessment is complete, the next phase involves cleaning the wheel. Adequate cleaning is essential for ensuring proper adhesion of repair materials. Technicians typically use powerful degreasers and specialized cleaning agents designed to remove road grime, brake dust, and other contaminants from the wheel surface. This step ensures that the repair process starts with a clean slate, free of any substances that could interfere with the repair.
3. Sanding the Damaged Area
After cleaning, the technician proceeds to sand down the affected area. This process involves using sandpaper or a sanding tool to smooth out the rough edges of the gutter rash. The goal is to eliminate sharp edges and prepare the surface for the subsequent steps. Different sandpaper grits may be used to gradually refine the surface, ensuring that the damaged area is level with the rest of the wheel.
4. Filling the Damage
In situations where the gutter rash has created deep scratches or gouges, a filler material is applied. Usually, this filler is a specialized epoxy designed for automotive use. The technician carefully applies the filler to the damaged areas, slightly overfilling them to allow for sanding once the filler has cured. This step is crucial for restoring the wheel’s integrity and achieving a seamless appearance post-repair.
5. Sanding Again After Filling
Once the filler has cured—typically taking a few hours—the technician will sand the repaired areas again to ensure a uniform surface. This sanding is critical to achieving a smooth transition between the repaired section and the surrounding wheel. Technicians often use finer sandpaper at this stage to perfect the surface.
6. Priming the Wheel
Before painting, technicians often apply a primer to the repaired area. The primer helps create a base layer that allows the paint to adhere better, enhancing durability and finish quality. For alloy wheels, an etching primer is typically preferred.
7. Painting
With the surface adequately primed, workers can now proceed to the painting phase. The color selected for the paint often matches the original wheel color, but car owners may choose to paint them a different hue for a unique appearance. Technicians typically apply multiple thin coats of paint, allowing each layer to dry before proceeding to the next one. This method ensures a smooth, even finish.
8. Applying a Clear Coat
Finally, after the desired paint color has been achieved, a clear coat is applied. The clear coat serves several purposes: it protects the underlying paint from scratches and environmental wear and adds a gloss that enhances the wheel’s overall appearance. After the clear coat is applied, the wheel must cure adequately before it can be reinstalled on the vehicle.
9. Final Inspection
Once all layers have cured, a final inspection is conducted. Technicians check for imperfections, ensuring the finish is smooth, shiny, and free of blemishes. This step is crucial for achieving a high-quality result.
Advantages of Repainting and Customizing Wheels
Repainting and customizing wheels offer a variety of advantages that go beyond mere aesthetics.
1. Restoration of Aesthetic Appeal
The most immediate benefit of repairing and repainting wheels is the restoration of their appearance. Chips, scrapes, and discoloration detract from a vehicle’s look and can make a car seem older or poorly maintained. By restoring the wheels to their former glory—or giving them a whole new color—car owners can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of their vehicle.
2. Increased Resale Value
A well-maintained vehicle often fetches a better resale price. When buyers see freshly painted and repaired wheels, they are more likely to view the car positively as it reflects the owner's care and attention. Addressing cosmetic issues like gutter rash can therefore translate into a higher resale value, making this repair worthwhile.
3. Enhanced Protection Against Corrosion
Repainting wheels adds a protective layer against environmental factors that can lead to corrosion. High-quality automotive paints and clear coats create a barrier blocking moisture, salt, and other corrosive agents. This protective layer is particularly beneficial for drivers who live in regions subject to harsh weather conditions.
4. Customization Options
Repainting provides an exciting opportunity for customization. Vehicle owners can choose a new color or finish that reflects their personality, allowing for a unique design that stands out on the road. Custom colors, textures, and patterns can turn ordinary wheels into extraordinary features of a vehicle.
5. Cost-Effectiveness
Repairing and repainting wheels can be a significantly more economical choice compared to purchasing new wheels. Many vehicle owners may not realize that they can achieve remarkable results by restoring their existing wheels. This cost-effective option reduces waste and promotes sustainability within the automotive industry.
6. Improved Performance
In some cases, damage to wheels can impact overall vehicle performance. For example, a bent wheel can lead to vibrations while driving, affecting steering and handling. By repairing gutter rash and ensuring that wheels are in top-notch condition, car owners can improve their vehicles' performance and handling characteristics.
7. Maintenance of Tire Health
Properly maintained wheels play a vital role in tire health. Damaged wheels can create uneven tire wear, leading to costly replacements. By addressing wheel issues promptly, such as repairing gutter rash, vehicle owners can maintain optimal tire health, extending the life of their tires and ensuring better safety on the road.
Conclusion
Automotive wheel repair and painting serve crucial roles in maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of a vehicle. The methods used to repair gutter rash—including inspection, cleaning, sanding, filling, painting, and clear coating—ensure that wheels can be restored effectively. Additionally, the many advantages of repainting or customizing wheels, from enhancing aesthetic appeal to providing better protection against the elements, make these services essential for vehicle owners who want to maintain both the appearance and performance of their cars. Ultimately, investing in wheel repair and painting represents not just an effort to improve the visual aspects of a vehicle, but also a commitment to maintaining its value and functionality over time.
