Polished alloy refurb.Updated with problem.

[Big Tone]

I have seen plenty of info on the net about refurbing alloy wheels where filler is used then painted/coated over once smooth.

However, my wheels have a polished "face" and I would like to remove the scratches and scuffs from this face, I think that I have two options;

1. File/emery out the scratches then polish up.

or

2. Fill with something suitable (Any reccommendations), sand down then polish up.


Dont want to attack the wheels and end up making a mess, but I am unsure as which (If any) filler is suitable to use.

Any help/experiances are appreciated.

[nige_s]

If you want to keep them bare polished then you need to manually remove the scratches, file the worst out then wet and dry increasing the grade, then use a metal polish with plenty of elbow grease.  Thing is if its very deep you'll need to remove alot of material to get the surface something like, problem with that is that you'll be removing material! so depending on the wheel design that could be some critical strength, whilst also losing the surface detail/shape.  If it's that bad you might be best having it done professionally who can then properly weld/fill the bad out.

I'd only use filler on fine cosmetic scratches which are then going to be painted.

[Shady Pioneer]

Just out of curiosity (sorry to hijack thread) but is it easy to refurb polished alloys back to a paint finish?

[nige_s]

Just key, fill/smooth out any scuffs then use an etch primer before you paint or get them powder coated, etc.

[Shady Pioneer]

Just key, fill/smooth out any scuffs then use an etch primer before you paint or get them powder coated, etc.

Cool! I'm thinking of something special for my TT wheels, polshed wheels are a pain in the ass to maintain. 

[nige_s]

Cool! I'm thinking of something special for my TT wheels, polshed wheels are a pain in the ass to maintain. 

Floral vinyl wrap?

[Shady Pioneer]

Too late for that, water and the winter storage has already taken it's toll on them.

[nige_s]

I had this guy polish/refurb my Porsche Fuch rims, 2 sets, for £300!  That was a while ago and I cut a bit of deal with him.
http://www.maverickwheels.co.uk/

Very good and reasonable cost, though he isn't that local to you.

[Big Tone]

Tried to do my wheels at the weekend and realised that I will never get the polished face the same as what it was originally as it is coated, what do I do?

1. Sand and paint the whole wheel?

2. Sand and POLISH the entire face of each wheel? (My preferance)

3. Leave it?

4. Any other suggestions?

Before;



After







Yes, I know it needs lowering.....If only money grew on trees!

[murraymint]

that needs lowering...... lol

yh if you sanded the whole face and each time you did it use finer and finer paper then entually you will get the polished look back, gunna take some time tho,
you could use sanding wheels and a drill to speed up time