Revamping Alloy Wheels
When you settle on the time to renovate your alloy wheels. Alloy wheels look far better than steel wheels, but they do need some looking after. Alloy wheels can be ruined by grit, rain and brake dust that attacks the face of the wheels. A bit like my BMW 1 Series alloys if untreated the wheels can start to corrode and your wheels can look duller than steel wheels with wheel trims. Inpact damage may also spoil the look of the wheels too. Even the odd scuff on the kerb can make a rough looking edge to the wheel.
Really there are normally two ways to refurbish your alloy wheels. One way is to let the professionals handle it, or if the damage is just cosmetic the repairs can be done at home with a few tools and a little elbow grease. The best way to work on alloys is to take the wheels off the car first. The first job is to mask up the tyres and any painted areas with newspaper and masking tape on areas you don’t want to be affected.
Many alloy wheels have a lacquer finish and this lacquer will usually have to taken off first. Use a wooden scraper to take off the loose flakey lacquer. It is wise to not use the metal scrapers as this can slip and further damage the wheels. Then the balance of the lacquer can be taken off with some sort of paint stripper. Do avoid any stripper coming into contact with your skin.
To remove any minor pitted areas you can use rubbing compound on a damp cloth. You may need to also apply some fine grade wet and dry paper to get rid of any severe corrosion. The best way is to take a minimal amount of metal away and then use rubbing compound again to smooth the area again fully. After the corrosion and impact damage has gone you will need to give your wheels a quick polish.
A suitable alloy polish can be found for your wheels at car accessory shops. To get a nice shine use plenty of elbow grease. Make use of a non fluffy rag to apply the polish and then utilize a smooth cloth to buff it up.
Final stage is to re apply a coat of lacquer using a narrow paint brush. Most of these things should be available from several accessory shops and when you have finished, your wheels should look as good as new.
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