Can wheels be paint corected?

[GLOCKer]

I've just got a set of low mile Boss 302 wheels (black painted with a machined lip) with scratches that vary from fine to moderate. Can anybody point me towards a step-by-step how to on correcting the paint on these wheels as best as can be done without a refinish?

[GLOCKer]

Re: Can wheels be paint corected?

Here is an update with some pictures of what the wheels look like as far as how bad the scratches are. None of them are through to the metal. Just on the surface.

[The Guz]

Re: Can wheels be paint corected?

With the limited space I would pick up a dynacone and some ultimate compound and ultimate polish. Use some UC on the dynacone and then follow with some UP by hand unless you pick up 2 dynacones. Also I would clay before using anything on them. You could seal them with ultimate wax or brake dust barrier for something more durable.

This goes for painted and clear coated wheel and not matte wheels.

[GLOCKer]

Re: Can wheels be paint corected?

Sounds like a plan! Thank you!

[The Guz]

Re: Can wheels be paint corected?

I wrote this write up a few months ago when I tested Mothers compound and polish to polish my black wheels. I just did this again this weekend using M105/M205.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/78014-mothers-pro-paint-restoration-system-review.html

[davey g-force]

Re: Can wheels be paint corected?

I was going to suggest the Dynacone as well, but I just wanted to add:

Wow, the paint on your Mustang looks amazing!

[GLOCKer]

Re: Can wheels be paint corected?

I was going to suggest the Dynacone as well, but I just wanted to add:

Wow, the paint on your Mustang looks amazing!

Thanks! That's from my first detail job ever!

[Jarhead0754]

U dont need 2 syntax ones unless u wash the one let it dry then polish later.

[BillyJack]

Re: Can wheels be paint corected?

Many of the spots you show are going to need a cone or ball-shaped tool to get into the tight spots, but I've done quite a few wheel scuffs and scratches with one of the drill chuck adapters from headlight polishing kits and a 3" LC orange pad chucked into a drill. I've used a few different compounds, but mostly UC, since I always have it handy.

Bill

[GLOCKer]

Re: Can wheels be paint corected?

When I put up my original post, I assumed my wheels are painted. If it turns out they are powder coated, will the same process The Guzdescribed work for them?

[The Guz]

Re: Can wheels be paint corected?

It may work. All I know is that powder coat is harder than paint.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Can wheels be paint corected?

Since these wheels are powder coated they may not respond quite as quickly, or quite as well, as the wheels that The Guz worked so beautifully in his write up on AGO. But with the Dynacone and some M205 they should definitely look better. You can also give Ultimate Compound a try on the Dynacone, but on powder coating we wouldn't go more aggressive than that.

[davey g-force]

Re: Can wheels be paint corected?

So Mike, are you saying that powder coat is generally harder than paint, or softer? Generally speaking...

[GLOCKer]

Re: Can wheels be paint corected?

I was going to just go get my hands on some Ultimate Compound and start from there. I've already got the Ultimate Polish and Wax, which is what I would use next.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Can wheels be paint corected?

So Mike, are you saying that powder coat is generally harder than paint, or softer? Generally speaking...

It kind of depends on how you define "hard" and "soft" as it pertains to paint. From a polishability standpoint, it's usually more difficult to remove below surface defects from powder coat, so most would call it "harder". But it's also easier to stain or damage with harsher chemicals, like certain wheel cleaners, so in that regard it's more delicate.

Powder coating is done to surfaces that need a protective coating, such as paint provides, but in a much more durable formulation. Since the application is an electrostatic deposition of a dry powder onto the surface of the piece being coated, a thicker coating can be applied than if conventional solvent based liquid paints were used. Once baked, the powdered coating essentially melts, flows, levels and hardens to an extremely durable coating. The color is through and through (like a single stage paint) but the chemical makeup tends to be very hard and therefore a bit more difficult to polish/abrade/level.