What are the popular finishes available for alloy wheels?
What are the popular finishes available for alloy wheels?
Wheels are an essential part of any vehicle and come in a wide range of colors, designs and finishes to suit your style. It’s important to understand the nuances of each finish before making a decision.
There are many different types of alloy wheels and each one has its pros and cons. Understanding each type will allow you to guide your customers to the best fit for their needs.
Painted
There are a lot of different finishes available for painted alloy wheels wholesale. Each one has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the right one for you.
Chrome – Also known as “chrome-plated,” chrome-finished wheels are extremely durable and provide a smooth, shiny finish. They can be brushed or polished, but are often machined to produce unique shapes and patterns.
This type of finish is often used for upscale luxury vehicles and is available in a variety of colors, including gray, bronze, red, blue, silver, and multiple shades of black. It is a popular choice for drivers who want to personalize their car.
Powder Coated – This is another popular wheel finish, and it offers a more durable option than diamond-cut alloys. The process involves spraying a dry powder that chemically reacts to form a tougher polymer coating.
The coating is applied to the alloy and then cured in an oven. It is typically less expensive than other finishes and offers greater protection against corrosion.
Diamond-Cut – Similar to powder-coated wheels, diamond-cut alloys are more durable and have a wider color range than painted ones. However, they are also more sensitive to damage and are more expensive to refinish.
Painted Alloy Wheels – The most common type of alloy wheel, painted ones are available in a wide array of styles and designs. They are sprayed with a variety of colors and topped with a clear coat that seals the paint from oxidization.
It is important to apply primer before applying any spray paint to an alloy wheel. This helps ensure that all parts of the wheel are properly covered, and the finish is evenly spread.
When it comes to maintenance, painted alloy wheels should be regularly cleaned with mild soap and water. It is also recommended to use a soft brush or cloth to keep them clean.
These wheels can be machined to produce a variety of stylish designs, including creative patterns and stylish geometric shapes. They are also available in a range of bright metallic colors, with aluminum flakes, to provide a stunning visual effect.
Diamond-Cut
The choice of alloy wheel finishes can make a big difference to the look of your car. Some people choose to go for a diamond-cut finish to give their wheels a glossy, shiny appearance. Others may prefer a more traditional look with painted alloy wheels.
The first step in the manufacturing process is to apply a base coat of paint to an alloy wheel, which will protect it from corrosion. This can be done in a number of ways, such as powder coating or applying a special colour change.
After the powder coating is cured, a specialist machine is used to cut a thin layer from the alloy and apply a clear lacquer. This is called diamond cutting and is a popular choice for many alloy wheel refurbishment specialists.
It is important to note that not all alloys are suitable for diamond cutting. For this reason, it is crucial to get the job done by a specialist with the right equipment and a bespoke lathe.
In addition to looking fantastic, diamond-cut alloys can also help your car’s braking system by keeping a higher airflow around the brake disc and calliper. This can make a difference to your driving performance and increase your safety.
Another benefit of diamond-cut alloys is that they are lighter than standard steel wheels. This can be beneficial for drivers who are looking to save on fuel consumption and reduce their carbon footprint.
However, these finishes aren’t as durable as other options, so they should be carefully looked after and inspected regularly. Even a small chip in the lacquer can allow water in behind it and cause damage.
Alloys with a high nickel content are particularly susceptible to damage in this manner as they bend easily when heated. In addition, they are vulnerable to scratches and dents from small stone chips which can penetrate into the lacquer.
Once the lacquer is compromised, kerb marks can also appear on your alloys. These can be difficult to remove, so it’s best to take your vehicle to a repair centre if you notice any signs of wear or damage.
Powder Coated
Powder coating is a popular finish for alloy wheels because it provides a thicker, more durable surface than paint or lacquer. It also comes in a wide variety of colors and is resistant to scratches, chips, and rust.
The process of powder coating starts with spraying electronically charged ground particles made of pigments and resin on the material of your choice. These particles stick to the material because of their electrostatic properties. Once these particles are sprayed, they are heated in an oven to cure them. The result is a durable, eye-catching finish that lasts.
Before starting the powder coat process, your wheels must be prepped. This can include removing tires and any additional weights or valves, cleaning them, sandblasting the rims to remove tougher grime, pressure washing them, and a material blast to remove any corrosion.
After the rims are clean and dry, you’ll want to heat them in an industrial oven for 20 minutes or so. This de-gasses the aluminum alloy and prepares it for the powder coat primer.
Next, the wheels will be sprayed with the powdercoat paint. This process is done by a specialist powder spray gun that emits a fine mist of pigmented media. This material is free of liquid solvents, so it won’t release fumes during application.
The spray gun is attached to a special powder station that can control the flow rate of the media. The master of powder coating, Kenny, gets into a Zen-like trance as he slowly and carefully covers the entire wheel in the powdercoat.
Unlike painted or lacquered finishes, powder coating is non-porous and won’t allow moisture to seep into the wheel from the inside like other surfaces can. This prevents a build-up of water that can lead to corrosion and damage.
This method of finishing your wheels is more expensive than painting, but it’s worth the money if you’re looking to protect your alloys and make them look great. This finish can last up to three times longer than standard paints and lacquers. It can also withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions, so it’s a great way to protect your rims from the elements.
Brushed
Brushed alloy wheels are a popular choice for a wide range of car owners and come in a variety of finishes to suit any style and preference. They are easy to maintain and can be painted to match your vehicle’s paintwork.
These wheels can be brushed to a mirror-like finish or can have a gloss coating applied for a more premium look. They can also be engraved or sandblasted to create unique designs.
They are typically less expensive than other types of alloy wheels and can be available in a huge variety of colour options. They are also durable and will not fade over time as long as they are properly cared for.
Wheels with this finish will show light scratches, brake dust and dirt more than satin and black wheels but do not suffer from staining like gloss blacks. Using a pH neutral or mildly alkaline dedicated wheel cleaner/shampoo is the best way to keep them looking their best.
Brushed aluminum wheels can be machined to a high-luster shine, then clear coated for protection. They are popular with street rod and car enthusiasts who want a premium-looking finish on their wheels.
Chrome plating has been the traditional method for creating a mirror-reflective finish on wheels, but chrome has some downsides. It can be difficult to spot repair and doesn’t offer the same level of resistance against rust as some other finishes.
It also adds weight to the wheel which can reduce performance and fuel efficiency. If you’re concerned about unsprung weight, you should consider a different type of finish such as powder coated or painted.
They are available in a wide range of colours and can be designed with diamond-cut or glittered powder. They are also a very environmentally friendly option since the evaporating solvents used in this process don’t pollute air and they don’t emit harmful chemicals into the environment.
These wheels are often cheaper than their chrome-plated counterparts and can be repolished to restore their original luster if they lose their shine over time. They can also be cleaned, polished and waxed regularly to protect them from oxidation and pitting.