Alloy refurb & customisation

Wheel identification

We start by carefully numbering each wheel and its corresponding centre cap if it has one. This is essential and is also key to preserving the tyre rotation and wear pattern if they’re not being replaced. Tyres develop wear patterns based on their position, and changing this can affect handling and tyre life. Additionally, slight differences between wheels of the same model can lead to fitment and balancing issues if they’re swapped around. This is especially true for high-performance vehicles. Furthermore, matching wheels with their original components such as tyre pressure sensors is important to avoid compatibility problems.

Tyre removal

The tyres and any associated balancing weights are removed from the wheels. This is done with precision to avoid any damage to the tyre or wheel. The removal is essential to provide unrestricted access to the entire wheel surface for the subsequent refurbishment steps.

Paint stripping

In this phase, we immerse the wheels in a specially formulated chemical bath. This process efficiently removes old layers of paint, clear coats, and any other finishes, exposing the bare metal. This step is vital for ensuring that the new coatings adhere properly and last longer.

Deep cleaning

After the chemical stripping, each wheel undergoes a thorough cleaning process. This involves washing off all chemical residues and any dirt or grime accumulated over time. The goal is to ensure a perfectly clean and smooth surface, which is critical for the quality of subsequent repairs and refinishing.

Damage repair

We meticulously inspect each wheel for damage, such as dents, flat spots, cracks or corrosion. Our skilled technicians then carry out repairs, treating each area by hand to restore the wheel to its original condition. This attention to detail ensures that the wheel’s integrity and design are preserved, providing both aesthetic and structural restoration.

Coating and baking

After the wheels are cleaned and repaired, the next step is the application of the coating. This can be a powder coating or a paint application. In the case of powder coating, a dry powder is electrostatically applied to the wheel. For paint applications, a liquid paint is applied. These coatings are carefully colour-matched to the manufacturer’s specifications or your personalised, custom requirements.

Following on from this, the wheels are then placed in a special oven where the baking process cures the coating, whether it’s powder or paint. This curing process is crucial as it hardens the coating and makes it more durable and resilient. The high temperatures in the oven ensure the coating bonds well to the wheel surface, thereby providing a long-lasting finish.

Diamond turning (if req’d)

For wheels that feature a diamond-cut finish, we perform diamond turning. This involves using a precision lathe to cut a very thin layer off the wheel’s face which creates a distinctive shiny finish. This step is carried out before the final lacquering, ensuring the wheel achieves the desired high-quality finish.

Lacquering

The application of a final lacquer coat can vary, depending on the type of wheel finish. For standard painted or powder-coated wheels, a clear lacquer is applied after the initial coating and baking. This lacquer provides additional protection against chips, scratches, and environmental elements like UV rays and road salts. It also enhances the wheel’s appearance, offering either a glossy or matte finish, and helps maintain the colour and finish over time. In the case of diamond-cut wheels, lacquering is a crucial step. After the wheels are machined, a lacquer is applied to protect the newly exposed surface from corrosion. 

This step is essential as the machined areas are more vulnerable to environmental damage. In both scenarios, the lacquer is applied in a controlled setting to ensure a smooth finish and then the wheels are baked again to cure the lacquer properly. This final step is integral to ensuring both the durability and aesthetic appeal of the refurbished wheels.

Final inspection and reassembly

The final stage includes a rigorous inspection of each wheel, ensuring every aspect of the refurbishment meets our high standards. We then carefully refit the tyres, using advanced equipment to rebalance each wheel. Finally, the wheels are reinstalled on your vehicle, ensuring they not only look impeccable but also perform optimally.