auto alloy wheels have a nasty habit...

An unsightly scratch on your auto alloy wheels?

Whether you auto alloy wheels have hit a kerb when parking or have had to take avoiding action from a vehicle coming towards you, the end result is your lovely shiny wheels have picked up a scratch or ding.

You're not the first person to get a scratch on a wheel, you know that a quick walk past a few cars will reveal a multitude of knocks and scratches.

The following articles will explain the procedure for a perfect repair

My top tip is to make sure you have completed every stage perfectly - any corner cutting will bite back hard on EVERY later stage in this process

• The first stage of repairing auto alloy wheels is to clean the wheel thoroughly with diluted acid solution to remove the road tar and break dust which welds itself to the wheel. You then need to use a wheel filler - the stuff that dries in about 30 seconds and dries like iron.
• Or another technique (and the one I prefer) is to simply grind out the damage - you could do this by hand but I'm sure you would be swearing about me by the end of the weekend!
• Much better is to use an electric or air powered hand sander - one with the triangular shaped tool head. I start with 80 grit if I really have to but more often than not I will use 120 grit to start with. Now you need to go down the grades 180, 320 and finally 400 wet and dry.

  The 400 grade gives a great key for the primer. Next you will need to mask your wheel and tire before applying three coats of primer, make sure you give at least 3 to 4 minutes between each coat (don't go too heavy on the primer or you will become very distressed to see beautiful artistic looking heavy runs, you will be half way to making your first Jackson Pollock:-) - this is a common mistake by amateurs - but a great way to learn not to do it again!

  If it has run you can wait until it dries and sand it back or wipe all your work off and start again.

• If you posses a portable infra red heater you should have the primer baked in about 15-20 Mins. if not you will have to observe the manufacturers recommended drying time.
• You now have to sand the primer to achieve a good smooth surface for the paint finish. Be careful as it will be easy to sand though the primer you have applied. I start with 1500 wet grit and then finish with wet 2000 grit which will leave enough of a key to take the paint. You should also use a 2500 Scotchbrite pad to key the surrounding area

  You might have to reapply the masking but make sure the wheel is dry.

• If you are really happy with the work you have just completed other your auto alloy wheels you are ready to apply the metallic paint, once again be VERY careful not to get any runs, you really don't want runs at this stage or the next. Three or four light coats should do.

  leave 5 to 6 Mins between each coat and ensure every thing is dry before the next step.

  You now need to apply two coats of a two pack lacquer - this will dry rock hard and put that beautiful shine back on your auto wheels.

• The final stage is to cure the lacquer and then use a fine polish to bring up a lustrous shine. I think it's time to grab a beer don't you!!

or use a S.M.A.R.T Car Wheel Repair specialist

With a S.M.A.R.T repairer a call - your alloy wheel is repaired and back to new.

- a S.M.A.R.T repairer will have your wheels back to near perfect in no time without often removing the wheel or tire from your car.