Polishing Chipped Alloy Wheels
Welcome back!
Now, let’s talk about wheels that are in good shape, but have some paint chips/scratches on them.
You will want to purchase some Satin Black aerosol paint and masking tape. There are many types of Satin Black paint out there and I cannot say there is one that is better than the other – just trial and error.
Carefully mask off any part of the wheel that is not painted. Your wheel will start looking like a giant piece of masking tape – but it will be worth it. Do not use newspaper, newspaper can absorb the paint and leave blotches or bleed on the aluminum.
Once you have all the non-painted areas of the wheel masked, check to make sure your masking lines are even. For example, on the rim of the wheel, you do not want a wavy line demarcating the aluminum from the black paint – which would just be tacky. So take your time; make sure the edges of the masking job are even – that includes the petals of the wheels as well.
The easiest way to paint the wheel is if it is elevated a little bit. Use an upside down trash can and creates a little table using cardboard and paper. The elevation keeps you from standing on your head to paint, which gives you more control over the flow of the paint. Besides as we age, our knees are not as friendly as they used to be.
While painting the wheel put thin layers on paint on at a time. This technique will reduce the propensity of the paint to develop legs (run). Make sure the paint has completely dried before removing the masking tape. Take the tape off slowly, especially from the painted edges. Some paint may bind with the wheel as well as the masking tape, so it is best if you pull the tape away from the painted edge.
Now one more item, make sure you paint the lug nuts, they probably need it! Once all the masking tape is removed, your wheels will look fresh and ready to strut their stuff.
How to polish wheels that are in good shape
How to polish wheels that are scratched
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