After 40 years in the car body repair trade, I’ve seen alloy wheels go from a luxury extra to a standard feature on almost every car in Mid Devon. While they look fantastic, they are magnets for damage. Whether it’s a tight turn in a Tiverton car park or a narrow escape on a lane near Silverton, kerb rash is almost inevitable.
Many folks ask me, "Can you really fix that on my driveway?" The answer is yes—if you have the right kit and the patience to do it properly. Here is exactly how we handle an alloy wheel restoration at DentDash, from the initial clean to the final bake.
1. Preparation and Safety First
We don’t just start spraying paint. First, the car is safely jacked up and placed on stands. We don’t necessarily need to take the wheel off the car for most SMART repairs, but we do break the bead of the tyre. This involves pushing the rubber back slightly so we can get the repair material and paint right behind the rim. This prevents the paint from peeling at the edges later on—a common flaw in 'quick-fix' DIY jobs.
2. Deep Cleaning and Decontamination
You’d be amazed at what sticks to a wheel. Road tar, iron filings from brake pads, and Devon mud all need to go. We use professional-grade degreasers and cleaners to ensure the surface is chemically clean. If there is even a speck of grease left, the new paint won't bond, and you'll be calling me back in three months when it starts flaking. We make sure that doesn't happen.
3. Removing the Damage
This is where the craft comes in. Using various grades of abrasive discs, I carefully sand out the kerb gouges. The goal is to smooth the metal back to its original profile without removing too much material. If the 'rash' is particularly deep, we use a high-quality metal filler specifically designed for alloys to rebuild the shape. Once it's cured, I sand it by hand until the transition between the old wheel and the repair is invisible to the touch.
4. Priming and Colour Matching
Once the wheel is smooth, we mask off the tyre and the rest of the car to ensure zero overspray. A high-build primer is applied to seal the repair. Then comes the clever bit: colour matching. Even 'standard' silver wheels have dozens of variations—some are brighter, some have more 'flop' or metallic flake. We use our 40 years of experience to ensure the new paint blends perfectly with your existing wheels.
5. The Protective Clear Coat
The paint gives the wheel its colour, but the lacquer (clear coat) gives it its shine and protection. We apply a durable, UV-resistant clear coat that protects the metal from salt, grit, and moisture. This is then cured using infrared lamps, which 'bakes' the finish on, making it tough enough to handle the Devon roads immediately.
Why Professional Restoration Beats a DIY Kit
I often see wheels in Cullompton where a DIY kit has been used. The problem is usually the durability. Without professional sanding, proper priming, and infrared curing, the repair often fails at the first sign of a pressure washer. For a typical price of £60–£180 per wheel, a professional alloy wheel restoration saves you the cost of a brand-new rim, which can easily run into the hundreds or even thousands for high-end marques.
If your wheels are looking a bit weathered or you’ve had an argument with a kerb, don't let the rot set in. A quick professional fix prevents corrosion and keeps your car’s value where it should be.
Ready to get your wheels back to their best? Message me on WhatsApp at wa.me/447572114436 or give me a ring on 07572 114436. I’ll give you an honest quote and we can arrange to come to your home or workplace anywhere across Mid Devon.