The aim of this step is to create a nice smooth surface using the finest sandpaper you have in your kit, maybe a 400-600 grit. Once you’ve got it as smooth as possible, clean away any dust with a damp cloth and allow to dry. Diamond-Cut alloys are becoming more and more popular. This type of alloy is now one of the key components in the design of modern vehicles. A Diamond Cut alloy is an alloy wheel that has had part or all of the painted surface removed to leave a shiny finish. The alloy is then lacquered over to prevent corrosion. The filler never really dried and stayed gummy. I only used a little because the damage was so small. I had to scrape it off after several hours. I did put a little paint over because the filler and subsequent filing made it look worse, despite me following the directions exactly.”

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Not an exact match, but it covers up scratches well and not noticeable unless you are looking for it.” The damage may still be visible up-close even after your repair. And these kits only come in a limited range of colours, so your repair could stand out even more if the colour isn’t a perfect match. If this worries you, then a professional wheel repair specialist is probably a better choice, as they use a colour-matching machine to make sure the repaired area is noticeable. Repair kits allow you to fill in minor damage, creating an even surface, and then provide paint to repaint the damaged area.

The advantage of alloy rims is that they do not rust like steel rims. However, the combination of water and salt may have such a detrimental effect that they begin to tarnish. And because the metal is relatively soft it is also very vulnerable to small bumps against kerb stones, scratches or spalling of all kinds.While a DIY repair such as Richardson’s is fine for mild damage, you’re probably looking at calling out a mobile wheel refurbishment company to repair anything more serious, such as a bent wheel, extensive kerbing, corrosion and fractures. While spot repairs are possible, it’s generally best to get the whole wheel refurbished to ensure a consistent finish across the whole surface. For most, your car is your pride and joy. So it is important that your alloy wheels are restored to a high standard by a professional to avoid future erosion. Remember, these kits are only designed to remedy minor damage, and even then there’s no guarantee the outcome will be satisfactory. Be sure to get a quote from your local, preapproved wheel repair specialists before you buy a kit, as you may decide the small extra cost is well worth to benefit from a professional wheel repair. We have listed some different alloy wheel refurbishment techniques below: DIY Alloy Wheel Repair Kit Mask around the edge of the tyre where the side wall meets the wheel rim with small strips of masking tape provided in the kit.