How To Repair Badly Damaged Alloy Rims

How to Use an Alloy Bicycle Repair Kit and When Not to

Blend wheel repair kits contain all the materials needed to repair damaged alloys. They will contain a filler, pigment, and tools (e.g. sandpaper and brushes). The kits tin ready light to medium damage like shallow scratches around the edges of the wheel. Only, are not suitable for repairing large areas of damage. Alloy bicycle repair kits can exist cheaper than a professional person repair, but the terminate is unlikely to be perfect.

We've put together a stride-past-pace guide to using any alloy wheel repair kit, with our pinnacle tips.

How the kits piece of work

Alloy wheel repair kits work by filling the impairment, to create an even surface. They then repaint the expanse.

The kits contain:

Filler/primer
Pigment
Sandpaper
Lacquer
Gloves
Awarding tools (brushes, wipes and sponges)

You should have a range of sandpapers, including very fine grain, similar 600. Rougher sandpaper can make information technology difficult to get a shine finish.

Of import: Before you buy the kit, check the paint color match. Some kits come in a pick of colours, so pick the one closest to your alloys.

How to use an alloy bicycle repair kit

Alloy Wheel Repair Kit

Yous should follow the specific instructions that come up with your kit very closely. In particular, regarding drying and curing times.

First past cleaning the bike with washing upward liquid. You need to remove all dirt and grease before you go whatsoever farther.
Sand down the damaged area to remove any protruding areas. No part of the alloy should be sticking up.
Using a finer sandpaper, sand over the area again to smooth it out. Wipe away the dust with a damp fabric, and allow to dry.
Now you lot need to make full in the damaged area. If you're using filler putty, mix a pocket-size amount and printing it deep into the holes. Massaging it volition smoothen it out whatsoever lumps. Aim to become it as level with the surrounding area as possible.
If you're using filler spray, spray into the damaged surface area to build up in layers. Allow the filler to set up betwixt applications. Deeper damage may take several applications.
Let the filler prepare, completely.
Utilize a very fine sandpaper to smooth out the filler. This is where you need the finish to be as good every bit possible, and then take your time.
Wipe downwards the area with a damp cloth to remove any dust, and allow to dry out.
Mask off the damaged area before you lot pigment.
Apply the pigment in thin layers, allowing it to dry between coats. If you lot're using a spray can milk shake it well beginning.
If you're using a brush, make sure to use a small one and employ thin coats, to avoid brush marks in the cease.
Let the paint to dry completely.
If your alloy wheel repair kit contains a lacquer, utilise this at the end. It volition seal the paint, protecting it from impairment. Apply lacquer in a low-cal mist to avoid running. Let it to dry out and utilise another glaze.

Go your Gratuitous Alloy Bike Repair Estimate!

Tips for using an blend wheel repair kit

alloy wheel before being repaired

Moisture your sandpaper. This softens it, stops it clumping and reduces the adventure of scratch marks. Keep rinsing it in more than h2o every bit you piece of work.
Test the paint on a piece of paper before yous use it to your wheels. This will requite you an idea of thickness and coverage.
The putty filler can dry and ready very quickly in hot conditions. So, mix it up in pocket-size batches and use immediately.
Go the filler every bit flush as possible to the surface of the alloy, as it saves time sanding it downward in one case it'southward hardened.
To get the best cease, exist light and delicate when sanding and painting.

Bug with DIY repair kits

The main problem people have with alloy bike repair kits is the finish. The damage will still be visible close-up. If this will carp you, it'southward best to let a professional repair your wheels.

Read: How does ChipsAway alloy wheel repair piece of work?

Another problem is that DIY repair kits rarely match the paint color perfectly. The only way to get a perfect lucifer, is to apply a color-matching machine, that repair professionals use.

The repairs can also accept several hours to complete. You need to allow each step to dry out and set before moving on. If you lot make a mistake, it can be difficult to rectify.

The kits work best when you take the wheels off the car and lay them out on a flat surface. This volition stop the pigment running.

Get your Gratis Gauge!

If your wheel damage is deep or extensive, it'due south time to call the professionals! ChipsAway alloy wheel repairs are carried out by trained experts using color-matching technology. Complete our online form for a free estimate today.