How To Repair Alloy Wheels

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

Blend wheel repair kits contain all the materials needed to repair damaged alloys. They will comprise a filler, paint, and tools (e.g. sandpaper and brushes). The kits can gear up low-cal to medium damage like shallow scratches around the edges of the cycle. Just, are non suitable for repairing large areas of harm. Alloy bike repair kits tin can be cheaper than a professional person repair, merely the finish is unlikely to be perfect.

We've put together a pace-by-stride guide to using any blend wheel repair kit, with our peak tips.

How the kits piece of work

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

The kits contain:

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

You should accept a range of sandpapers, including very fine grain, like 600. Rougher sandpaper can go far difficult to get a smoothen terminate.

Important: Before you purchase the kit, check the paint colour match. Some kits come in a selection of colours, so option the one closest to your alloys.

How to utilise an alloy bicycle repair kit

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

1. Offset by cleaning the wheel with washing upward liquid. You need to remove all dirt and grease before you go whatever further.
2. Sand down the damaged area to remove any protruding areas. No role of the alloy should exist sticking upwards.
3. 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.
4. Now you need to fill in the damaged area. If you're using filler putty, mix a small corporeality and press it deep into the holes. Massaging it will shine it out any lumps. Aim to get it equally level with the surrounding expanse as possible.
   If you're using filler spray, spray into the damaged surface area to build upwardly in layers. Allow the filler to set between applications. Deeper damage may take several applications.
5. Let the filler set, completely.
6. Utilise a very fine sandpaper to smooth out the filler. This is where you need the end to exist as adept as possible, and so take your time.
7. Wipe down the area with a damp cloth to remove whatever dust, and let to dry.
8. Mask off the damaged area before you paint.
9. Apply the paint in thin layers, assuasive it to dry out betwixt coats. If you're using a spray tin shake it well kickoff.
   If you're using a brush, make certain to apply a small one and apply thin coats, to avoid brush marks in the cease.
10. Allow the pigment to dry completely.
11. If your alloy bike repair kit contains a lacquer, utilise this at the terminate. It will seal the pigment, protecting it from damage. Apply lacquer in a calorie-free mist to avoid running. Allow it to dry out and utilise some other coat.

Get your FREE Alloy Wheel Repair Gauge!

Tips for using an alloy wheel repair kit

• Wet your sandpaper. This softens it, stops it clumping and reduces the gamble of scratch marks. Keep rinsing information technology in more water as y'all work.
• Test the pigment on a piece of newspaper before you apply it to your wheels. This will give you an idea of thickness and coverage.
• The putty filler can dry out and set very quickly in hot weather. And so, mix it up in small batches and use immediately.
• Go the filler as flush equally possible to the surface of the blend, as it saves time sanding it downward one time it's hardened.
• To get the best finish, exist light and fragile when sanding and painting.

Problems with DIY repair kits

The primary problem people take with alloy wheel repair kits is the finish. The damage will still be visible close-upwardly. If this volition bother you, it'south best to let a professional repair your wheels.

Read: How does ChipsAway alloy wheel repair work?

Another problem is that DIY repair kits rarely match the paint colour perfectly. The only style to get a perfect match, is to use a color-matching automobile, that repair professionals use.

The repairs can also take several hours to complete. Yous need to allow each footstep to dry out and set earlier moving on. If you make a mistake, it can be difficult to rectify.

The kits work best when y'all take the wheels off the car and lay them out on a flat surface. This will stop the paint running.

Get your Complimentary Estimate!

If your wheel damage is deep or extensive, information technology's time to call the professionals! ChipsAway blend wheel repairs are carried out by trained experts using color-matching technology. Complete our online class for a free judge today.

Source: https://www.chipsaway.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-an-alloy-wheel-repair-kit-and-when-not-to/

Share this post