How To Fix Scratches On Car Wheels

Your car's rims not only improve its look but also play a vital role in preserving both its overall safety and performance. Improved balance, smoother rotation, and better tyre alignment are all made possible by a correctly maintained rim, which also contributes to a more comfortable ride and increased fuel economy.

But when we traverse uneven terrain and come across different types of road hazards, our rims frequently sustain unattractive dents, scratches, and even corrosive damage. It's possible that you won't need to replace your automobile rims just yet if you've considered doing so because of wear and tear. 

The Benchmark Abrasives team offers detailed advice for refurbishing your rims in this blog. We will guide you through the necessary procedures, offer insightful advice, and emphasize industry best practices to ensure that your rim restoration project is a huge success.

STEPS TO FIX SCRATCHES ON CAR WHEELS

STEP 1: EXAMINE ANY DAMAGE TO THE RIM 

Before beginning, you should determine the kind and degree of damage your rims have sustained. The following items are necessary:

• Use a torch
• WD-40, or another rust remover. 
• A measuring tape. 
• Spirit degree. 
• A plastic or rubber mallet.
  

First, use a mild soap or rim-specific cleaner to give the rims a thorough washing. This will clear away brake dust, filth, and grime, facilitating the identification of any damage. After cleaning, use a gentle microfiber cloth to dry the rims. After that, carry out these actions:

• In a well-lit area, carefully examine the whole surface of each rim, front and back. Examine the rim face and edges for gouges, scratches, scuffs, and chipping. To improve your vision, particularly in dimly lit locations, use a torch. 
• Feel the rim's surface with your fingers to check for any dents or bends. Dents can vary in depth and visibility; some may be more difficult to identify visually. Check for evidence of warping or inconsistencies in the shape of the rim.
• Examine the surface of the rim for indications of corrosion or rust, especially in the vicinity of the lug nut holes and valve stem. To find concealed corrosion, use WD-40 or a rust penetrant; rust spots can appear as orange or reddish-brown stains. 
• Look for any damage or deformations at the bead seal, or the point where the tyre joins the rim. Make sure there aren't any obvious cracks or damage indications that could lead to air leakage. 
• To find the rim's diameter across its widest point, use a tape measure. This will assist in locating any anomalies that might have been caused by a bent rim. 
• To ensure there is no unevenness, place the rim on a level, flat surface or inspect with a spirit level. A rim that is out of proportion may wobble or not rest evenly on the surface. 
• Strike the rim gently with a plastic or rubber mallet. Pay attention to any areas that sound hollow or unusual, as these could be signs of dents or deformations.

Make a drawing or take notes on any damages you discover. This will assist you in monitoring the problems and efficiently organizing the restoration procedure. A thorough inspection will also assist you in determining whether the damage is small and can be repaired with do-it-yourself restoration techniques, or whether you need to hire a professional. 

STEP 2: CLEAN THE RIMS 

Cleaning the rims not only helps to fully analyze the amount of any damage but also gets rid of dirt and grime that could interfere with the repair procedure. Furthermore, a clean surface increases the paint or coatings' adhesion during the repair, producing a finish that is both more aesthetically beautiful and lasting.

An outline of the many cleaning techniques you might need to use, based on the kind of damage, is provided below.

1. BASIC CLEANING: Use a moderate dish soap combined with water or a soft vehicle soap for routine maintenance and light dirt. Using a microfiber sponge or soft-bristle brush, apply the solution to the rims and gently scrub away any surface grime. After giving it a good rinse with water, pat dry with a gentle microfiber towel. 
2. BRAKE DUST REMOVAL: It can be difficult to get rid of brake dust. Select a wheel cleaner designed specifically to remove brake dust. As directed by the manufacturer, clean the rims by spraying the cleaner on them, letting them sit for a few minutes, and then gently brushing them with a soft brush. After rinsing well, pat dry.
3. TAR AND GREASE REMOVAL: Tar removers and solvent-based cleaners can be useful if your rims have accumulated tar or grease. After using the product as instructed, gently remove any impurities with a soft cloth or sponge. After giving the rims a good water rinse, make sure they are totally dry. 
4. STUBBORN STAINS OR CORROSION: You might need to use a vinegar solution or a baking soda and water mixture to remove more difficult stains or corrosion. After applying the mixture to the impacted regions, give it a few minutes to rest before gently cleaning the area with a gentle brush. Rinse well and completely dry.

Even though it could be tempting to use abrasive or aggressive cleansers to remove stubborn stains, doing so could harm the rims even more, particularly if they have a painted or clear coat finish. Abrasive cleansers have the potential to cause scratches on the surface, remove protective layers, and complicate the restoration procedure.

Instead, use mild cleaning agents and rim-specific cleaning supplies. Consider getting professional assistance if you come across serious corrosion or discoloration that cannot be removed by regular cleaning techniques.

STEP 3: FIX SMALL RIM DAMAGE 

Small rim flaws like scratches and scuffs can take away from the overall look of your car. Fortunately, you can effectively resolve these problems if you have the necessary equipment and a little perseverance.

Supplies required:

• Automotive touch-up paint in the color of your rims. 
• Automotive primer—should the scratch be deeply embedded? 
• Microfiber linen. 
• Tape for automotive masking. 
• Sandpaper with fine grains (2000–3000 grit). 
• Scrubbing the drink. 
• Pure water.

First, use a mild detergent or rim-specific cleaner to give the rim a thorough washing. Use a gentle microfiber cloth to pat dry after rinsing it with fresh water. Making sure the surface is clean will help the repair materials stick correctly. Next, execute the subsequent actions:

• Examine the rim closely to determine the degree of scuffs and scratches. Make a note of any deeper grooves that need more care or if the damage is just surface-level.
• Use automotive masking tape to carefully mask off the damaged area to keep paint or primer from getting on the tyre or other elements of the rim. Make sure the damaged portion of the rim and the taped-off region have a neat edge. 
• You can use fine-grit sandpaper (2000–3000 grit) to lightly sand the region that has minor scratches and scuffs. For this task, we suggest using our Matador 9 x 11 sanding papers. Using light circular sandpaper reduces the visibility of the scratches. Take care not to exert too much pressure to prevent further harm.
• After sanding, carefully clean the sanded area with a microfiber cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol. This will guarantee a clean surface for the touch-up paint by getting rid of any remaining dirt, oil, or paint fragments. 
• To guarantee that the touch-up paint adheres properly, you might need to use an automobile primer if the scratches are severe or reach the bare metal. Apply a thin, even coat of primer over the sanded area, following the directions on the primer's container. As per the suggested drying time, let it dry completely.
• After the primer dries, carefully apply automotive touch-up paint that matches the color of your rims using a small, fine-tipped brush. Make sure the paint fills up all of the scratches by applying a thin layer over the affected area. You might need to apply several thin coatings for deeper scratches, waiting for each layer to dry completely before applying the next. 
• After the touch-up paint has fully dried, carefully take off the automotive masking tape to expose the area that was fixed. Look for any flaws and make any necessary corrections.

As directed by the manufacturer, let the touch-up paint completely dry. To guarantee a flawless finish, give the repaired area one last inspection. Now that they have been restored, the scratches and scuffs ought to be much less noticeable or invisible.

STEP 4: ELIMINATE DENTS AND BENDS

You can reshape the metal with heat or cold if your previous inspection found bends and/or dents in the rims.

• HEAT METHOD: Applying heat is a useful approach for tiny dents. Use a propane torch or heat gun to apply heat to the dented area. Take care not to overheat the metal since this could harm the finish on the rim. After the metal has warmed up, carefully press the dent back into place using gloves or a rubber mallet.
• COLD METHOD: To shrink the metal and pop out the dent, the cold method uses dry ice or canned air, commonly referred to as "canned air duster". Applying the upside-down canned air or dry ice to the dented area will cause the metal to shrink. The dent might revert to its former form as the metal shrinks. 

PRO TIP: For small, shallow dents, the heat and cold procedures are most effective. To prevent inflicting more damage, expert repair may be required for larger or deeper dents and bends.

STEP 5: OVERCOME CORROSION 

The metal becomes weakened by corrosion, which also jeopardizes the rims' structural integrity. Pitting, surface deterioration, and ultimately tyre air leaks can result from it. Prolonged rusting can cause irreversible damage and expensive replacements if left untreated. To solve the problem of rim rust, one must comprehend its root causes. Among them are:

• ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: The rims of your car may get corroded if they are exposed to extreme weather, chemicals, or road salt. 
• BRAKE DUST: The accumulation of brake dust on the wheels can lead to an environment that is favorable for corrosion since it contains metal particles.
• DAMAGED COATING: The protective coating on the rims may have chips, scratches, or peeling, which can expose the metal to rust. 
• INSUFFICIENT CLEANING: Over time, corrosion is exacerbated by dirt, debris, and other impurities that accumulate on the rims due to incorrect or infrequent cleaning.

Use a soft brush and a mild detergent or cleaner designed specifically for rims to thoroughly clean the rims before attempting to remove rust and corrosion. This will clear away any debris and grime on the surface. Next, apply a commercial rust remover or a solution made of equal parts water and white vinegar. After applying the solution to the afflicted regions, use a soft brush or fine-grade steel wool to gently scrub. After that, give the rims a thorough rinse with water.

Make a paste by combining water and baking soda for mild corrosion. On the afflicted regions, apply the paste, gently scrub, and then rinse well. To guarantee a successful restoration, professional rim repair services can be required for severe corrosion or deep pitting.

STEP 6: SAND AND GET READY TO PAINT

You have two options for wet or dry sanding your car rims before painting them. By lubricating the sandpaper with water or a solution of water and mild soap, wet sanding lowers friction and stops debris accumulation. On the other hand, dry sanding doesn't use any liquid and is appropriate for places like the tyre bead that shouldn't become wet.

The degree of rim flaws will determine which grit you use. Start with sandpaper with a higher grit, like 400 or 600, for little flaws. To remove deeper scratches or imperfections in the surface, use a lower grit, such as 220 or 320. To achieve a smooth and equal surface, use a higher grit once the larger flaws have been fixed.

Following a thorough cleaning and drying process, perform the following actions on the rims:

• ELIMINATE OLD PAINT AND RUST: The rims must be fully free of any paint or rust that may have accumulated over time. To reveal the bare metal, carefully remove old paint and corrosion using sandpaper or paint strippers. 
• SMOOTH-OUT IMPERFECTIONS: Sand the rims in a circular or back-and-forth motion using sandpaper with the proper grit. Particular attention should be given to any places with dents, scratches, or uneven surfaces. This stage guarantees the best possible paint adherence and a level surface.
• WIPE-OFF RESIDUE: Use a clean, moist microfiber cloth to remove any leftover residue or debris from the rims after sanding. Before continuing, make sure the surface is totally clean and clear of dust.
  

To achieve a seamless transition between the sanded and unsanded sections of the rim, feather the edges of the sanded region when sanding. This will shield painted surfaces from noticeable lines. Once you're done, examine the rims from all perspectives to make sure that all flaws have been eliminated and the sanded surface is consistent.

STEP 7: COLOR THE RIMS 

It's critical to select a paint for your rims that is appropriate, long-lasting, and resistant to wear and tear from driving. Think about the following choices:

• AUTOMOTIVE SPRAY PAINT: Specifically made for automobile components, automotive spray paint offers a uniform, smooth surface. It comes in a range of colors, including OEM (original equipment manufacturer) color matching that gives it a look straight out of the factory. 
• POWDER COATING: This is an extremely robust and long-lasting material. It provides great protection against chipping, fading, and corrosion, but application requires expertise. 
• HIGH-HEAT PAINT: Made to endure high temperatures without chipping or peeling, high-heat paint is ideal if your rims get hot from high-performance driving or hard braking.

Use the newspaper and automotive masking tape to carefully cover the tyre, valve stems, lug nut holes, and any other sections you don't want to paint before you begin painting. This procedure guarantees a tidy and clean paint job by preventing overspray. If you've sanded down to bare metal or corrected extensive scratches, you’ll also want to use an automotive primer specifically developed for rims. Regarding application and drying durations, adhere to the manufacturer's directions.

STEP 8: PUT ON A CLEAR COAT

In addition to adding a glossy and polished appearance, the clear coat serves as a shield, protecting the paint job from environmental elements, road debris, and UV radiation. Pick a premium clear finish for cars that works well with the paint you chose on your wheels. Make sure it works with the particular material and finish (matte, satin, or gloss) of your rims.

Apply a thin, even layer of clear coat by holding the clear coat spray eight to ten inches away from the rims. For thorough coverage, use overlapping, flowing strokes. To avoid drips or runs, try not to apply too much clear coat in one spot.

Regarding the intervals between coats of drying time, refer to the clear coat can's manufacturer's recommendations. It is generally best to wait five to ten minutes before adding more coats. For maximum protection and gloss, apply two or three coats, letting each coat dry completely before applying the next.

STEP 9: LAST TOUCHES 

Select a premium rim polish that is intended to improve the look and luster of your rims. Using a clean, soft cloth, apply a little quantity of polish and use circular motions to work it into the rims. Even coverage can be achieved by polishing one rim at a time. After you're done, softly buff the rims with a different, clean cloth. Any extra polish will be removed during this process, revealing a gorgeous glossy finish.

CONCLUSION

Car rim restoration guarantees the longevity and functionality of your car's wheels in addition to improving their overall appearance. We advise utilizing premium sanding products meant for automotive applications to get the finest results.