Alloy Wheel Refinishing: Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Suzuki Reno and 2005 Suzuki Forenza. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
A protective clear or color coating is applied to the surface of the original equipment cast alloy wheels. Surface degradation can develop if this clear coating is damaged or removed. This can happen at some automatic car wash facilities that use silicon carbide-tipped tire brushes to clean white walls and tires. Once the protective coating is damaged, exposure to caustic cleaners or road salt causes further surface degradation. The following procedure details how to strip, clean and recoat alloy wheels.
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, follow the manufacturer's recommendations and cautions when using these materials.
Required materials:
- Amchem Alumi Prep No. 33. Stock No. DX533 or equivalent cleaning and conditioning chemical for alloys.
- Amchem Alodine No. 1001. Stock No. DX50T or equivalent coating chemical for alloys.
- Ditzler Delclear Acrylic Urethane Clear, Stock No. DAU-75 or equivalent.
- Ditzler Delthane Ultra-Urethane Additive, Stock No. DXR-80 or equivalent.
Before repairing the alloy damage or the clear coat damage, prepare the wheels and the tires.
- Remove the wheel from the vehicle.
- Mark the location of the outboard weights and remove them.
- Wash the wheel inside and out with a water-based, all-purpose cleaner. Remove the grease and oil with a solvent cleaner.
- Mask the tire prior to painting.
- Using a 400-grit wet or dry sandpaper, sand over the painted areas that will not require recoloring. Sanding will promote the adhesion of the clear coat.