Setting a car apart from the ongoing competition and making it noticeable is through the choice of alloy wheels and alloy wheel finishes.
Alloy Wheel Finishes Deliver the Needed Curb Appeal
Along with providing high-end and stylish appearance through a selection of various high-quality finishes, the alloy wheels are lighter, stronger, and stiffer. So, these allow wheels are typically associated with the supercar and sports car markets as well as quality and high-end monitoring.
Lightweight alloy wheels contribute to efficient fuel consumption and better performance in acceleration, improved braking, and handling. Alloys are more resilient against corrosion. Despite the best care, no wheels are invincible. The following tips will serve as the guidelines to conduct a few tasks when the alloy wheels have to be repaired and be given a complete facelift.
Aluminium made alloy wheels and the ones made with magnesium mixed with different metals increases strength. Along with aluminium, the magnesium alloys have gained popularity owing to their brittle nature, lightweight and that is why the supercars and sports cars have magnesium mixed alloy wheels.
Numerous Alloy Wheel Finishes
Several high-quality alloy options exist for alloy wheel refurbishment finishes. We shall discuss the most popularalloy wheel finishes.
i. Painting and Lacquering the Alloy Wheels
When you get the alloy wheels painted, then it adds an extra depth of presentation and style while providing an additional protective finish to extend their working life. Paint is applied as a pigment floating in a carrier. With more coats layering up, the protective layer becomes thicker. Proper care and light sanding application between the coats further smoothens the finish to get the best possible finish. The best option is multiple thin coats over some thick coats.
For achieving the best finish, everything should be clean and smooth. Special care is taken while cleaning the wheels and applying the paint coats. The professionals are highly attentive to prevent the dust from settling down since it detracts the wheel from the overall appearance. At last, the painted wheels receive multiple clear lacquer layers for the painted surface to gain an added depth, that highlights the professional finish.
ii. Powder Coating the Alloy Wheels
The alloy wheels achieve a tougher finish from the powder coating compared to the conventional painting methods. Wherever paint is applied in the form of a liquid, powder coating is applied as a powder, and it is bonded electrostatically to the wheel. Powder coating cures the wheel and forms a durable skin with a far harder finish, and it offers superior protection. Typically, the powdered coated wheels are single colour finish and lacquered for providing a deep quality finish similar to the spray-painted wheels.
iii. Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels
To get a uniquely high-shine finish, the wheels are fitted into a computer-controlled lathe which skims the topmost surface layer of the material from the alloy wheels. It leaves behind a faint grooved effect which permits and light bouncing off the wheels for making it shine. The wheels are again lacquered for completing the process, so the new finish and the base wheel material is protected.
Mixing the high-shine alloy with the painted elements is the standout diamond cutting wheel method. In this process, the alloy wheels incorporate a two-tone appearance by means of any colour utilization which is to be incorporated, either to complement or contrast with the bodywork colour scheme of the car.
When you are to repair or rejuvenate your alloy wheels, you have numerous choices. The right preparation technique, a freshly painted coat, and lacquer bring the old alloy wheels back to life. Powder coating ensures an elevated finish with added protection, and even significantly lifts the appearance of the car. For high-end finishes, two-tone diamond-cut wheels deliver a better result, hence it is the preferred method for luxury cars. Choose your preferred and budget-friendly method so your alloy wheels receive a new lease of life.