In this latest article we talk about whether it is best to get your alloy wheels powder coated or painted. We talk about the step-by-step process of each, and the benefits and drawbacks to consider when opting to have your wheels refinished.
Firstly, lets talk about powder coating alloy wheels. Here at ALLOYHUB, all our wheels go through a vigorous 5 step process:
- Preparation – this involves the wheels being removed from the vehicle, checked for damage, stripping of the existing old paint, and removal of any dirt or contamination.
- Surface Preparation – This involves the wheels being prepared for the painting process. Media blasting is used to remove any oxidation to create better adhesion, and the wheels are preheated to release trapped gases in the metal that could cause defects in the finish.
- Applying the Powder Coat – Areas that should not be coated in paint such as mounting surfaces are masked off. A fine powder is then sprayed onto the wheels using an electrostatic gun. The charged powder then adheres to the grounded metal surface.
- Curing – This is the baking process where the wheels are placed in an industrial oven at around 180 degrees for around 30 minutes. This causes the powder to melt and form a smooth, durable finish.
- Cooling & Final Inspection – The wheels are left to cool and harden completely. Once cooled the finish is then checked for even coverage, defects and proper adhesion.
Benefits of powder coated alloy wheels:
✅ Durability: More resistant to chips, scratches, and corrosion than traditional paint.
✅ Aesthetics: Available in various colours and finishes (matte, gloss, metallic, satin).
✅ Eco-Friendly: No harmful solvents or VOCs like in liquid paint.
Drawbacks of powder coated alloy wheels:
❌ Repair Difficulty – Harder to touch up if damaged; usually requires recoating.
❌ Cost – Typically more expensive due to specialized equipment and labour.
Next, let’s look at the process of painting alloy wheels.
- Preparation – This involves the wheels being removed from the vehicle and cleaned to remove dirt, brake dust or grease.
- Sanding – If the wheels have existing paint, the surface is sanded to smooth out any imperfections for paint adhesion. Filler is often used (similar to car body filler) to fill in any curb damage or stone chips.
- Masking – Areas that shouldn’t be painted such as mounting surfaces, valve stems, and tyres are masked up.
- Painting process – 2-3 coats of automotive primer, paint and clear coat is then applied with the finish being flatted back using 1200 grit sandpaper in-between coats.
- Reassembly – The masking tape is then removed carefully, and the paint is left to fully cure for a few days before exposing to harsh conditions.
Benefits of Painted alloy wheels:
✅ Easier Repairs – Small chips and scratches can be spot-repaired.
✅ Cost-Effective – Generally cheaper than powder coating.
Drawbacks of Painted Alloy Wheels:
❌ Less Durable – Prone to chipping, scratching, and fading over time.
❌ Shorter Lifespan – Typically lasts 2-4 years before needing a refresh.
We at ALLOYHUB believe that if a job is worth doing, its worth doing right, and because of this reason we would always recommend having your wheels professionally powder coated. The only real advantage that a painted wheel has over a powder coated wheel is simply the cost. The powder coating process is much more labour intensive using specialised equipment where the wheels are chemical stripped, and oven baked.
Second hand car dealers will often opt for a painted wheel process for their used cars; however, the customer unfortunately discovers later down the line that the finish does not last.
We therefore believe that should you want a finish that is going to last, then powder coating your alloy wheels with a company like ALLOYHUB could be the best decision for you.
Telephone – 0330 133 8271
Feel free to give us a call on 0330 133 8271 or send us an email: <a href=”mailto:sales@alloyhub.com”>sales@alloyhub.com</a>.
We accept all major credit/debit cards, PayPal, bank transfer and cash. Alternatively; should you wish to spread the payments of your order, we have Klarna integrated across our site
