The wheels on our vehicles play an important role in not just the aesthetics but also the performance. However, with newer vehicles on the road having diamond-cut wheels, car owners face the challenge of protecting this finish from corrosion. While diamond-cut wheels look great, they don’t tend to last as long as other finishes, and many people often want to change the look. In this article, I will explain whether it’s possible to spray over diamond-cut wheels and also discuss some ways to make your rims look good and last longer.
What Are Diamond Cut Wheels?
Diamond-cut wheels are alloy wheels that have been finished using a specialist CNC lathe with a diamond tip rather than regular cutting tools. The process creates a highly polished finish with a distinctive ‘sparkle’ effect. This finish differs from the usual painted or machined finish on most other alloy wheels. Diamond cut wheels are popular among car enthusiasts, giving the vehicle a sleek and sophisticated look. However, they require regular maintenance to keep their finish looking good.
How Do You Tell if You Have Diamond Cut Wheels?
Diamond-cut alloy wheels have a very shiny, unique, bare metal finish. It’s easy to tell the difference as they have a sleek textured surface compared to traditional alloy wheels, which are painted with a wet spray or powder coating. They also tend to be more expensive. If you’re unsure, there are some easy ways to determine if you have a diamond cut wheel.
Diamond-cut wheels are usually two-toned, with a darker background and a shiny metal face. This is achieved by using CNC machines to remove the top layer of paint to reveal the shiny metal underneath. This shiny mirror finish will also have fine lines on the face.
Can Diamond Cut Wheels Be Refurbished?
Yes, diamond cut wheels can be refurbished. During refurbishment, a thin layer of the alloy is removed from the wheel using a precision lathe to create a polished, diamond-cut finish. The wheel is then cleaned, primed, painted, and lacquered to protect the surface and give it a new lease of life.
However, it’s important to note that not all diamond cut wheels can be refurbished, as some may have already been machined to their limit or are too severely damaged. You can generally only refurbish a diamond cut rim twice before replacing it. It’s always best to consult a professional refurbisher who will determine if your wheels can be refurbished.
Can You Spray Over Diamond Cut Wheels?
Yes, it is possible to spray over diamond-cut wheels. However, this service is not usually offered by dealerships as they prefer maintaining the car’s original appearance.
To get the wheels painted, you must take them to a wheel refurbisher. They will need to be stripped and painted to achieve a better finish. It is vital to prepare the wheel before painting directly over diamond-cut wheels. While it is possible to refurbish the wheels at home and do a decent job, it is a time-consuming process.
How to Spray Over Diamond Cut Wheels?
The trick to getting a really good finish when refurbing your wheels yourself is to prep before painting. The finish will be good if you have a smooth sanded-down rim to apply the paint. Here is how I have refurbished diamond cut rims myself, and this is the same process regardless of the finish:
Step 1: Clean the wheel
The first step is to wash the wheel thoroughly. If the wheels are painted, using a pH-neutral wheel cleaner is advisable. It will help remove all the wheel dust, debris, and stains.
Step 2: Use sandpaper
After cleaning the wheel, you need to use wet and dry sandpaper to remove the corrosion marks from the wheel and smooth the surface. This is the most time-consuming stage, but it will give the paint a proper surface to stick to. You’ll need to start with a coarse grit, something like 1000, working your way up to using 4000 grit sandpaper. If you have access to an electric sander, this will speed up the process.
Step 3: Mask the tire
Once the surface is ready, mask the tire with masking tape. It will help you to avoid paint and stains on the tire.
Step 4: Spray the wheel
Now, all you need to do is select a spray paint and spray it over the diamond cut wheel. Spray evenly, applying only one coating at a time and letting it dry. Once the paint is dry, apply another coat of paint.
Step 5: Apply Lacquer
Now the paint is dry, you want to protect the paint job, spray over a clear lacquer coat. You only want to apply one nice, even coating. Once its dry for added protection, use a good quality rim wax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Way To Prevent Corrosion On Diamond-cut Wheels?
The best way to prevent corrosion on diamond-cut wheels is to keep them clean and dry. Regularly washing them with soap and water and applying a protective coating can help prevent corrosion. It’s also important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning the wheels, as they can damage the finish and make the wheels more susceptible to corrosion.
How Many Times Can You Refurbish Diamond Cut Rims?
The number of times diamond cut rims can be refurbished depends on various factors, such as the extent of damage, the quality of the rim, and the refurbishing method used. Generally, diamond cut rims can be refurbished one or two times. Still, it’s always best to consult a professional.
Summary
If you are wondering whether it is possible to spray over diamond-cut wheels, the answer is yes. However, I recommend a specialist does it with years of experience; you can refurb them at home yourself to save costs, which I have explained how to do in this article, but it’s challenging to get anywhere near the finish you can expect from a professional.
