While painted alloy wheels can be an exciting design piece for your car, they also serve a practical purpose. Paint protects the surface of your alloy wheels from corrosion, saving you from potentially life-threatening accidents down the road.
When corrosion sets in on alloy wheels, it can cause them to become pitted, cracked, and eventually flake away. This can weaken the structural integrity of the wheel and can even cause it to break apart in extreme cases. It is also unsightly and can detract from the overall look of your car. To avoid these issues, it is vital to protect your alloy wheels from corrosion, either through powder coating or wet painting.
Powder Coating Your Alloy Wheels: Process, Pros and Cons
Powder coating is a process that involves applying dry powder to the surface of the alloy wheels. This powder is made up of a mix of finely-ground resin and pigment and is electrostatically charged to adhere to the wheel’s surface. The powder is then heated to a high temperature, which causes it to melt and form a hard, uniform coating. This process is highly durable and is often used to protect the finish of alloy wheels from corrosion and wear and tear.
The main advantage of powder coating is that it is relatively easy to apply and produces a high-quality, durable finish. It is also less likely to chip or peel than other coating methods. However, the main disadvantage is that it is more expensive than other methods, such as wet painting. While powder comes with various colours, mixing unique colours can be more challenging because of the lack of a solvent. Furthermore, the process is also more time-consuming and requires special equipment to apply the powder.
Wet Painting Your Alloy Wheels: Process, Pros and Cons
Wet painting is a popular method of applying a protective finish to alloy wheels. The process involves the application of liquid paint, usually a type of automotive paint, to the wheel surface. This paint is applied using a spray gun, and Belfast alloy wheel repairers can use various techniques to achieve different effects.
The wheel is then placed in an oven to cure, which causes the paint to harden and form a protective layer. This method is relatively inexpensive and can produce a high-quality finish relatively quickly.
The main advantages of wet painting alloy wheels are that they are relatively inexpensive and can be completed in a relatively short time. The process is relatively simple, and no special equipment is required. Wet paint is also easier to mix than powder coating, making it easier to match the original colour.
The main disadvantage of wet painting is that it is not as durable as powder coating. Furthermore, the finish is more likely to chip and peel and may require frequent touch-ups to maintain its appearance.
Conclusion
Powder coating and wet paint can serve you well, provided that a reputable alloy wheel refurbishment service does them in Belfast. Take note of the pros and cons we laid out above and decide which traits you want to prioritise. Consider powder coating if you want your paint to last and survive harsher conditions. Wet paint may be the best solution if you want to pick from various factory-produced colours.
Are you searching for alloy wheel repairs in Belfast? East Coast Coatings provides services in alloy wheel refurbishing and painting. Get in touch with us to find more about what we can do for you.