A set of scuffed, kerbed or corroded alloys can drag down the look of an otherwise tidy car. The good bit is you almost never need to buy new wheels, because a proper refurb brings them back. Where people usually get stuck is deciding which finish they actually want, so here's the difference.

Powder coating

This is the tougher and more flexible of the two. We strip the wheel back, prep it, coat it in a dry powder and then bake it on in an oven so it sets into a hard, even finish.

It's the one to go for if you want:

  • Durability. It stands up well to salt, water and the odd knock, which counts for a lot through a Lancashire winter.
  • A choice of colour. Standard silver, gloss black, gunmetal, more or less whatever you fancy.
  • Corroded or badly kerbed wheels brought right back to life.

For most people wanting wheels that look sharp and stay that way, powder coating is the sensible pick.

Diamond cutting

Diamond cut is that bright, machined look you'll see on a lot of newer factory wheels. The face of the alloy is skimmed on a precision lathe to leave a fine brushed-metal shine, then sealed with lacquer to protect it.

It suits you if your wheels came diamond cut from the factory and you want to keep that look, or if you're simply after a really crisp, high-shine face.

One thing worth knowing. Because it's a thin machined layer under lacquer, a diamond cut face is a bit less forgiving over time and can only be re-cut so many times before too much metal comes off. Plenty of customers go for a diamond cut face with a powder coated inner, which gives you the shine and the toughness in one.

Still can't decide?

That's completely normal, and honestly it's easier to tell you in person once we've seen the state of the wheels. Bring the car down and we'll have a proper look and tell you straight what will give you the best result for your money.

What about cracks and buckles?

Cracks and buckles are a separate thing from making a wheel look good again. We do cracked alloy repairs where the wheel is safe to save, but that always gets checked first. A wheel has to be sound before there's any point making it pretty.

Where to find us

We do the lot in-house at the Burnley workshop, from strip and repair through to the finish and refit, so your wheels stay with one set of hands from start to finish. Send us a photo of them through the contact page or call in, and we'll talk you through your options and what it'll cost.