Wheel refurb/paint recommendations

[DeanB]

Hi Folks

I am looking to have my wheels refurbed. They aren't kerbed or buckled but they are marked and I want to change the colour.

Can anyone recommend someone to do them please? Preferably someone trade that doesn't want top dollar.

Also, is there anything I need to know about different finishes, processes and so on? For example is powdercoating or painting better?

All knowledge and experience gratefully received, thank you 😊

 

Dean

[MG4Lotus]

I've used Auto Dynamics on Attercliffe Road Sheffield for the Lotus and the Volvo. I was happy with the service and the quality and the price. At the time I was looking around they seemed like the best choice for me.

[LRS7]

Have all my wheels refurbed by Diamond alloys, Stores Rd, Derby, DE21 4BE they have full facilities there for all your wheel requirements 

[Oakman]

There seems to be mixed opinions regarding powder coating and conventional painting for wheels. 
 

Some aren’t so keen on powder coat as they reckon the finish can chip easier.  

[Lostgear]

All 4 wheels from my RS5 are in to Derby Alloys on Tuesday……I’ll let you know how they do. 

[DeanB]

13 hours ago, Lostgear said:

All 4 wheels from my RS5 are in to Derby Alloys on Tuesday……I’ll let you know how they do. 

Are you having them painted or powdercoated?

[Guido]

Dean - I just had my Black alloys striped and powder coated satin grey. Lawson Wheel Repair in Overseal did them (www.lawsonwheelrepair.co.uk). I’m very pleased with the results. Cost £396 for all 4 wheels (2x17”, 2x18”) included a small kerbing repair to one alloy.

Edited August 31, 2025 by Guido

[Lostgear]

2 hours ago, DeanB said:

Are you having them painted or powdercoated?

Painted…….just superficial before I sell it on. 

[DeanB]

55 minutes ago, Guido said:

Dean - I just had my Black alloys striped and powder coated satin grey. Lawson Wheel Repair in Overseal did them (www.lawsonwheelrepair.co.uk). I’m very pleased with the results. Cost £396 for all 4 wheels (2x17”, 2x18”) included a small kerbing repair to one alloy.

That looks really good

[DeanB]

A detailer I spoke to last week told me paint allows a slightly sharper finish, important if you want concours judges to read the tiny writing on rims, but powder coating is a lot more durable. 

It sounds like powder coating is the better option for me.

[DeanB]

33 minutes ago, Lostgear said:

Painted…….just superficial before I sell it on. 

Not your Elise?

[Oakman]

I have been reading on the recommended websites mentioned above, it looks like it's a combined process.  A base powder coat, any colour coat is actual liquid paint and the top lacquer coat is a tough acrylic powder coat lacquer.  

[Phil Hutchins]

I had my spare set of S1 AWI wheels done here, with a colour change to anthracite/satin finish and was pleased with quality, service etc. Probably not too attractive for you Dean as it’s on my side of the Peak, just north of Leek, but listed for info! 
 

https://www.alloyhub.com/alloy-wheel-refurbishment/

[hartleyj]

I've had the Jag wheels refurbed by The Wheel Specialist in Nottingham. Powder coated. Very good finish but I have now sold the car (hence now have the Emira) no complaints. Also had the 111R wheels done at the Derby WS but he's closed now. The Jag wheels were around £100 per wheel including balancing etc. but they are big boots.

[Deniverdx]

I've been using powder coating for most of my wheel projects, and it has held up really well against chips and road grime. When looking into alloy wheel refurbishment, one thing that stood out was the importance of proper prep work—stripping, repairing, and cleaning the wheels before any finish is applied. A quality powder coat tends to be more durable than paint, although touch-ups are easier with paint if damage occurs later.