In the pursuit for the dream car, many of us want to change the colour of our alloy wheels. Whether it’s to match a specific colour scheme on the vehicle, or simply to stand out from the crowd, let’s look at how to change the colour of your alloy wheels.
Why change the colour of alloy wheels?
You can change the colour of your alloy wheels for a number of reasons, including to:
- Express your style
- Increase the resale value of your vehicle
A good colour scheme applied with a professional finish is likely to attract potential buyers to your car, as well as increasing the amount you may be able to sell it for. Of course, it is also very common that alloy colours are changed simply for the car owner to express their style. Almost like a new pair of shoes!
How long does it take to colour alloy wheels?
The time it takes to colour alloy wheels usually varies based on factors such as the number of wheels you want painted, the type/colour of paint you opt for and the complexity of the design. Often, you will be met with unreliable time estimations, and left worrying about when you’ll get your car back…
With Alloy Wheel Repair, alloy painting is typically completed same-day. However, if you’re looking for a more complex paintjob, it may take up to 2 days. If you book ahead of time, we will be able to provide a much quicker turnaround time.
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Can I change the colour of alloy wheels myself?
Yes, you can change the colour of your alloy wheels yourself. However, it is not recommended that you do. Here are a few reasons you should consider using a professional like we have at Alloy Wheel Repair Services instead of doing it yourself:
- Without professional tools, handled by somebody who has experience in the industry, it is very difficult to achieve a smooth and high-quality finish.
- It is a very time consuming process, and as they say, time is money. Whilst manually changing the colour of your alloys may save you some money, it is unlikely to be worth it given the time you will have to spend ensuring you do it properly.
- We professionals use colour matching technologies and techniques that are not available outside most garages and workshops. This means that it will be much more difficult for you to find the correct colour, and make sure all wheels are matching. If you get this wrong, you may end up having to pay a professional anyway, wasting time and money.
Different methods of changing alloy wheel colour
There are a couple of primary methods of changing the colour of alloy wheels:
- Painting Alloys – Probably the most common method of changing the colour of alloys is to paint them. The wheels are removed from your car, then checked for damage before the painting begins. Next, 2 layers of primer will be applied to each wheel, then 3 layers of the basecoat. Finally, the job is finished with 2 layers of clear coat, which are applied once the previous layers have fully dried.
Once each wheel has had time to dry, they are securely attached back onto the car, then your new wheels are good to go!
- Powder Coating Alloys – Whilst slightly less popular, powder coating alloys is still a widely used method of colouring alloy wheels.
The process is similar to painting, in that wheels are removed and checked for damage. The way this method differs mainly revolves around the powder itself, which is often made from polymer based powders.
How much will it cost to change the colour of alloy wheels?
According to Checkatrade, it should cost around £260 to have four wheels painted with a standard finish (on average). Of course these prices are subject to change, based on all the factors mentioned earlier in this article.
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