Alloy wheel repair and refurbishmentOctober 16, 2026

What are diamond cut alloy wheels?

A diamond cut wheel has a face that has been machined on a lathe to leave a bright, reflective surface, usually with a painted section alongside. A clear lacquer then seals the bare metal, and that lacquer is the part that fails first.

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How the finish is made

A lathe cuts a thin layer from the face of the wheel, leaving fine grooves that catch the light. The cut face is lacquered straight away to protect the bare metal. The painted sections, often in grey, black or another colour, are finished separately. That contrast between painted and polished metal is what gives the wheel its look.

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Why diamond cut wheels peel

The lacquer is the only protection the cut face has. When a kerb or stone chips it, water gets underneath and corrosion spreads along the metal. Road salt and brake dust make it worse. Watch for these early warning signs:

Cloudy or milky patches on the bright face.
Lacquer lifting at the edges of the spokes or the rim.
White spots or fine white lines under the lacquer.
Tiny bubbles or a rough texture when you run a finger across the face.
Dull patches that do not wash off.

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Can you touch it up?

A paint touch-up will not restore a machined face, because the reflective surface comes from the cutting. A pen or a dab of lacquer over corrosion also traps moisture underneath. Fixing it properly means stripping, repairing and re-cutting the face.

We strip the wheel to

We strip the wheel to bare metal.

We repair the damage, such

We repair the damage, such as kerb marks or corrosion pitting.

The face is re-cut on

The face is re-cut on our own CNC lathe.

The face is sealed with

The face is sealed with fresh lacquer.

Quick answers

Can diamond cut wheels be painted a different colour?

Yes. They can be refinished in a solid colour, with gloss, satin, matte and metallic finishes available. We match 99% of factory colours, and custom shades are possible. See colour change.

How long does a diamond cut repair take?

2 working days at our workshop. You can arrange a time to drop the car off by calling or sending a photo first.

Is lacquer peeling the same as corrosion?

They go together. Lacquer lifts first, and corrosion follows under it.

Can I stop it happening again?

Regular rinsing to remove salt and brake dust helps, and so does repairing chips early. Read how to protect alloy wheels for the routine.