What is powder coating on alloy wheels?
Powder coating is a dry powder that is applied to bare metal and baked in an oven until it melts into a hard, even coat. Alloy wheels can be powder coated, and it is a common way to give a set a fresh finish in the original colour or a new one.
How powder coating works
The finish is built in stages, and the preparation at the start decides how well it lasts.
The old paint, lacquer and
The old paint, lacquer and any corrosion are stripped off, leaving bare metal.
Kerb marks, pitting and other
Kerb marks, pitting and other damage are repaired so the surface is smooth.
The powder is given an
The powder is given an electrical charge, so it clings evenly to the wheel as it is sprayed on.
The wheel goes into an
The wheel goes into an oven. At our workshop the cure is 180°C, which melts the powder so it flows out and bonds to the metal.
How it differs from paint
Wet paint is sprayed on as a liquid and dries or is sealed with lacquer. Powder coating arrives as a dry powder and is cured with heat, which gives a hard layer that stands up well to chips and brake dust. Each has a place, and our comparison of powder coating vs painting alloy wheels shows where.
Finishes and colours
Powder coat comes in gloss, satin, matte and metallic finishes. We match 99% of factory colours, and custom shades are possible. Because the old finish is stripped first, a colour change goes onto clean metal. See colour change for the choices.
What to check before you book
Our alloy wheel refurbishment guide covers the wider process if powder coating is only part of the job.
How long does a powder coat last?
The finish is tough, but no coating is chip-proof. A hard stone strike or a scrape on a kerb can still break through it, and bare metal left exposed can corrode. If a chip appears, tell us and we can put it right. Rinsing off salt and brake dust helps too, and how to protect alloy wheels covers the habits that keep a new finish looking sharp.
Quick answers
Can alloy wheels be powder coated?
Yes. Most sound alloy wheels can be, once any damage has been repaired. We confirm from your photo.
Is powder coating better than paint?
Oven-cured powder coat is generally tougher, and it suits a full refinish. Paint suits smaller repairs and touch-ins.
How long does powder coating take?
36 to 48 hours at our workshop.
Do the tyres have to come off?
Yes. The tyres are removed for coating and the wheels balanced afterwards, with no extra charge for tyre removal, balancing or storage.
Which finishes can I choose?
Gloss, satin, matte and metallic, in a factory colour or a custom shade.
Get a quote
Send a photo of your wheels and we reply within 24 hours with a free quote and what the work involves. You can also call to book a time. Or call us on 0207 060 3666 Unit 1, 38 Crown Road, Enfield, EN1 1TH · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Sat 8am-1pm
Contact
Get a free photo quote
Phone
020 7060 3666
WhatsApp
+447512308716
Address
Unit 1, 38 Crown Road
Enfield
EN1 1TH
Enfield
EN1 1TH