Wheels explained

DIY alloy wheel repair kits: do they work?

Alloy wheel repair kits can hide light cosmetic marks, such as a small scuff on a painted wheel, but the result depends heavily on your preparation and rarely matches a workshop finish. They cannot fix cracks, bends or a damaged diamond cut face, so a wheel with that kind of damage needs checking by a professional.

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What is in a repair kit

Most kits bundle sandpaper, filler or putty, primer, colour paint and lacquer, although the contents vary by brand. You sand the damage smooth, fill any gouges, then build up paint and lacquer in layers. Drying times and temperature limits differ between products, so follow the instructions on the packaging closely.
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What is in a repair kit
When a kit can make sense

When a kit can make sense

Even here, a close colour match is the hard part. Wheel finishes vary between makes, so a kit shade is usually an approximate match at best.
  • A light scuff on the painted part of the wheel.
  • A small scratch or paint chip with no corrosion underneath.
  • A quick cosmetic touch-up on a wheel that is otherwise straight and sound.
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Why diamond cut faces can't be restored at home

The bright face on a diamond cut wheel is machined metal, cut in fine lines on a CNC lathe. Sanding or painting by hand cannot recreate that surface, and a lathe is not something a home kit can replace. Our diamond cut repair takes 2 working days.

Check the wheel first for

Check the wheel first for cracks, a bend or air loss. If anything looks doubtful, stop and get it checked.

Wash the wheel, degrease it

Wash the wheel, degrease it and let it dry fully.

Mask the tyre, valve and

Mask the tyre, valve and any surrounding parts.

Sand the damaged area smooth

Sand the damaged area smooth and feather the edges into the good paint.

When to send a photo instead

When to send a photo instead

Send us a photo and we will tell you what the repair involves, with a free quote within 24 hours. Minor scuffs, kerb damage and paint chips can often be done by our mobile team on the same day, in about 2 to 4 hours, and heavier damage comes into the workshop. Send your postcode and we'll confirm mobile cover. For more on the damage itself, read how to fix kerb rash and repair or replace alloy wheels.
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Frequently asked questions

Do alloy wheel repair kits work?
For light cosmetic marks on a painted wheel, they can. The finish depends on preparation, colour match and curing, and it is unlikely to match a workshop refinish.
Can I repair alloy wheels myself?
You can touch up minor scuffs and chips yourself. Bends, cracks, corrosion and diamond cut damage need specialist equipment, and a wheel with a crack or bend should be checked before you drive on it.
How long does a kit repair last?
It varies with the product, how well the wheel was prepared and how the wheel is used. Brake heat, salt and washing all put a home finish under strain.
Can I use a kit on a diamond cut wheel?
A kit will not restore the machined face. Paint or lacquer over damaged diamond cut can also trap moisture, so send a photo and we will advise.
Can a kit fix a cracked or bent alloy wheel?
No. Both are safety matters. Stop driving on the wheel until it has been checked, then read can a bent wheel be repaired.
Alloy wheel powder coating in London
McLaren in the Whoops Wheel Fix It workshop

Get a professional opinion with a free photo quote

Send a photo of the damage and we will reply within 24 hours with a price and what the repair involves. Call or send a photo first so we can 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
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Contact

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Email info@whoopswheelfixit.com
Phone 020 7060 3666
WhatsApp +447512308716
Address
Unit 1, 38 Crown Road
Enfield
EN1 1TH

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