Guest
11-20-2006, 04:52 PM
by NASAracer, Audiworld.com
Note that although this is a Porsche wheel, the Wurth Silver Wheel Paint is a perfect match for Porsche, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and some VW wheels. It can also be used to completely refinish any wheel. The following technique, explained in nice detail by "NASAraser of AudiWorld.com", is a good way to do a small area repair if you curb your wheel or otherwise damage a small area.
Well, there I was, backing into a parking space against a curb. I was in a hurry and I heard it... SCRAPE! One fraction of a second and barely moving. Got out and looked at the rim... OUCH!!!
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-1.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">As you can see, this is minor wheel damage with very little paint and metal repair required. It could be touched up with a paint touch up stick, but it would not look right. Picture by NASAracer.</td></tr></table>
Well, no need to fear. I`ve done this enough times to have an easy way to do home repairs with a few simple items. Note that this [procedure] only covers light scuffs. This isn`t meant to be used to repair a damaged wheel or one where the scuffs cause significant damage to the rim. This is only for those annoying superficial scuffs, which seem to happened to me more times than I care to admit.
There are plenty of good services which can do this for very reasonable money. Many of you will happily use a service, but I`m inpatient and have the free time (generally) to spend a couple of hours on a repair. Plus, it really takes the edge off "donking" my wheels when I know I can simply fix it myself.
Here`s the parts list you need:
Wurth Silver Wheel Lacquer
Wurth High Gloss Clear Lacquer
Primer
Bondo Spot Putty
240 and 400 wet & dry sand paper
Paint thinner
Masking tape & masking paper
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-2.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">I have a can of scratch-filler primer, the Wurth wheel paint and clear (got mine at Performance Products), some paint thinner, Bondo spot putty (or equivalent), sand paper and some 240 and 400 grit sandpaper (if you are REALLY anal, get some 600 grit paper). Picture by NASAracer.</td></tr></table>
Step 1. Clean, Clean, Clean
This is one of the most important steps. Use paint thinner to thoroughly clean the entire area around the damage. You need to remove all traces of wax and silicones from the surface of the wheel. I`m going to remind you every step of the way to clean. I`ll probably end up wiping down these surfaces 10 or more times before painting. If you don`t do this, the rest is pointless because the repair will not work. Also, you should only work on the area of the wheel that is damaged. Don`t go nuts and try to paint half your wheel on the car. For this technique to succeed we will only sand and paint the immediate area around the damage.
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-3.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Use a lint-free cloth for cleaning your wheel. Prior to cleaning with paint thinner (Prepsol is even better), scrub the tire and wheel with dish detergent (Dawn) to remove as much silicone (tire protectant) as possible. Dry thoroughly. Picture by NASAracer.</td></tr></table>
2. Sand and Putty
I like to start by masking the tire from the wheel. Get the masking tape well behind the rim.
Next, [lightly] sand the area to a nice "feather" with 240 grit sandpaper and apply spot putty.
Important: this entire project will work best if its a nice warm day. The drying time of spot putty is minutes but if it`s cold or damp, this project is likely to not work out too well. Work in direct sunlight if necessary to keep the work area warm (not hot).
Remember: keep your sanding to the immediate area around the damage. Trust me on this.
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-4.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Apply enough spot putty to fill the damae. Allow it time to dry thoroughly before sanding.</td></tr></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-5.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Use a sanding block (small wood block or rubber erasure) to get the best results. Although dry sanding works, wet sanding is best. Pictures by NASAracer.</td></tr></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-6.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Sand carefully oover the smallest area possble. If there are any pin holes in the putty, touch up and sand again.</td></tr></table>
Once you`ve done the first round of putty, switch to the finer of your sandpaper (400 grit in my case) and sand and putty until it FEELS and LOOKS flush. Note that I use the paper wrapped around a piece of wood to make a flat sanding block. It`s best to sand with a flat block to get a smooth, level finish.
3. Mask and Primer
Okay, here`s where a bit of laziness is going to create an entirely new project. The silver metallic paint will get everywhere. I`m talking permanently attached to the fender on the opposite corner of the car. Mask carefully and cover the entire car with an old sheet or equivalent.
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair7.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Picture by NASAracer.
</td></tr></table>
I`ve used the scratch-filler primer and sanded it and put a bit more putty on. Note that this is the first place where I use my special technique. Immediately after I spray the primer (or paint) I clean all of the overspray off the spokes of the wheel (clean rag and paint thinner) and the area around the inside of the rim. I do not want to try to get the paint to smoothly adhere to the entire wheel! We only want to paint the REPAIR. Only the clear coat will be sprayed without wiping off the overspray. Wait for the primer to fully dry and lightly sand it with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper.
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-8.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Use a lint-free cloth for cleaning your wheel. Prior to cleaning with paint thinner (Prepsol is even better), scrub the tire and wheel with dish detergent (Dawn) to remove as much silicone (tire protectant) as possible. Dry thoroughly. Picture by NASAracer.
</td></tr></table>
5. Painting
VITAL: Read the instructions on the can! If you try to use this paint in cold temperatures (or in damp conditions) it`s going to be a mess. Shake the can for at least a full minute and push the spray nozzle as you sweep across and release at the end. Spray on, spray off. Spray on, spray off. Apply as a very fine coat. You`re not trying to make it glossy. That`s the job of the top clearcoat.
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-9.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">This is roughly the distance I used the can from the wheel. I highly recommend practicing on a scrap part to get used to the distances and thickness this paint sprays. Picture by NASAracer.</td></tr></table>
Now we should be nearly done but (as always), Pete got inpatient and sprayed the clear way too soon. As a result, the clearcoat lifted the silver paint and messed up my job.
This is no biggie. Take a deep breath, get out your rag and the paint thinner and take it all off. The thinner I used did not eat into the primer so I simply cleaned the wheel (again) and re-sprayed the silver paint.
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-10.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Here`s the paint lifting due to the clearcoat being applied too soon. Be sure to give plenty of drying time. Picture by NASAracer.</td></tr></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-11.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">okay, fast forward a few minutes... I had to roll the car forward a bit to keep it in the sun and I had cleaned (and let fully dry) the wheel and RE-sprayed the silver. Now I`m carefully removing the silver overspray. Picture by NASAracer.
</td></tr></table>
Wurth Silver Wheel Lacquer and Wurth High Gloss Clear Lacquer are available atWurth German Alloy Silver Wheel Lacquer (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/wus-892181.html).
Note that although this is a Porsche wheel, the Wurth Silver Wheel Paint is a perfect match for Porsche, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and some VW wheels. It can also be used to completely refinish any wheel. The following technique, explained in nice detail by "NASAraser of AudiWorld.com", is a good way to do a small area repair if you curb your wheel or otherwise damage a small area.
Well, there I was, backing into a parking space against a curb. I was in a hurry and I heard it... SCRAPE! One fraction of a second and barely moving. Got out and looked at the rim... OUCH!!!
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-1.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">As you can see, this is minor wheel damage with very little paint and metal repair required. It could be touched up with a paint touch up stick, but it would not look right. Picture by NASAracer.</td></tr></table>
Well, no need to fear. I`ve done this enough times to have an easy way to do home repairs with a few simple items. Note that this [procedure] only covers light scuffs. This isn`t meant to be used to repair a damaged wheel or one where the scuffs cause significant damage to the rim. This is only for those annoying superficial scuffs, which seem to happened to me more times than I care to admit.
There are plenty of good services which can do this for very reasonable money. Many of you will happily use a service, but I`m inpatient and have the free time (generally) to spend a couple of hours on a repair. Plus, it really takes the edge off "donking" my wheels when I know I can simply fix it myself.
Here`s the parts list you need:
Wurth Silver Wheel Lacquer
Wurth High Gloss Clear Lacquer
Primer
Bondo Spot Putty
240 and 400 wet & dry sand paper
Paint thinner
Masking tape & masking paper
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-2.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">I have a can of scratch-filler primer, the Wurth wheel paint and clear (got mine at Performance Products), some paint thinner, Bondo spot putty (or equivalent), sand paper and some 240 and 400 grit sandpaper (if you are REALLY anal, get some 600 grit paper). Picture by NASAracer.</td></tr></table>
Step 1. Clean, Clean, Clean
This is one of the most important steps. Use paint thinner to thoroughly clean the entire area around the damage. You need to remove all traces of wax and silicones from the surface of the wheel. I`m going to remind you every step of the way to clean. I`ll probably end up wiping down these surfaces 10 or more times before painting. If you don`t do this, the rest is pointless because the repair will not work. Also, you should only work on the area of the wheel that is damaged. Don`t go nuts and try to paint half your wheel on the car. For this technique to succeed we will only sand and paint the immediate area around the damage.
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-3.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Use a lint-free cloth for cleaning your wheel. Prior to cleaning with paint thinner (Prepsol is even better), scrub the tire and wheel with dish detergent (Dawn) to remove as much silicone (tire protectant) as possible. Dry thoroughly. Picture by NASAracer.</td></tr></table>
2. Sand and Putty
I like to start by masking the tire from the wheel. Get the masking tape well behind the rim.
Next, [lightly] sand the area to a nice "feather" with 240 grit sandpaper and apply spot putty.
Important: this entire project will work best if its a nice warm day. The drying time of spot putty is minutes but if it`s cold or damp, this project is likely to not work out too well. Work in direct sunlight if necessary to keep the work area warm (not hot).
Remember: keep your sanding to the immediate area around the damage. Trust me on this.
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-4.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Apply enough spot putty to fill the damae. Allow it time to dry thoroughly before sanding.</td></tr></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-5.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Use a sanding block (small wood block or rubber erasure) to get the best results. Although dry sanding works, wet sanding is best. Pictures by NASAracer.</td></tr></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-6.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Sand carefully oover the smallest area possble. If there are any pin holes in the putty, touch up and sand again.</td></tr></table>
Once you`ve done the first round of putty, switch to the finer of your sandpaper (400 grit in my case) and sand and putty until it FEELS and LOOKS flush. Note that I use the paper wrapped around a piece of wood to make a flat sanding block. It`s best to sand with a flat block to get a smooth, level finish.
3. Mask and Primer
Okay, here`s where a bit of laziness is going to create an entirely new project. The silver metallic paint will get everywhere. I`m talking permanently attached to the fender on the opposite corner of the car. Mask carefully and cover the entire car with an old sheet or equivalent.
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair7.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Picture by NASAracer.
</td></tr></table>
I`ve used the scratch-filler primer and sanded it and put a bit more putty on. Note that this is the first place where I use my special technique. Immediately after I spray the primer (or paint) I clean all of the overspray off the spokes of the wheel (clean rag and paint thinner) and the area around the inside of the rim. I do not want to try to get the paint to smoothly adhere to the entire wheel! We only want to paint the REPAIR. Only the clear coat will be sprayed without wiping off the overspray. Wait for the primer to fully dry and lightly sand it with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper.
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-8.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Use a lint-free cloth for cleaning your wheel. Prior to cleaning with paint thinner (Prepsol is even better), scrub the tire and wheel with dish detergent (Dawn) to remove as much silicone (tire protectant) as possible. Dry thoroughly. Picture by NASAracer.
</td></tr></table>
5. Painting
VITAL: Read the instructions on the can! If you try to use this paint in cold temperatures (or in damp conditions) it`s going to be a mess. Shake the can for at least a full minute and push the spray nozzle as you sweep across and release at the end. Spray on, spray off. Spray on, spray off. Apply as a very fine coat. You`re not trying to make it glossy. That`s the job of the top clearcoat.
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-9.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">This is roughly the distance I used the can from the wheel. I highly recommend practicing on a scrap part to get used to the distances and thickness this paint sprays. Picture by NASAracer.</td></tr></table>
Now we should be nearly done but (as always), Pete got inpatient and sprayed the clear way too soon. As a result, the clearcoat lifted the silver paint and messed up my job.
This is no biggie. Take a deep breath, get out your rag and the paint thinner and take it all off. The thinner I used did not eat into the primer so I simply cleaned the wheel (again) and re-sprayed the silver paint.
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-10.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">Here`s the paint lifting due to the clearcoat being applied too soon. Be sure to give plenty of drying time. Picture by NASAracer.</td></tr></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding=3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width=30%" valign="top"> http://www.autopia.org/forum/geek/gars/images/articles/wheel-repair-11.jpg</td><td width="70%" valign="top">okay, fast forward a few minutes... I had to roll the car forward a bit to keep it in the sun and I had cleaned (and let fully dry) the wheel and RE-sprayed the silver. Now I`m carefully removing the silver overspray. Picture by NASAracer.
</td></tr></table>
Wurth Silver Wheel Lacquer and Wurth High Gloss Clear Lacquer are available atWurth German Alloy Silver Wheel Lacquer (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/wus-892181.html).