Wheels are one of the most important exterior parts of any car, so they are available in a variety of designs and colors. Unfortunately, beautiful cast and forged wheels have a rather fragile paint layer, and since they are exposed to road dirt, which often acts as an abrasive, they often look scratched and worn out after just a few months of use. Of course, this is not a problem for stamping, which can be easily covered with a decorative plastic cap, but in the case of casting, they require restoration or polishing of the discs.
Grinding Methods
Before you start polishing, you must, of course, get rid of all the flaws on the discs, and this can only be done by grinding using abrasive materials.
The most popular among car enthusiasts is the diamond groove offered by tire services that use special high-precision equipment with program control that ensures high quality of work performed.
You can polish the discs yourself. Doing this manually is very labor-intensive, so everyone tries to use improvised tools that can rotate attachments with sandpaper: electric drills, pneumatic tools, etc.
To speed up the grinding process, some talented people assemble special machines that can rotate disks fixed in them and, during the rotation process, grind them using a drill. This speeds up the work significantly.
To impart rotation, many people use their own car - jack up the wheels, put the car on jacks, turn on the engine and grind the discs as they rotate.
Recommendations for getting your disks in order
Pay attention to the following tips to help you perform the polishing procedure most effectively:
- purchase a special kit designed for such work;
- in the process of switching to a finer abrasive material (for example, sandpaper), remove all debris accumulated there from the metal surface;
- when cleaning, a powder will certainly form based on abrasive grains and metal particles - it must be brushed off so as not to cause scratches on the surface;
- stop work more often and carry out a visual inspection so as not to remove excess material;
- Make sure that the disk does not overheat, and therefore work at low speeds.
What you need for polishing
To protect them from the effects of precipitation, all discs are coated under production conditions with protective paints or varnishes, which, after drying, acquire strength equivalent to the hardness of metal. Removing the coating by stripping is a very labor-intensive task, so special removers for paint and varnish are used.
In addition to the paint cleaning agent and the above tools, and polishing machines, you will need:
- attachments for grinding and polishing,
- sandpaper of different grits from P240 to P1200,
- GOI paste of different grain sizes,
- polish,
- protective varnish,
- fabric and rubber gloves,
- respirator or gas mask.
Kits for adding shine to wheels
To polish car wheels at home, the car owner must have on hand a certain set of tools and consumables, as well as special substances with which the entire process is carried out step by step.
This set typically includes the following items:
- Ideally, have a wheel polishing machine that is used by professionals at service stations. This device is a centrifuge with a rotating axis on which a wheel is attached, after which it is set in motion. In parallel with the rapid controlled rotation of the product on the machine, the master presses the abrasive on it, resulting in processing.
- If the machine is not at hand, it can be replaced with a regular drill with a circular attachment, which is often used for sanding wooden surfaces.
- The driver may also need a high-pressure apparatus used for car washing, as it effectively washes away any dirt and oil deposits on the surface of the wheel.
- Naturally, a connection to tap water and the availability of various detergents are required to completely clean the disk before exposure to the paste.
- It is necessary to purchase the main substance for surface treatment - this is a paste, and the better quality it is, the better the result will be.
- For the procedure, you will need to stock up in advance on wheels with different degrees of grain size - coarse abrasive, medium and polishing porous substance.
- In some cases, during intensive work, a spatula may be required to apply the paste to the surface of the wheel.
Polishing discs with your own hands
Important!
When purchasing all the specified tools in this set, you should not skimp on either paste or abrasive wheels, since they provide the entire result and must be of high quality, new and without containing substances harmful to the paintwork.
How to polish wheels yourself
The disassembled discs are cleaned of dirt, the paintwork is removed with a wash and the degree of their damage is determined.
It should be noted that such solvents are very toxic and you need to work with them outside or in a well-ventilated area, protecting your hands with rubber gloves and wearing a respirator. After removing the paint, the discs must be washed with water.
Depending on how deep the scratches are on the discs, the sandpaper grit is selected - for minor damage, P1000 is also suitable.
Many car enthusiasts found grinding using their car to be the simplest and most effective method. Having installed the disk on the axle of the raised car and turning on the engine in 4th-5th gear, grind it while rotating, applying sandpaper to it. It is necessary to take into account that the disc will heat up, so the abrasive will need to be periodically dipped in water.
As you remove deep scratches, you need to switch to abrasives with a smaller grain size, and before doing this, carefully clean the disc with a cloth from dust and remnants of the previous sandpaper - this will prevent the appearance of new scratches. The result of the work of smaller grains should be the removal of grooves from large ones. During the grinding process, 3-4 such transitions will be needed. You should not overdo it with sanding, especially when using coarse sandpaper, otherwise you can change the profile of the disc.
Since during this work a significant amount of powdery dust is formed, consisting of metal particles and sand, it is necessary to think about personal safety measures: work only with gloves, safety glasses and a respirator.
After removing the scratches, you can proceed directly to polishing. If the machine will continue to be used, the engine must be switched to 3rd gear. Next, apply GOI paste to a piece of felt and rub it into the surface of the disk. Since it is very thick, it is preheated or dissolved in gasoline.
You need to start, as when polishing, with a coarse-grained paste and, as the color changes during the polishing process, switch to a fine-grained paste (they differ in color - the fine-grained one is darker). The result of this work should be a mirror-like shine of the disks. It ends by removing any remaining product with a clean cloth. To preserve the results of your work for a long time, the discs must be coated with a protective polish, or even better, a protective varnish, which has a longer shelf life.
Features of processing cast aluminum wheels
Processing aluminum wheels is particularly challenging due to the physical and chemical properties of this metal. Owners of cars with such rims should follow the following recommendations:
- grind the aluminum surface with sandpaper of finer grit - from P2500 to P3000; using a coarser abrasive will cause the oxide film to be removed, and the product will quickly become unusable;
- it is necessary to monitor the degree of heating of the surface, since exceeding the temperature will damage the material;
- one sanding sheet can be used for no longer than seven minutes of continuous sanding, after which it will need to be replaced;
- the paste should be selected with the most gentle characteristics in terms of abrasiveness.
At the beginning of the operation, the drill is turned on at minimum speed. The treated disc should be protected from external influence by covering it with liquid wax or Teflon, otherwise the polishing effect will not last long.
The metal will not withstand the processing procedure for more than an hour and a half.
Note! The appearance of dark or oily spots indicates that the aluminum has interacted with other elements, and the appearance of such a part cannot be saved without professional help.
Types of wheel polishes
Before preparing car wheels for polishing, you need to make sure that the selected polish is truly safe for metal parts. Depending on the type of wheel rims, cleaning agents are selected. There are 2 types of polish:
- Powder: contains aggressive abrasive substances that quickly remove scratches and dried dirt from discs. It is advisable to use such products when polishing old cars.
- Gel-like: forms an enveloping coating that protects wheels from corrosion and road chemicals. Ideal for polishing new cars.
Little tricks that will simplify polishing car rims
- The work will go easier and faster if you preheat the GOI paste or mix it with kerosene.
- You can do without a grinding machine - a regular drill will replace it, just work at the lowest speeds.
- When removing scratches, they use a file, and a grinder will help remove deep chips from hitting the curb.
- Self-grinding of brake discs with a large number of hard-to-reach areas is best done manually, using a toothbrush wrapped in a polishing cloth for the grooves and threads.
- You can put car polishing discs on a drill and use it.
- Instead of polish, you can use regular toothpaste.
- Instead of a protective layer, you can apply a layer of primer.
- When spraying varnish from a can, you need to make circular movements, so it will lie flat.
- To maintain the shine of polished parts for as long as possible, you need to wash the wheels at least once a week with special protective shampoos.
Experts believe that products containing acids, ammonia, and anhydrides harm the surface of the car and expose chrome parts to corrosion, scratches, and chips, as they destroy the material. Therefore, be especially careful when choosing products in stores and carefully study the composition.
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to trust a professional. The procedure is not complicated, but it is very energy-intensive, takes a lot of time, and requires a lot of concentration and patience. But this type of activity is not suitable for everyone. But if you like to tinker with your car and you like to see the results of your own hands, then be sure to try doing this work yourself at least once.
Caring for polished wheels
Any polish is afraid of abrasive. Therefore, mirror-polished rims cannot remain that way forever. During vehicle operation, the wheels periodically come into contact with abrasive. Accordingly, microscratches form on them, and the former shine gradually fades.
The frequency of polishing depends on two factors: the intensity of use of the car and the method of protecting the polish. In the first case, everything is clear - the wheels of the car are in contact with the ubiquitous abrasive and, thus, are ground. As for polishing protection, without it the aluminum alloy will not be able to maintain a mirror gloss for a long time. The fact is that, like all non-ferrous metals, any aluminum alloys are covered with patina - a film of oxides.
The oxide film is a reliable protection for the alloy itself. However, it also makes aluminum matte. Polished aluminum must be coated with a transparent varnish of high elasticity. It is best to do this immediately after polishing.
The protective varnish isolates the wheel alloy from oxygen in the air. Thus, oxidation of the metal does not occur and the gloss remains in a fixed state. For protection, a special varnish is best suited. As an alternative, various polyurethane clear varnishes, as well as varnishes used in car painting, are suitable.
To ensure that the varnish adheres well to the discs, it is recommended to first open them with primer for non-ferrous metals. If after applying the primer the polish becomes cloudy, you can try applying the varnish directly. However, this must be done by applying the material to the disk from all sides, enclosing it in a kind of varnish shell.
Caring for varnished wheels involves periodically applying a protective polish with a dirt-repellent effect. This polish forms another layer with almost zero adhesion. Dirt does not stick to the treated discs and, accordingly, contact with the abrasive becomes minimal.
Unvarnished wheels must be coated with a protective polish. It may contain wax or nanoparticles - the difference is in price and duration of effect. However, you must be prepared for the fact that the discs will have to be polished periodically. And finally, one more piece of advice: polished wheels should be wiped only after preliminary washing and only with a clean cloth.
Interesting video: polishing to a mirror shine
- About painting rims in chrome color and mirror polishing
- Let's start tuning the car's rims - and it's not just painting...
- How to straighten alloy car rims
How do specialists polish car parts?
It is not always possible to achieve the desired results with your own hands. Many people decide to turn to specialists to get the optimal appearance of their car. Today, more and more services are appearing that can perform full sandblasting, correct processing of a painted wheel, and other important tasks. Professional polishing of discs is carried out as follows:
car parts go through stages of cleaning up to sandblasting, the metal base is exposed;
Next, the surface quality is assessed and a decision is made on possible processing methods;
Using special tools, damaged areas are treated and the surface is leveled;
in a special container, the metal is polished using special minerals and vibration;
Next, the disc is opened with chemical solutions that help achieve the desired visual effect.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=RHE4QYd9jkM
This is how the wheels of your car go through several important stages. If all tasks are completed efficiently, the products look better than in the store. Sometimes, with obvious surface defects, mirror polishing is not possible. In this case, painting can be done. A popular solution is to give the wheel the color of the car body, but there is quite a lot of room for creativity here. After high-quality painting, polishing is also carried out to give the wheel the necessary shine and the desired surface texture.
Let's start polishing
Polishing is carried out with the same device used to polish the disc. Only the nozzles, which should be soft, are changed. Some of the high-quality attachments are woolen, felt, and fabric for hard-to-reach places. All these attachments are sold both at the initial stages of polishing and at the finishing stage.
One of my favorite pastes is GOI. When choosing a paste, it is very easy to distinguish it; the thinner the paste, the darker it is. But for polishing discs, dark green and light green pastes are used.
Important to remember:
• Rub GOI paste into the surface until it changes color
• If black streaks appear due to overheating, then all the paste must be removed and started over.
• When starting final polishing, be sure to wipe the attachment with a cloth.
• Heat or dilute the paste in kerosene for better effect and savings.
Apply GOI paste to the circle and slowly spray it over the entire surface. Over time, it will be noticeable that the surface becomes mirror clean. After polishing, be sure to wipe the wheel rim with a dry cloth to remove excess paste. To better protect metal from corrosion and other influences, we use a polish with a protective effect for metals.
After polishing, wipe the entire surface of the wheel dry and apply a clear coat to prevent dulling and scratches. If your hands grow exactly from where they should, then all polished wheels will serve you for a long time.
Polishing discs with your own hands: thematic video instructions
Share information with friends:
Types and features of stamped wheel rims and more
When you decide to polish yourself, study the types of car wheels, because for each type there are rules and costs.
Stamped wheels are a common type of “shoes” for cars. They gained popularity due to their low price, 1000-1500 rubles. More often, stamped ones are “native” to the car, and drivers are in no hurry to change for others. And there’s no point in that, because these ones won’t split when they fall into a hole, but will crumple, as a result of which they can be repaired without any problems
The disadvantage of this type is its weight, unlike forged and cast analogues. Also, the lack of variety in appearance is a disadvantage. But this problem can be easily overcome with the help of wheel covers, which will change the appearance of the car.
Cast
Cast ones differ from stamped ones in their lightness, because while the former are steel, the cast ones are aluminum. The second advantage of this material is thermal conductivity, which helps remove heat from the brake mechanisms. The technology for manufacturing alloy wheels allows you to create any shape, which is why car owners love them.
But there are also disadvantages. If the discs fall into a hole, they will crack, and it is impossible to restore them, only replace them by purchasing one for 4000-5000 rubles. Despite this, the cast material has many supporters among drivers.
Forged
Automotive forged wheels combine the advantages of the first two types. Despite their lightness, forged ones are durable and do not split if they fall into a hole. But there is also a minus here. Due to its strength, the load is transferred to the suspension, so getting into holes with a forged version is fraught with serious damage.
Forging is a very durable invention and is very popular
They do not differ in variety of appearance, but the price is maintained at the level of 3000-4000 rubles.
But no matter what choice you make, over time you will need to polish the wheels, and we’ll figure out how to do it yourself further.
Aftercare
What is the best way to wash a car?
All polished parts, including car rims, are very susceptible to various abrasives. Therefore, the mirror and smooth surface does not remain that way forever. During the operation of the vehicle, under the influence of abrasives, small scratches and chips form on the surface of the wheels, and not a trace remains of the former shine. That's why proper disc care is so important.
Car care
There are two main factors on which the frequency of polishing depends - the specific use of the car and the method of protecting the polished surface. And if everything is clear with the first factor (the wheels regularly come into contact with external abrasive, which is why they are ground), then with surface protection after polishing everything is much more complicated. The fact is that mirror gloss by itself cannot last long, so the surface must be periodically treated with special protective agents. They can be purchased at any auto store, and if you have difficulty choosing, contact a consultant for help.
Difference between grinding and polishing
Many people do not understand the difference between grinding and polishing. To see that very difference, you need to delve into the definitions themselves.
- grinding is an action that makes it possible to make the surface of a solid material smooth using abrasives;
- polishing is an action that is the final stage in the manufacture of a tool, which involves extreme smoothing of the surface until a specific shine appears.
These two operations are interconnected and follow one another.
| Grinding | Polishing |
| Done before polishing | Produced after grinding |
| The goal is to remove unnecessary | The goal is final leveling, adding shine. |
| Grinding machines are used | Polishing machines are used |
| Exclusively mechanical impact | Different types of influence |
