Alloy wheels can enhance the overall appearance of your car, but over time they can lose some of their lustre, picking up dirt and scuffs when out on the roads. Returning alloy wheels to their pristine best can be tricky, but sandblasting alloy wheels can offer a practical solution.
How easy is it to sandblast alloy wheels, and what do you need to be aware of if you’re considering using the technique to restore your alloy wheels to their best?
Can I sandblast alloy wheels?
Sandblasting alloy wheels is an effective technique to remove old paint, corrosion, grime, and other materials from the surface of wheels but there are some things to consider. Choosing the right media for the shot blasting process is essential, with glass beads or walnut shells being a popular choice. This is because these materials are less likely to inadvertently cause damage to the aluminium surface of the wheels. Steel-based media should be avoided as this can impregnate the aluminium and ultimately lead to corrosion.
You should always test a small surface area first to assess how the alloy wheels respond to sandblasting. Areas such as the tyre or valve stem should also be protected from being blasted.
Does sandblasting damage aluminium?
When done correctly, sandblasting alloy wheels can be a highly effective technique. However, if the process isn’t done correctly, potential damage can occur. Using the wrong abrasive media, such as steel shot, can damage the surface of the alloy, potentially leading to further corrosion.
Choosing the right pressure setting is also important, with higher pressure settings potentially warping or creating indentations on the wheels. Sandblasting alloy wheels should be carried out by an experienced professional who understands how to use the technique to deliver the best results without damaging the surface material.
What is the best media for sandblasting alloy wheels?
Alloy wheels should be sandblasted using softer materials, such as glass beads, sodium bicarbonate, walnut shells, aluminium oxide, or crushed glass. All of these materials are less likely to impregnate the aluminium and lead to corrosion.
A professional shot blasting service will be able to advise what will be the best media to use for your alloy wheels.
How much is it to sandblast alloy wheels?
The cost of sandblasting alloy wheels can vary depending on factors such as the wheel size and the condition of the wheels. Typically, the rate will be somewhere between £50 to £100 in the UK.
Professional sandblasting and alloy wheel refurbishment at Pershore Dip Coating
Our sandblasting service and alloy wheel refurbishment service in Worcester are both budget-friendly and highly effective means to achieve the desired results.
Our family-run team provides a personal and professional approach to all our clients across all our services. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work and can offer expert advice about the shot blasting process. If you’d like to find out more about sandblasting alloy wheels or other shot-blasting applications, we would be happy to help.
Contact us to find out more and to request a comprehensive quote.
