How to Polish Alloy Wheels
Alloy wheels add style and substance to any vehicle, but alloys can get pretty dirty and fade overtime, especially if you do a lot of miles. Its important to care for the alloys as you would care for the car’s paintwork. To keep alloys looking as good as they should, they should be regularly polished to maintain the finish.
While some alloys need polishing, others will require wax. This will be dependant on the wheel’s finish, if the wheel has a chrome finish, a chrome polish is required. If the alloys are polished, they will need an aluminium polish. If the alloys are painted or coated, it’s best to choose a quality wax to protect the finish.
How to Polish Alloy Wheels by Hand
If you don’t have access to a polishing machine, you can still achieve great results by polishing alloy wheels by hand. Here’s how:
- Prepare Your Materials: Gather sandpaper (ranging from 400 to 2000 grit), alloy wheel polish, microfiber cloths, and a sanding block.
- Thoroughly Wash the Alloys: Before you can begin polishing alloy wheels, they must be thoroughly washed to remove any road dirt and debris. Follow our step by step guide on how to wash alloy wheels here. For best results, we recommend using a specific alloy wheel cleaner, car shampoo will only remove the surface dirt from the wheel.
Quick Tips for Alloy Wheel Cleaning
- Avoid using abrasive cleaning products, as they will harm the quality and longevity of the alloys. Find our favourite alloy wheel cleaners here.
- Only wash the wheels when they are completed cooled. Heat from the wheels will evaporate the water and soap quickly, leaving soap spots.
- Avoid steam cleaning alloys as this will harm their finish.
- Use a fresh cloth each time to avoid scratching the alloys with previous dirt.
- Dry the Alloy Wheels: Once you are happy that your alloys are sparkling clean, you need to thoroughly dry them. Use a clean, soft microfibre cloth to remove all moisture from the wheel, as this may react with the polishing treatments.
- Sand the Surface: Begin sanding with 400 grit sandpaper to remove any surface imperfections. Progressively use finer grits, ending with 2000 grit to ensure a smooth surface.
- Apply Polish: Now the alloys are clean, dry and brightened we can turn attention to the polishing.
- Use a clean cloth to rub the polish into the wheel, working in the direction of the grain.
- Avoid rubbing in circles as this may cause a steaky finish.
- Work in small section to avoid the polishing drying out before it is rubbed in.
- Use a small soft brush or cloth-wrapped toothbrush to get in those hard to reach spots.
- Buff the Wheels: After polishing, use a clean microfiber cloth to buff the wheels, bringing out the shine.
- Seal the Surface: Finish by applying a sealant or wax to protect the polished surface from the elements.
Common Questions About Polishing Alloy Wheels
Can Alloy Wheels Be Polished to a Mirror Finish?
Yes, alloy wheels can be polished to a mirror finish, but it requires patience, the right tools, and a bit of elbow grease. Polishing alloy wheels to a mirror finish involves a multi-step process, including sanding, buffing, and applying a high-quality alloy wheel polish. The result is a brilliant, reflective surface that makes your wheels look brand new.
What Grit Is Needed for a Mirror Finish?
To achieve a mirror finish on alloy wheels, you need to sand the surface with progressively finer grit sandpaper. Start with 400 grit to remove major imperfections, then move to 800 grit, 1200 grit, 1500 grit, and finish with 2000 grit. The finer the grit, the smoother the surface will become, making it easier to achieve a mirror-like shine when polishing.
Can I Remove Light Scratches from Alloy Wheels?
Yes, you can remove light scratches from alloy wheels. Here’s how:
- Sanding: For light scratches, start with 1500 grit sandpaper. Sand the scratched area lightly until the scratch is no longer visible. If the scratch is deeper, you may need to start with a coarser grit and then move to finer grits.
- Polishing: After sanding, apply a high-quality alloy wheel polish to restore the shine to the sanded area. Buff the area with a microfiber cloth until the surface is smooth and shiny.
This method works well for minor scratches and can make your wheels look as good as new.
Does Toothpaste Clean Alloy Wheels?
Toothpaste can be used as a makeshift cleaner for alloy wheels, but it’s not the most effective solution. Toothpaste contains mild abrasives that can help remove minor stains and surface grime, but it won’t provide the deep clean or the shine that a dedicated alloy wheel polish can offer. For the best results, stick to products specifically designed for alloy wheel polishing.
What Is the Best Thing to Polish Aluminium Wheels With?
The best product to polish aluminium wheels with is a dedicated alloy polish or aluminium polish. These products contain fine abrasives and chemicals that help remove oxidation, stains, and minor imperfections, leaving your wheels with a smooth, mirror-like finish.
Clean and shiny alloy wheels can significantly enhance the appearance of your car, so use our top polishing tips to bring your alloy wheels back to life. Find out more about how to protect your alloy wheels.
If you discover damage to your alloys when polishing your alloy wheels. ChipsAway specialists can repair the damage in a matter of hours so your wheels look as good as new again.
