Scratched your alloy wheels? Don't pay £100+ for a repair. Learn how to fix kerbed alloys at home for under £20 with our step-by-step guide using Auto Extreme and Hycote spray paints.

What You Will Need

Don't panic about expensive tools. You likely have some of this in the shed already. If not, we stock the essentials:

• Sandpaper: A mix of coarse (180 grit) and wet & dry fine paper (600-1200 grit).

• Filler (Optional): If the scratch is deep, you need a small amount of U-POL ISOPON P38 or similar body filler.

• Masking Tape & Newspaper: To protect your tyre.

• Primer: A standard Grey Primer aerosol.

• The Paint: Auto Extreme Alloy Wheel Silver (or Gloss Black if you have custom rims).

• The Finish: Hycote Clear Lacquer (This is crucial for the shine).

Step 1: The Deep Clean

Paint will not stick to brake dust or grease. Wash your wheel thoroughly with warm soapy water or a dedicated wheel cleaner. Dry it completely. Ideally, take the wheel off the car, but if you are working with the wheel on, ensure the car is parked safely on flat ground.

Step 2: Sanding the Damage

Take your coarse sandpaper and rub down the "kerb rash." You want to smooth out the jagged metal edges. Keep sanding until the damaged area feels smooth to the touch. Once the rough bits are gone, switch to your fine "wet and dry" paper to blend the repair area into the rest of the wheel.

Step 3: Fill the Gaps (For Deep Scratches)

If the scrape is deep, sanding alone won't hide it. Mix a small pea-sized amount of ISOPON P38 filler and press it into the scratch. Let it dry (usually 20 minutes), then sand it flat so it is level with the metal.

Step 4: Mask It Up

This is the most important step. Use masking tape to cover the tyre rubber completely. You can also use old playing cards slotted between the rim and the tyre to create a perfect barrier. You do not want silver paint on your tyres!

Step 5: Prime and Paint

Shake your can of Auto Extreme Alloy Wheel Paint for at least 2 minutes. This ensures the metallic flakes are mixed properly.

• Coat 1: Spray a light "dusting" coat of primer/paint over the repair. Don't try to cover it all at once! Let it dry for 10 minutes.

• Coat 2 & 3: Spray slightly heavier coats, sweeping the can left to right. Keep the can moving to avoid runs.

Step 6: The Lacquer (The "Pro" Finish)

Once the silver paint is dry (wait about 30-60 minutes), it will look matt and dull. This is normal. Now, use your Hycote Clear Lacquer. Apply 2-3 thin coats. This protects the paint from brake dust and gives it that glossy, factory-fresh shine.

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The Result?

Remove the masking tape, let it cure overnight, and you have saved yourself £80.

At Direct Retail Outlet, we stock professional-grade automotive sprays that make DIY jobs easy. Whether you need Auto Extreme for wheels or Hycote for bodywork, we have got you covered.

Shop Our Automotive Spray Paint Collection Here