Meticulously cleaned and polished wheels can make a car look spectacular. Unfortunately, if you take a turn too tightly or slide into a parking spot too narrow for your car, you can scuff your well-maintained wheels. Replacing a wheel every time you scuff them can cost a fair amount of money, making repairing the scuffed portion of the wheel an attractive option. You can repair the wheel in an hour or two of your time, restoring the original beauty before the accident.
Wash the entire rim with soap and water, using a sponge to scrub the rim thoroughly. Rinse the rim and dry it completely.
Use a soft rag and paint thinner to clean the damaged part of the rim. Make sure to remove all wax buildup, dirt or wheel polish off the rim before continuing.
Place several pieces of masking tape on the tire, adjacent to the damaged part of the rim. Make sure to get the masking tape underneath the rim as far as possible so you avoid damaging the tire.
Rub 240 grit sandpaper on the scuffed area and apply a layer of putty, then let the putty dry. Sand down the putty with 400 grit sandpaper until the putty is smooth and you cannot feel a transition from the rim to the putty.
Cover the car's fender, the tire and the undamaged portion of the rim with plastic, using masking tape to hold it in place. Spray primer on the putty and allow it to dry, then sand it with 400 grit sandpaper.
Spray the damaged portion of the rim with spray paint that matches the color of the rim. Follow the directions on the can to ensure proper coverage. Spray at least one layer of clear acrylic spray on the damaged area of the rim and allow it to dry completely before removing the masking tape and plastic.
