Power Tools

Refinish your Original Aluminum Wheels Yourself !

So your wheels have some scratches, huh? Are we driving a little too carelessly on the road there? Bumping into curbs, bushes, pot holes, and horrible things like that? Tsk tsk. But it’s all good; this article should help you solve your problems & fix those OE Wheels.

Before you start, you’re going to wanna grab these things: 500-grit & 200-grit sandpaper, steel wool pads, scoth-brite pads, brasso metal polish, wheel polish (pick the color you want!), clean buffing pads, a water hose, some clear coat spray for the wheels, a newspaper, and masking tape.

Let’s say I have Factory Original GMC Safari Wheels and one of them is all messed up! (Dang ! ) What I’m gonna want to do first is clean the entire wheel with the Brasso Metal Polish. I’m not going to put the solution onto the buffing rag, but I’m going to squeeze enough out onto the wheel so when I scrub it, it’d be enough for all the dirt and scraps to just come off without leaving any hard scratches on the rim. Does it make sense? Good.

When it looks like all of the dirt is off and I’ve done a pretty good job cleaning it, I’m going to get someone to sand it with 200-grit sandpaper; since I don’t think it’d be too much of a pleasant job doing it by myself. The reason I want to do this is so it can take out any deep scratches that I “might” have done while driving to “recklessly”. When the person is in the course of sanding my wheel, I’m going to see some small scratches; that means the Factory Wheel is more “rough” and a little less prone to getting scratches from like dirt, or rocks, or something. It’s totally fine since I have to take off the old finish anyway, you know? When he / she is done sanding it with the 200-grit sandpaper, I’m going to bug them once more so they can sand the whole thing again, but this time with the 500-grit sandpaper. This is going to pull out any remaining scars or blemishes.

We’re almost done.. kind of. When we’re done taking a break (cause we obviously need one), I can grab the steel wool and scrub the rim. While I’m doing this, I’m going to take note that the wheel looks softer and smoother. Why? Because the steel wool makes it smooth! A good idea would be to rub in some more Brasso Metal Polish so it can work into the Aluminum and have a better appearance when I’m officially done.

After I’m done using the steel wool, I can toss it to the side and put the scotch-brite pad into use. I’m going to put more Brasso Polish onto the wheel so that way when I rub it with the scotch-brite pad, it’ll smooth out any spots I missed with the steel wool and also help to perfect the finish even more. After that’s done, I can grab the water hose and rinse it off. This should definitely remove all of the debris and stuff like that.

When it’s dry, I’m going to cover the entire surface of the wheel with Brasso Polish then let it sit for like 2-3 days. This is going to oxidize & “cure” the aluminum. Following the three days, I’m going to apply another coat of Brasso and then clean it with a buffing rag. The rag has to be clean! (Just in case you didn’t know). After that’s done, I get to use the Wheel Polish and apply a profuse amount onto the surface of the wheel using the applicator pad (it should come with the polish when you buy it). I’m going to want to wait until it dries thoroughly so I can buff them again with another buffing rag.

When that’s done, I’m going to grab the newspaper and use it to cover the valve stem & secure it to the tire using the masking tape.

Finally, I can spray 3 coats of clear coat on the OEM wheels, but I have to let it dry between every spray that I apply. The time that you should allow for it to dry usually depends on the clear coat that you are using and the weather that you are working in. 
Well, now you know how to save yourself a couple hundred bucks .. or even a thousand dollars.

About the Author

Mykalanne has been working for OriginalWheels.com for a little over a year. She has been writing their blog & articles for a while; & to be quite frank, she really enjoys it. It gives her a chance to communicate with the customers & tell everyone what the company is really about.

what is the best polished aluminum wheel cleaner?

Whether its strong or not, im looking to get grime like stains out of my aluminum rims. It looks like they can be worked out after time, but i dont think i want to risk acidic products because im not 100% sure if theres a clear coat (i have eagle 077s if that helps!). I have read weird ideas from buffing with baby oil to brake cleaner since its super strong but dont wanna tear up my nice new wheels! Any input is greatly appreciated

Brake cleaner will stain. You need to go to a local auto parts store, like Pep Boys, or Autozone and get a container of Mother’s aluminum wheel cleaner and polish. Then go into the aisle with the rags and get a bundle of terry towels and a bundle of “baby diaper” towels. You will need to use the cleaner/polish on the terry towels first and work in a circular motion, and don’t be afraid to apply pressure. You will start to see the cleaner working when it starts turning black, DONT QUIT YET, continue working in a circular motion, and keep at it. After you are happy with the look of the aluminum use the “baby diaper” towels and wipe them clean in a circular motion also. You may have to repeat to get the desired effect, but in no time your wheels will look like new (or even better)! I have personally hand polished out many small parts, and even the radiator in my 63 impala (which was raw aluminum) with this stuff and it really works.