Even though powder coating appears to be the most popular and durable alloy wheel refurbishment service, our accident repair centre has found that diamond cut finishes are also a very desired finish for car repair…
Many cars are fitted with diamond cut finished wheels, and our accident repair centre can reproduce this finish. Diamond cutting is a very precise process and takes longer to reproduce than a powder coat refurbishment. The refurbishment of a diamond cut wheel is impossible to do as a touch up as it requires the use of lathe.
Corrosion in diamond cut wheels is very common. Applying lacquer to a polished surface simply defies gravity, and therefore it is very difficult to achieve a long-lasting finish. When applying lacquer to a shiny surface, small stone chips allow water in behind the lacquer and in time causes the lacquer to deteriorate and appear cloudy.
Diamond cutting involves removing a thin layer of alloy from the wheel, using specialist lathing equipment. Diamond cut wheels can only be refurbished a number of times as too much alloy would eventually be removed. With our accident repair centre’s diamond cutting lathe, we will provide you with the highest quality finish and the quickest turnaround time. Diamond cutting can be applied to the full face and lip of the wheel, combined with an application of base coat paint can produce some spectacular finishes.
Many cars are fitted with diamond cut alloy wheels. They are a desirable, shiny wheel finish, which can be applied to the full face and lip of the wheel. When combined with a base coat, spectacular finishes can be achieved. Customers who already have diamond cut alloys on their car may wish to have alloy wheel repair on a damaged alloy to match up with the appearance of the other wheels, or this option may be the best choice for customers looking for a smooth finish. As the top layer of the alloy is removed, chips and dents can be repaired in this way.
Corrosion is common in diamond cut wheels, due to the difficulty of applying a lacquer to a polished surface. Over time, chips allow water to get behind the lacquer, causing a cloudy appearance as the lacquer deteriorates. However, repairs are possible:
How does diamond cut alloy wheel repair work?
The wheel is gently blasted to remove old layers of lacquer and paint, to give a smooth surface for the repairs. Air is removed from the alloy by gently heating, and then a first stage powder coat finish is applied and cured. A second coat can be added if a particular effect is required.
Once cooled, a thin layer is cut from the alloy using a specialist lathe. A clear lacquer is applied and the wheel is returned to the oven for a final curing. Our accident repair centre’s diamond cutting lathe allows for a rapid turnaround time.
Diamond cut alloys have a high shine finish, and allow for a wide range of wheel finishes. Base coat paint can be used to create impressive, eye-catching wheels. However, not all wheels are suitable for diamond cutting. The profile of the face of the wheel can prevent the alloy from being cut. As the process involves actually removing the top of the alloy, these repairs can only be made one or two times before the wheel is compromised and weakened. When doing alloy wheel repair, a specialist will inspect the wheel to ensure the right finish is applied.
It is vital that when doing car repair, you go to a specialist that has the correct equipment/a bespoke lathe and full experience in wheel refurbishment. Our accident repair centre has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about diamond cut alloys, when doing alloy wheel repair…
What is a diamond cut wheel?
This is an alloy wheel which has been put on a lathe and part of or the entire painted surface of the wheel machined off to leave a shiny alloy finish. A small part of the actual alloy is machined off to create this finish. It is then lacquered over to prevent corrosion.
You will be able to see if your wheel is diamond cut if on close inspection you see very fine lines created by the cutting machine and the appearance is very shiny. This may be harder to distinguish if your wheels are of poor quality, old or corroded.
Not all wheels can be diamond cut as this depends on the profile of the face of the wheel, but when doing alloy wheel repair, our accident repair centre can advise you on this.
Does a diamond cut finish last?
Our accident repair centre has found that diamond cut wheels will not retain their finish for as long as a powder coated wheel. Any damage to the lacquer however small will allow water to seep in-between the lacquer and the alloy leaving “milky patches” on the diamond cut finish area.
How many times can you re-cut/refurbish a diamond cut wheel?
Depending on the diamond cut wheel, repair required is usually 1-2 cuts. If our accident repair centre finds that (when doing car repair to your vehicle), the wheel will be compromised in any way and weakened, we will not cut the wheel and advise a powder coat finish for your refurbishment. Each wheel is assessed individually at our accident repair centre. It is important to inform us if you know if your wheel has been cut before.
Use Jenkins & Pain, Award-Winning Accident Repair
There you have it, If you do find yourself with damage to your beloved paintwork and need a car repair or van repair you can count on us to complete all jobs using industry-standard processes. We offer free quotes and with our exclusive repair service, we are sure you will be happy with the results. Contact our Vehicle Body Shop today. Jenkins & Pain are a vehicle accident repair centre based in Dover, Kent. We are proud to call ourselves an award-winning accident repair centre. Check out our guide on how to look after your alloys!
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We understand how costly and inconvenient it is for a vehicle to be off the road and therefore we use processes that ensure your vehicle is repaired quickly and efficiently. So whether you need minor scratch repairs, major body repair, or alloy wheel refurbishment, our van body shop and car body shop can guarantee a high-quality service. We also repair light commercial vehicles and motorhomes. Contact us today for a paint repair at our Car Body Shop!
