Powder Coating
Alloy Wheels

Painting vs Powder Coating: What Is the Difference?

When a wheel needs a new finish, there are two main options: wet paint or powder coating. Both can make a tired wheel look good again, but they work in very different ways and they do not last the same.

Wet paint

Wet paint is liquid paint sprayed onto the wheel with a spray gun, usually over a primer and finished with a clear lacquer. It dries as the solvents in the paint evaporate into the air. The paint sits on top of the metal rather than bonding deeply with it, so it is more likely to chip, peel or fade, especially with road salt, brake dust and kerb knocks. Once the surface cracks, moisture can get underneath and corrosion can start.

Powder coating

Powder coating uses a dry powder instead of liquid paint. The powder is given an electric charge so it clings evenly to the metal, then the wheel is baked in an oven. The heat melts the powder and fuses it into one hard, smooth layer. Because the finish is cured by heat rather than left to air dry, it is thicker and much more resistant to chips, scratches and corrosion. It also holds its colour well over time.

Side by side

• How it works. Paint is liquid and air dried. Powder coating is a dry powder that is heat cured.
• Durability. Paint is moderate and chips more easily. Powder coating is tough and resists chips and kerb marks far better.
• Corrosion protection. Paint offers fair protection. Powder coating seals the surface much more effectively.
• Finish. Paint can show runs or uneven patches. Powder coating gives smooth, even coverage.
• Solvents. Wet paint contains solvents that evaporate as it dries. Powder coating does not.
• Warranty at Alloy Fix. Our powder coated wheels come with a 3 year warranty.

Which should you choose?

Wet paint can be fine for a small cosmetic touch-up. If you want a full refurbishment that lasts and copes with everyday driving in all weather, powder coating is the better choice. Paint may cost less at first, but a painted wheel is likely to need redoing sooner, so powder coating often works out better value over time. Prices depend on wheel size, damage and finish. See our price list for details.

Colours and Finishes

Powder coating comes in a wide range of colours and finishes, so you can restore the original look or change it completely.

• Gloss. A shiny finish that makes the wheels stand out.
• Satin. A soft sheen for a modern, understated look.
• Matt. A flat finish with no shine, popular for sporty styling.
• Metallic. Fine sparkle in the light, similar to many factory finishes.
• Custom colour. Matched to a colour reference or paint code for a bespoke or body-matched look.

Popular choices include gloss black, which suits almost any car and hides brake dust well, anthracite (a dark metallic grey), bronze, and factory silver, which is often the best option when you want the original look back.

You are not stuck with your choice. The old powder coat can be stripped off and a new colour applied later. The coating itself adds very little weight to the wheel.

What about diamond cut wheels?

You cannot powder coat over a diamond cut face and keep the bright, polished look. A diamond cut wheel is coated in its base colour first, then the face is machined on a lathe and sealed with clear lacquer. If you want that two-tone look, see our diamond cut alloy wheels page. If a diamond cut wheel cannot safely be cut again, powder coating it in a silver or metallic shade is a good alternative.

How to Find Your Wheel Paint Code

If you want your wheels back in their original colour, it helps to know exactly what that colour is. A colour name alone is not always enough, because manufacturers sometimes use the same name for slightly different shades. Here is how to track it down.

• Check the car first. Many cars have a label or plate showing the paint code. It is often in the driver's door frame, under the bonnet or in the boot, but the place varies by make.
• Remember that wheel colour is often different. The code on the car usually refers to the body colour. Factory wheels are often a different silver, grey or black, so the body code may not match your wheels.
• Ask a dealer. A main dealer for your make can often look up the original wheel finish using your registration or VIN (the 17 character vehicle identification number).
• Bring the wheel to us. If you cannot find a code, our team can look at your wheels and help you choose the closest match. Colours can look different in daylight and under indoor lights, so it is worth checking a match in more than one light.

If you are only refurbishing one or two wheels, matching the colour carefully is what makes them blend in with the rest of the set.

Powder Coating at Our Workshops

We carry out powder coating at our Romford workshop, as well as at our workshops in Dartford and Hemel Hempstead. Every job runs from strip-down and preparation through to final curing, and all our powder coating and diamond cut wheels come with a 3 year warranty. We also offer loan wheels, so you can drive away the same day while we work on your set.