
Steps for Repairing Scratched Rims
- Clean the Rim Begin by inspecting your rim for damage. Check for scratches and dents that you will need to repair later. ...
- Sand and Fill the Damaged Area Apply Masking Tape to the Tire Apply masking tape to the tire behind the rim and 2.5 to 5.1 cm (1 to 2 ...
- Apply Primer and Paint
Full Answer
How to prevent and protect rims from curb rash?
How to fit self-adhesive rim protectors
- First, clean the alloy wheel using a sponge and soapy water. ...
- Wipe using alcohol any remaining residue from the edge of the wheels. ...
- Apply the primer (if provided) around the full circumference of the wheel. ...
- Peel the backing tape off the first few inches of the rim protector. ...
How much does it cost to fix curb rash?
You may also want to pick up a can of spray clear coat to add polish to the rims. All in all, it should cost between $50-$150 to fix curb rash on your rims. Thanks!
Is it possible to fix curb rash?
Though curb rash is unsightly, you can fix it yourself with time, patience, and dedication. This method is for painted metal rims. If you have polished aluminum or magnesium rims you will need to use a different method.
How much does it cost to fix a bent rim?
Whenever you notice a bent in your rim, engage the services of a mechanic to get it to fix. This often cost $75 or less which is cheaper than replacing a rim. Always check with your mechanic to inquire if it’s something they can do before making any purchase.

How do you fix curb rash on rims at home?
0:4812:04Fix Curb Rash Wheels at Home - Tutorial - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what we're going to do is utilize different levels of sandpaper. We're going to sand down eachMoreAnd what we're going to do is utilize different levels of sandpaper. We're going to sand down each one of these problem areas to a nice smooth finish.
Can curb rash rims be fixed?
Curb rash is vehicle damage on the rims of our tyres, caused by hitting curbs or other obstructions, leaving scuff marks, scratches, and sometimes gouges. Though curb rash is unsightly, it can be fixed.
Can scratched rims be repaired?
1:3214:05How to Repair Rims with Curb Rash or Scratches - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo 600 grit to a thousand grit to 2,000 grit. And then we're gonna buff the rim with some type ofMoreTo 600 grit to a thousand grit to 2,000 grit. And then we're gonna buff the rim with some type of metal polish. Well you want something that'll buff aluminum. And both of these will work.
What is the easiest way to fix curb rash?
0:094:48How To Fix Curb Rash for $20 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right so the first thing you want to do is open up this stick there's a little abrasive tip hereMoreAll right so the first thing you want to do is open up this stick there's a little abrasive tip here and you just want to go across all this and make sure to kind of smooth it out.
Is it worth repairing curb rash?
The main reason we think you should fix curb rash before selling a car, however, is that it's surprisingly cheap to do. While many drivers get upset at the idea of damaging a wheel on a curb, the simple truth is that fixing curbed wheels can be done without great expense at prices that can go as low as $50 per wheel.
How do you hide a curb rash?
Put masking tape behind the rim to cover and protect the tires. Then, cover your entire car with masking paper or a drop cloth. Secure all seams with masking tape so that only the damaged rim is showing and the rest of the tire and car is masked.
How much does rim scratch repair cost?
In general, the cost to fix scratched rims depends on the material the rims are made of: Aluminum alloy and steel rims usually run between $50 and $150. Chrome rims can range anywhere from $200 to $500.
How do you fix curb rash on aluminum rims?
0:309:17How to Repair Curb Rash on Alloy wheel rim - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's going to attach my fitting into a driven salt or velcro on the back.MoreIt's going to attach my fitting into a driven salt or velcro on the back.
How can I restore my rims?
1:2215:00How to Repair Wheels with Curb Rash and Scratches - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we want to remove the tire stem. So grab your Clippers. And flip the wheel around so you can cutMoreAnd we want to remove the tire stem. So grab your Clippers. And flip the wheel around so you can cut the stem from the inside of the wheel. And once it's cut stand on the wheel.
How do you fix curb damage on rims?
Here's a general overview of the process:Clean the damaged area.Cover the tire and the valve stem (if near the damaged area).Sand out the scratches and jagged edges with coarse sandpaper.Cover the scratched area(s) with Bondo putty.Gently sand the putty until smooth.More items...
How do you remove scuff marks from rims?
0:596:58How To Remove Light Scratches, Scuffs, Curb Marks and Polish WheelsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we're going to grab our t-shirt bar microfiber pad or a towel or anything that you have and we'MoreAnd we're going to grab our t-shirt bar microfiber pad or a towel or anything that you have and we're just going to stick a bit polish on it dab it around the wheel.
How do you fix scratched alloy wheels?
How to fix scratched rimsClean your rims. Make sure the rims are nice and clean before you begin working on the repairs. ... Tape your tires. ... Sand the scratches. ... Fill in scratches and dents with putty. ... Sand the putty. ... Put on safety gear. ... Cover your wheel with tape and kraft paper. ... Apply a metal alloy primer.More items...
How do you fix a rim rash?
Here's a general overview of the process:Clean the damaged area.Cover the tire and the valve stem (if near the damaged area).Sand out the scratches and jagged edges with coarse sandpaper.Cover the scratched area(s) with Bondo putty.Gently sand the putty until smooth.More items...
Is curb rash a big deal?
Curb rash can also cause dangerous structural damage to your wheels like bending, cracking, severe gouging, chunking, among other things. Let us list a few dangers contributed by curb rash damage: A wheel with structural damage can break apart. Damage to the tire's sidewall can result in unexpected blowouts.
How do you fix curb rash on aluminum rims?
Using 400 grit sandpaper gently sand the damaged area of the wheel. Once grooves have begun to form and the area is rough, stop standing. Cover all scratched areas with Bondo putty and allow the area to dry for five minutes. Gently sand the putty with 600 grit sandpaper until smooth.
What to do if you scrape your rim?
One option for deep scratches is to fill the area with a clear coat pen, removing much of the visual damage, and finishing the area with wet sanding or a cutting compound, while other options include sending the wheel off for paint correction.
How to smooth out putty on a car?
Once the putty is dry, you can sand away the excess. Use 400-grit sandpaper to smooth out the putty until it is even and level with the rest of the rim.
How to fix curb rash on rims?
To fix curb rash on rims, sand the damaged areas down with 400-grit sandpaper. Put spot putty on a putty knife and use it to fill in the damage so the rim is even and level. Mask the tire and car so only the rim is showing—be sure to cover the valve stem, lug nuts, center cap, and brake pads.
What is curb rash?
Curb rash is damage, like scuff marks, scratches, or gouges, on the rims of your tires from hitting curbs or other obstructions. Though curb rash is unsightly, you can fix it yourself with time, patience, and dedication. Steps.
How much does it cost to fix a curb rash on a car?
You may also want to pick up a can of spray clear coat to add polish to the rims. All in all, it should cost between $50-$150 to fix curb rash on your rims.
How to fix a scuffed car?
Apply spot putty to the scuffed areas and let it dry. Any kind of automotive spot putty will work. Squeeze a small amount of the product onto a putty knife and use it to fill in the damaged area. Aim to cover the area in a very thin layer. Then, let the putty dry, which typically only takes about 30 minutes. ...
How to repair a scuffed metal ring?
2. Sand the scuffed areas with 400-grit sandpaper. Use 400-grit sandpaper to even out the metal in the damaged area. Don’t go much beyond the damaged area—there’s no need to do more work than necessary. Keep sanding until the damage is smoothed out. ...
How to remove clear coat from rim?
Use a scouring pad to remove the clear coat from the rest of the rim. Though you could try to exactly match the paint to the color of your rims, it would be a very difficult task. It’s better to repaint the entire rim so it is a single, solid color. For the paint to adhere, the surface can’t be shiny. Use a scouring pad to scuff up the entire rim until it has a matte finish.
How long does it take for clear coat to dry on tires?
Let the clear coat dry for one hour. Step 4: Wait at least 24 hours before you mount a tire on the rims.
How long does it take for metallic paint to dry?
Spray the color on in a minimum of three layers. Let the paint dry for 30 minutes. Step 3: Finally, spray three coats of clear coat made for wheels.
How to paint a rim with a primer?
Step 1: Spray three light to medium coats of primer filler paint onto the rim. Be careful of runs. Let the primer dry about five minutes between coats, then one hour after the third coat. Lightly sand the primer with 600-grit sandpaper until the primer is smooth.
How long does it take for bondo filler to harden?
The hardener is liquid and will soak into porous material. Use plastic, glass, metal – anything that is waterproof. It takes just five minutes for the Bondo filler to harden once you add the hardener. When you mix it, use a squeegee to fold the hardener into the Bondo filler to minimize air bubbles.
How to make curb rash go faster?
Only sand the areas where you are going to apply filler. Step 2: To make the job go faster, you can sand the curb rash on the edge of the rim with a rotary tool. Make sure you sand the areas to bare metal, then blow the dust away with a leaf blower or compressed air.
How to clean a wheel that won't budge?
Using a shop rag, clean the wheel. If you have grease and grime that refuses to budge, you can clean the wheel with brake cleaner. After using brake cleaner, clean it with warm soapy water again. Step 3: Even if you plan on repairing the visible side only, clean the inside of the rim.
How to fix a squeaky wheel?
Step 1: Before you can get started with repairs, you have to clean the wheels. Pry the wheel weights off with a screwdriver. Turn the wheel over, and from the inside of the wheel, cut the valve stem. Pull the rest of the valve stem out with pliers. Step 2: Spray warm soapy water all over the wheel.
How to remove paint from a car wheel?
Some professionals use a body shop type method. This method involves media blasting the wheel to remove the paint before applying epoxy putty, primer and paint to the wheel. This method brings great results. It’s a great way to remove all the paint and rust from the wheels. You would need a bunch of tools, including: 1 Air compressor 2 Air hose 3 Sandblasting gun 4 Sand 5 Goggles 6 Gloves
What is the best way to protect your wheels from future damage?
A professional wheel repair job is a great investment, so of course you would want to protect it. There’s a good chance your wheels will get scraped up again. The best way to protect your wheels from future damage is to get rim protectors. RimSavers is a leading brand for rim protectors.
What to use to cover scratches on a car?
Cover the scratched area (s) with Bondo putty.
What is rim saver?
RimSavers is a leading brand for rim protectors. RimSavers are lightweight and durable strips of proprietary material that you can apply around your rims. They serve as the first line as defense against curbs and other obstacles on the road. Check out RimSavers and see if they’re an ideal solution for you!
Can you paint your wheels at home?
While this project is something you could do at home, it rarely ends up looking good. It takes some practice for good results. The putty may not come out as smooth as you wanted, for example. The paint job may not look good, either. A professional will make your wheels look perfect.
When to refinish a wheel?
Refinishing the wheel is an ideal solution when there’s minor damage. Here’s a general overview of the process:
Can a repair person make a wheel look new?
But it’ll take a lifetime to learn the art. A good repair person can make a heavily damaged wheel look new . That’s because they’ve repaired hundreds or thousands of wheels. Practice makes perfect. So if you ask us, the rates professionals charge are worth every penny.
