
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
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 can you repair a scratched rim?
Look carefully at the tire’s sidewall and check for damage:
- A bulge or blister in the sidewall indicates serious damage to the structure of the tire. ...
- Scuffs and scratches may only be superficial, but it’s a good idea to get them looked at by a tire professional as soon as possible.
- Tears in the sidewall of your tire – or gouges that have removed rubber – are usually a big concern. ...
Can you repair a cracked rim?
Yes and no. Whether or not you can repair your cracked rim depends on if the weld will restore enough stability to the car. An experienced technician can repair short, hairline cracks without issue, but the longer and broader the crack grows, the greater the risk that your repair won't last over time.
How to fix a bent rim with Curb rash?
Part 2 of 3: Priming and Painting the Rims
- Clean the rims with paint thinner. It’s important to clean the rims before moving forward so that the primer and paint will adhere well to the metal.
- Mask the entire car so only the damaged rims are showing. Mask off the valve stem, lug nuts, and center cap of the tire.
- Spray the primer over the entire rim. ...

How do you fix curb rash on rims?
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.
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.
Is curb rash worth fixing?
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.
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.
How to repair a scratched rim?
1. Sand down the scratched wheel surface. Use 80 grit course, wet/dry sandpaper for automotive finishing to sand the surface of the scratches and scrapes on the rims. You will want to roughly go over the entire area where you see scrapes that need to be repaired.
How to fix scratches on car rims?
Apply the first primer coat. First, spray a thin layer of filler primer all around the face of the vehicle rims, including where the scratches have been fixed. This type of product helps smooth out the repaired alloy and filler, plus it is rust-resistant which will provide extra protection for your car in the future.
What to do if you accidentally hit a curb?
Identify these areas as soon as you can and apply some polyester sand finishing filler . This type of product can be used on alloy rims to fill in the deeper scratches and gouges.
How to sand a surface to paint?
When the sand finishing filler has dried completely, you can sand its surface to prepare it for painting. Buff the entire area that has been covered with the filler to make it rough enough for paint to adhere well to it. Start with 80 grit course sandpaper, like the kind used in the first step. Next, go over the surface with a finer 180 grit sandpaper. This step will help prepare the repaired areas for the primer.
What to do if your car has lost its appeal?
Published on February 20, 2019. If your car has lost its ‘new, just rolled off the lot’ appeal, you can help restore it to its original splendor. With normal driving wear and tear, wheels and rims suffer. Scuff marks and curb rash are a common complaint among car owners. Don’t worry, there’s any easy way to fix these scrapes ...
How to cover a tire with painter's tape?
Use regular masking tape or painter’s tape to cover the sidewalls of the tire, valve, lug caps and center cap of the rims. Insert a plastic drop cloth behind the spokes of the rim to protect the rotor bracket and other wheel components. This step may take some time, but it’s important to getting the best looking results.
How long does it take for auto filler to dry?
Give it ample time to set; most types require about 30 minutes to dry. To test if the auto filler is dry, use your fingernail. If you are able to leave a mark on the surface, that means that it needs more time to dry. 3. Sand the repaired areas of the rims.
How much does it cost to fix a wheel?
Typically, professional wheel repairs will cost $75 to $150 per wheel. The result will look great, however, and the people that offer this service can usually come to your home or business to complete the repair. Very convenient.
What paint should I use for a wheel repair kit?
Most kits come with silver paint, black paint, and a shade in between. You can blend these colors to try and match your wheel, but it’s not always a good match. While anyone with a little bit of experience can complete a repair using one of these kits, it’s only for people who are seriously motivated. 2.
Can you replace your wheels?
Replacing Your Wheels. If you have some extra money burning a hole in your pocket, you can just replace your wheels and call it a day. However, there’s still the risk of your new wheels suffering the same fate as your old ones, but you can take preventative steps, which we’re going to cover later.
How to fix scratches on alloy wheels?
If you want to fix scratches in an alloy rim, start by cleaning the rim thoroughly, then covering the 1 to 2 inches of tire above the rim with masking tape. Once the tape is in place, smooth out any scratches or dents with 240-grit sandpaper, making sure to wipe off any dust from the sandpaper with a dry cloth.
How to fix scratches on a tire?
1. Cover the tire with masking tape. Apply masking tape to your tire behind the rim and 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) surrounding it As you sand the scratches away and apply paint to cover your repairs, this will keep anything from getting on your tires.
How to get paint to stick to rims?
Spray a metal alloy primer over the damaged area. A primer will help the paint look more natural and allow it to stick to your rim better. Stand 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) away from the rim and spray the damaged area in sweeping motions. A single coat of primer is enough to help the spray paint stick evenly.
How to smooth out a sanded rim?
Rub any scratches and small dents with the sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges. Hold your sandpaper over the damaged area rub it back and forth across the surface. Continue sanding the rim's damage until the scratches or dents feel smooth instead of rough. Wipe off any dust from the sandpaper with a dry cloth.
How to get dirt off a car rim?
Dip a washcloth in paint thinner and coat the rim lightly in paint thinner. Apply pressure as you rub the area until the dirt comes off. Wear gloves and a respirator while handling paint thinner as a safety precaution. ...
How to get paint off a tire?
2. Mask your wheel with tape and kraft paper. Wrap your tire and any areas of the rim you won't be painting with kraft paper, and secure it down with masking tape to make it stick. Metallic spray paint can be tough to remove, so protecting as much of your wheel as possible will prevent accidental staining.
How to clean a car tire that is dirty?
Use a mild cleaner and washcloth to get rid of excessive dirt. Spray a clean rag with wheel cleaner. Use it to scrub the rim and remove dirt and grime. If your car's tires are especially dirty, you may need to clean them entirely before you fix the damage.
Is A Scratched Rim Bad?
The rim is not the big issue here. The rim is looking bad. The risk and the issue that you should mind is the driving conditions that can push the jagged edge into the tire.
Is It Possible To Fix Scratched Rims?
Yes, it is possible to fix scratched rims. It might be a brand new set of wheels or something but a scratch rim can be dangerous. The scuffs are also good, and they can lower the value of your vehicle.
How To Fix Scratched Rims?
You need to check your rim for any damage. If you want your repair to take longer, you have to clean your rim very carefully and thoroughly before starting. You also have to check for any dents or scratches that you have to fix.
Is It Expensive To Fix Scratched Rims?
If the damage and scratches on your rims include a crack, then it should be replaced. The cost can be compared with buying a new one. You will be spending more if you have it repaired, but you can do it and buy a new wheel.
Summary
In summary, there are lots of accidents that cause significant and minor damages. So many car drivers have experienced a scratch on their arms. With that, it is essential to know if you can still fix scratched rims.
Resources
My name is Hank, and I've been in the automotive industry for 27 years. I've been working in my own auto repair shop for the last 13 years, and now I want to help you here, on my blog. Let me know if you have any questions. Read more
Scratched Rims Repair Cost
Scratches, curb rash, bends, and cracks are typical damage that wheels and rims can sustain. Buying a new set of wheels can be costly enough. But getting them repaired in a shop could cost you roughly $50 to $400 for each wheel. The cost varies due to the size and type of the wheel and the extent of the damage.
Factors Affecting the Scratched Rim Repair Cost
Generally, the wheels are among the most easily damaged parts of a car. The cost of getting them repaired tends to vary. It depends on certain factors, such as the wheel size, the type of metal, damage, and the additional services required.
Cost to Repair Scratched Rims and Other Types of Wheel and Rim Damage
There are different kinds of wheel and rim damage. They are the following:
Finding a Shop to Repair Scratched Rims
Most of the major auto body repair shop chains do not repair wheels. But some shops deal specifically in wheel repair. You can easily do a Google search to find the nearest wheel and rim repair shop in your location.
How to Repair Scratched Rims by Yourself
Is the cost of getting your wheels repaired in a shop giving you pause? This is typical, especially if the damage to your wheels is only minor. If so, you have the option to repair your scratched rims on your own.
Conclusion – Scratched Rims Repair Cost
Scratches, curb rash, bends, and cracks are typical damage that wheels and rims can sustain. Buying a new set of wheels can be costly enough. But getting them repaired in a shop could cost you roughly $50 to $400 for each wheel. The cost varies due to the size and type of the wheel and the extent of the damage.
