Painting vs powder coating alloys
Discussion
I took my car in to have a small scratch repaired on one of the wheels and they ended up painting all four wheels as they couldn't match the paint without asking. The car is an M3 CSL and the alloys were beatifully finished in a nice mirror effect similar to the standard M3 19" alloys. The job that they have done is unbelievably bad. Fortunately I work for the same dealer group which means that I have been able to kick a few backsides. They have offered to paint the wheels fully again and this time the bodyshop manager will perform the work.
I am undecided whether to simply tell them that they need to send the wheels to a specialist wheel recoater such as SEM in Sunderland. Does anyone have any experience of painted wheels rather than powder coated? I would have thought that paint would be less durable? I would also be worried that wheel cleaner and brake dustmay damage the painted finish.
Your thoughts will be appreciated as I have dwelled on this one myself too much and it continues to pxss me off. I am gutted that the car no longer looks original.
I am undecided whether to simply tell them that they need to send the wheels to a specialist wheel recoater such as SEM in Sunderland. Does anyone have any experience of painted wheels rather than powder coated? I would have thought that paint would be less durable? I would also be worried that wheel cleaner and brake dustmay damage the painted finish.
Your thoughts will be appreciated as I have dwelled on this one myself too much and it continues to pxss me off. I am gutted that the car no longer looks original.
Powder Coat tends to be tougher, but paint is more than up to the job if it's done properly.
I've had a few sets in recent years, probaly a 50/50 split between paint and PC'd in quantities (I change wheels quite a lot), all have been fine. My current wheels are partially finished in gunmetal paint and have held up great for a good few months, with lots of brake dust and winter salt being thrown at them.
Personally I'd avoid SEM btw, there's much better out there, like Romax in stockton, speaking from experience
I'll say no more but feel free to email should curiosity get the better of you etc
I've had a few sets in recent years, probaly a 50/50 split between paint and PC'd in quantities (I change wheels quite a lot), all have been fine. My current wheels are partially finished in gunmetal paint and have held up great for a good few months, with lots of brake dust and winter salt being thrown at them.
Personally I'd avoid SEM btw, there's much better out there, like Romax in stockton, speaking from experience
I'll say no more but feel free to email should curiosity get the better of you etc
Edited by Stu R on Monday 19th March 14:43
Romax are the industry standard for wheel refurbs,I have recently had a couple of sets done there (Merc & TVR) superb job however, they are limited to what finishes available, they dont want to know about any thing out of the ordinary (ie polished lips etc, but having said that the service is first class as is the price £188.00 inc vat for 4 wheels & same day turn around 
ROMAX, stockton. Did a superb job of the Fondmetal's on my Turbo Jag. Gunmetal with diamond cut rims - 1st class .Dropped the car off on the morning - picked it up in the afternoon, all done!
They'll be getting my cerbie wheels very soon' quoted £40 a wheel, same day service, tyres off n on , balanced, new valves. Can't beat it.
They'll be getting my cerbie wheels very soon' quoted £40 a wheel, same day service, tyres off n on , balanced, new valves. Can't beat it.
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