What is the difference between mobile and premises based refurbishments?

The Difference between Wet Paint and a Powder Coat combination finish for alloy wheel refurbishment.



In a nutshell: " Wet paint finishes - temporary repair of part of the wheel as offered by mobile operators - Powdercoating and wet combinations consist of durable thermo treated finishes of the whole wheel only available in larger, static specialist premises."



1) Wet Paint Finish – The Mobile Operator’s Choice


If you have or are thinking of giving your alloy wheels a cosmetic touch-up, such as the kind of service you will get from a mobile unit, it is likely that this will consist of a wet paint finish applied over the surface area of the face of your wheel only.



This is often convenient because the mobile operator can drive to your home or place of work, although they often seem to miss appointments due to traffic or other issues. Sometimes, weather conditions often mean they are unable to paint the wheel when they do turn up.



However, the biggest issue that you are faced with is that these cosmetic touch-up services although an excellent immediate appearance can be achieved they generally can only offer a temporary solution to your alloy wheel refurbishment needs. Because the wet paint is simply sprayed over the surface of the face of the wheel it has nothing to bond it in place and so the benefit is short lived. It is not uncommon for wheels sprayed in this way to repel the new paint after just a few short months due to the inability to fully prep the wheel. No doubt you will have seen paint that is flaking off the wheel and corrosion that continues to bubble through the surface layer.



2) Powder Coat Finish – The Durable Total Wheel Refurb Choice


The Wheel Specialist is the UK’s number one national alloy wheel refurbishment specialist with well over 20 years experience in powder coat finishing. By having the latest equipment and machinery based from professional premises they can offer you a ‘complete’ alloy wheel refurbishment service, of the whole wheel, turned around in the same day that no other operator can compete with on price, durability and quality.



3) Powder Coat / Wet Paint Combinations



In many situations the durable powder coat finish will provide the customer with just the colour that they want however powder coating does not offer the complete flexibility of wet paints which can be mixed in many ways. Just think of the varying silvers that currently exist on different wheels. To this end The Wheel Specialists have developed a process of combining wet paints within a powder coat base and lacquer. This provides the ultimate in wheel refurbishment giving a much wider choice of finish whilst still having the ultimate protection and durability of the powder coat finish. From a total bespoke new finish to a colour match to your existing finish the choice is yours.



Wheel Preparation


A great deal of effort goes into preparing the wheel before it can be sprayed. Like painting any surface, the better the preparation the better the quality will be of the finished paint job. First of all the wheel is stripped of tyres and any adornments. All wheels are shot-blasted by hand to remove previous layers of lacquer and paint to obtain a bare metal surface in preparation for coating. Any imperfections large or small are smoothed out or filled so that kerb damage to rim edges disappear.



Thermo treatment & Spraying


Next the wheels are thermo treated to remove any air from the alloy and powder coat finish is applied and then cured for a set period of time. Because the wheels are thermo treated in a specialist oven, the powder coat bonds directly to the surface of the wheel creating an extremely durable layer of protection that will not flake or peal. This process may be repeated depending on the finish chosen.



Finishing


Finally a clear lacquer coat is applied over the first coating in the same manner, thus enhancing and protecting the alloy wheel. This lacquer combined with the powder coat finish offers a level of protection that will not only exceed, and by great margin, any after market wet paint finish but will be more durable than when the wheel was brand new. What’s more your wheels will look fantastic, last for years to come and will be in the colour of your choice. With our 12 month guarantee you know that you have made the right choice for your wheels.



Your’ Peace of Mind - A Complete Service Including ‘Refit & Tyre Service’ and all this in the same day!


Because The Wheel Specialists have the right equipment on site they can refit your existing tyres with new valves and balance your wheels before putting them back on the car. They have thought of everything so you really don’t have to worry.



In addition The Wheel Specialist offer a competitively priced new tyre service should you wish to replace any old or warn tyres while your car is their care. Other services available check our website for your local branch details.


                                                  http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/