STEP 2 - REMOVING THE TYRES, VALVES AND WEIGHTS

We will then remove tyres, labelling with rotation details as well as customer details. Tyres are inspected and any defects reported to the office so as the customer can be contacted with available options.

At this point, if present we remove centre caps, dustcovers and wheel weights as well as TPMS sensor boxes and valve stems, labelling these ready for refit as required.

STEP 3 - CHEMICAL STRIPPING TO REMOVE OLD COATING

Wheels will then be chemically stripped of all paint and previous powdercoating as well as dirt and grime. This is done in a special solution which is heated and agitated to aid in the gentle cleaning and stripping required.

STEP 4 - FURTHER INSPECTION

Once completely stripped back to bare metal, we inspect wheels again for any defects, buckles or cracks. We will of course notify you with options before proceeding.

STEP 5 - REPAIRS IF NEEDED

If a wheel has sustained a buckle during the course of driving, we would use our straightening jig at this point to correct this. Similarly, should a crack become apparent after the dipping process has been carried out, we would weld where the damage is on the rear bead at this stage but only if it's safe to do so. If deep kerbing damage is a significant problem, we can TiG weld the decorative face of the wheel to rebuild its profiles.

STEP 6 - PREPARING THE WHEEL

At this point, using a variety of hand tools and techniques, we dress and shape any damage out. If we have had to previously weld the wheel we will also clean and shape the welded area.

STEP 7 - SHOT BLASTING

We have three options to choose from depending on level of corrosion present. This process also keys the area in readiness for application of paint and powder coat.

STEP 8 - APPLYING THE PRIMER POWDER COAT

At this stage wheels are added to our online plant pedestals before travelling on the moving track through the oven for a preheat and degas procedure. Wheels then travel onto the primer booth where a layer of powder primer is applied to the complete wheel with the exception of the hub surface which must be masked. The primered wheel travels again through the oven allowing the primer to flow and smooth ensuring good adhesion and offering a corrosion barrier for years to come.

STEP 9 - THE BASE COLOUR COAT IS APPLIED

As the primered wheel exits the oven, it once again travels thorough the booth where a layer of the chosen colour is applied, be this in the format of wet paint or further powder coat.

STEP 10 - FOR POLISHED WHEELS THE SURFACE IS DIAMOND CUT

If the wheel is being diamond cut, we remove the wheels from the paint line and allow to fully cure. A profile of the wheel is taken with a digital probe, this takes measurements every 0.5 of a millimetre along the wheel to ensure accuracy when cutting. After plotting, we use the tooling tip to remove damage and restore the super shiny diamond cut finish.

STEP 11 - THE CLEAR POWDER COAT IS APPLIED

The track then enters the lacquer booth where a layer of our acrylic lacquer is applied before a further pass thorough the oven ensuring a glossy well protected wheel emerges at the end of the process. The wheels are then quality checked and a sticker applied before being sent to have any tyres refitted.

STEP 12 - THE TYRES ARE REFITTED AND BALANCED

On receipt of wheels to the tyre bay, fitters retrieve correct tyres from racks. The wheels have new valves fitted unless the TPMS valves are suitable for refitting. Tyres are carefully refitted using a leverless tyre machine. This ensures no damage can be caused to the freshly refinished wheels.

STEP 13 - THE WHEELS ARE REFITTED TO THE VEHICLE

The wheels are then refitted to the vehicle if we have it onsite. We then torque to the manufacturers specification, before logging this onto our database and putting a low tack torque reminder sticker onto the dash.