Guide 09 · Paint
Repair curb rash on alloy wheels
Light-to-medium curb rash on painted silver wheels sands, fills and paints out at home; machined or diamond-cut faces need a wheel shop.
Medium About 2 hours per wheel Easiest with the wheel off the car
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Tools I used
| Tool | Why you need it | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy wheel repair kit | Filler, sandpaper and matching paint | Check price → |
| Sanding sponges (240/400/800) | Follow the curve of the rim | Check price → |
| Wheel paint (silver) + clear coat | Most factory wheels are a standard silver | Check price → |
| Index cards or masking film | Masks the tire without removing it | Search on Amazon → |
| Wax & grease remover | Paint won't stick to brake dust | Check price → |
Shop the whole kit
4 tools, one click, straight into your Amazon cart.
Add all 4 to cart →4 tools, one click, straight into your Amazon cart.
Steps
- Clean the wheel thoroughly, then degrease the damaged area.
- Tuck index cards between the tire bead and the rim lip all the way around. Mask the rest of the wheel face.
- Sand the rash smooth with 240, then feather it out with 400.
- Fill any gouges with the kit's filler. Let it cure, then sand flush with 400.
- Wipe clean and spray light coats of wheel paint, blending into the surrounding area.
- Finish with clear coat. Let it cure overnight before driving.
Pro tips
- Shine a light across the rim lip. If you can see the old scratch outline, sand a bit more.
- Silver wheels vary. Test-spray a card and hold it next to the wheel before going at it.
- Do this on a warm, dry day. Paint and humid garages don't mix.
Find a pro near you
When to call a pro
The wheel is bent or cracked, rash goes into the tire bead seat, or it's a two-tone or machined-face wheel that needs a lathe.
Rather not DIY it? Tell us where you are and local shops will send you a quote.