Category Archives: Standard Refurbishment

Are your Alloy Wheels Looking Tired and Unloved?

black-glossIf your alloys are looking a bit tired and unloved don’t replace them, simply bring them down to our workshop in Northolt or Heathrow and our specialists technicians will repair and refurbish them and get them back to looking as good as new in no time.

At Diamond Alloys our experts can refurbish and repair alloys on all types of cars, from every day run arounds including Hyundai’s, Fiestas and Audis to high end Marques like Lamborghini, Maserati and Porsche. Rather than wasting money on new alloys, simply come down to Diamond Alloys wheel repair centre London for a cost-effective revamp that we guarantee will have your rims looking better than ever.

Our alloy wheel refurbishment centre is located in West London and we offer the latest techniques to repair damaged alloy wheels. Our technicians are highly trained to offer clients a range of services including diamond cutting, powder coating and custom finish. We can even repair crack and dent/buckle damage with our alloy wheel weld and alloy wheel straightening service.

If you want to give your old alloy wheels a new life, call us on 0208 845 7788 and our technicians will be happy to discuss what they can do for you!

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New Heathrow Alloy Wheel Repair and Refurbishment Branch now open!

diamond-alloys-new-locationDiamond Alloys is delighted to announce the expansion of their alloy wheel repair and refurbishment business in west London, in response to demand, with the opening of a new drop off and pick up location close to Heathrow!

Located on the busy London Road in Staines, this new location offers clients an easy to access pick up and drop off point for their alloy wheels. Ideally located close to Heathrow, this new location is especially handy for people using the service for business or clients wishing to have their rims repaired while travelling.

Diamond Alloys offers a variety of services all aimed to bring alloy wheels back to near showroom finish, including:

  • Diamond Cutting Alloy Wheels
  • Powder Coating Alloy Wheels
  • Straightening Alloy Wheels
  • Crack Repair for Alloy Wheels
  • New Tyres

Remember we offer a 4 wheel discount on all refurbishments!

Come on down and visit us in our new Heathrow alloy wheel repair and refurbishment drop off point!

Should I Powder Coat my Alloy Wheels?

powdercoatIt’s a great question, and at Diamond Alloys West London we believe the simple answer is yes!

Why? Well, because an alloy wheel powder coat produces a smoother and longer lasting finish. The alloy is completely stripped back and prepped by hand and then given a full powder coat all round, front and back, to ensure the alloy is well protected. The final stage is to lacquer the alloys to create a lasting protective layer. We also highly powder-coatrecommend adding rims bands to your alloy wheels to protect them from kerbing. This is a minimal cost and can be installed at the same time as your refurbishment.

A powder coat alloy wheel refurbishment can also allow you to change the look of your rims. We have a range of standard colours in stock but have the skill and capability to enhance the look with custom colours to your choice. Our technicians are happy to help with colour selection when you drop off your car to our West London alloy wheel repair centre.

If you have any questions about our repair and refurbishment services, please call us on 0208 845 7788 and we will be happy to help.

Our Latest Alloy Wheel Repairs

diamond-cut-bmw-alloywheelsAt Diamond Alloys, we believe it is important to showcase our work. Not only because we are proud of what we do but also because it shows our valued clients how much care and attention our dedicated alloy wheel repair technicians put into each and every job.

We specialise in Diamond Cutting and powder coating; in fact every wheel that comes through our repair centre is powder coated which we think is the best a wheel can get in a refurbishment treatment because it helps us achieve a smooth finish and offer clients a long lasting effect.

We cater for trade accounts, so bodyshops and car repair centres, including some big name brands, and so consumers can rest assured we offer a premium quality finish. All wrapped up with the Diamond Alloys customer care and discount on a 4 wheel refurbishment (consumers only)

We have highlighted here just a few finishes that have come through the centre this week. Remember, we also recommend rim bands to help keep your rims kerb damage free! These can be fitted at the same time for a small change that could save you £££s in the future. Call us now on 0208 845 7788 and let us help you decide on a new look for your precious alloy wheels.

Why Powder Coat Alloy Wheels?

steveHave you ever wondered why alloy wheel specialists recommends a powder coat process for repairing and refurbishing alloy wheels?

Diamond Alloys is a powder coat specialist and to help you answer this question we have put together a list of the benefits of applying a powder coat process to your alloys along with some common questions with their answers.

The Benefits of Powder Coating Alloy Wheels

  • You’ll achieve a better and more durable finish with a powder coat.
  • Achieves a longer lasting result compared to painting alone.
  • Typically a one coat finish it can offer a quicker turnaround for completion.
  • Powder coating is an environmentally safe process because it produces few volatile organic compounds (or VOCs).
  • Creates the most even finished surface (horizontal and vertical) because the powder is sprayed and heated without drips or application traces.

Most Commonly asked Question About Powder Coating?

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What colour finish can I achieve with a powder coat?
There is a wide range of colours available. You can also add texture, achieve a matt or gloss finish.

Is a powder coat finish dangerous?
Powder coating are not classified as dangerous and there are no solvents used in powder coating.

Does powder coating prevent rust?
Unfortunately no, but the finish is durable and last longer than many other processes which is why it is so possible, ensuring return visits to the workshop are fewer.

Can I get powder coated alloys diamond cut?
Yes, all our Diamond Cut allows wheels have a powder coat base. This can be painted a colour to accentuate the effect of the cut.

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Can I get a smart repair powder coat?
No. Powder coatings are a workshop applied using specialised equipment. The equipment includes an electrostatic spray gun, spray booth and an oven to bake the coating. On site application is not possible given the hot curing cycle required to fuse the coating.


What has static electricity got to do with powder coating?
Powder coatings are electrostatically charged by the spray gun. This works by very high voltage (80,000 to 100,000 volts) being delivered to the electrode. This high voltage ionizes the air creating a field of electrons or negative charge. The powder is pneumatically conveyed into this electrostatic field, picks up a charge then heads to the nearest ground. So lots of static electricity is generated by the spray system.

diamond-alloys-powder-coat2How should I care for my powder coated alloys?
Pollution, dirt, grime and salt can all accumulate on a powder coated surface over time. To extend the life of your powder coated alloy wheels a simple regular maintenance program should be implemented for the removal of residues.

In areas where pollutants are more likely, especially in coastal or industrial regions, a cleaning program should be carried out on a more frequent basis. To clean a powder coated surface, carefully remove any loose deposits with a wet sponge and then use a soft non-abrasive brush or cloth in combination with a mild household detergent solution to remove dust, salt and other residues. Finally rinse all powder coated surfaces with clean water.

At Diamond Alloys, We’ve Got Your Back

img_6760-smallHave you ever had someone ‘pop in’ to see you unexpectedly? Did you then do what millions of us do, and spend five minutes frantically making the place look as clean and tidy as possible – perhaps by hiding all the dirty dishes in a cupboard? There’s no shame in these temporary measures, because that’s just what they are – temporary. You’re simply trying to give your guest a pleasant experience, not to mention protect your reputation as a homeowner! What you’re not doing is permanently keeping those dirty plates in the cupboard, or leaving that pile of un-ironed laundry hidden behind the sofa forever. That would be terrible, right?

img_0929-3smallIf you agree with that, then you can imagine how we feel about companies that only repair and maintain the front of the wheel. It’s the same kind of thing – they’re only treating the areas that people can see and letting the hidden areas, in this case the back of the alloy, become filthy and unloved. The worst thing is that it often isn’t made clear that this is what the company has done, mean that customers think that their wheels are more protected than they are in reality.

img_3071-2smallHere at Diamond Alloys we powder coat and paint the entire alloy, not just the front. This is because we are committed to providing the highest quality service possible, and because we believe that all parts of an alloy should be cared for equally, regardless of whether or not they are visible. Powder coating the whole alloy results in longer-lasting rims, which is what anyone who cares about the health of their wheels deserves.

If you’d like to find out more about any of our repair processes, from powder coating to diamond cutting, please check out our blogs which document them all in detail. You can even watch our YouTube videos to see exactly how we do the repairs and painting – on both sides of the wheel!

What colour should your alloy wheels be?

custom-alloy-wheel-paintOne of the questions we get asked a lot is ‘what colour should my alloy wheels be?’ This is often because people see car manufacturers introducing models with particular colours of alloy, particularly for higher end cars, and assume that there is a right way and a wrong way to style their car.

Fortunately, however, the truth is that there is no right answer to the above question – your alloys can be any colour you choose! We think that your car’s wheels should both complement the rest of the car and your own personal aesthetic, but there are no strict rules on how to do this. Although the majority of alloys you see on the road will probably be silver, there are a thousand different colours and styles for you to choose from.

IMG_4708-2Black, for example, is becoming a very popular choice for discerning car owners, especially those with sportier models. (Let’s save the philosophical argument about whether or not black is actually a colour later!) Black goes with a wide variety of body colours, and is also a great base for two-tone diamond cut colours if you want to get really arty!

custom_alloy_wheel_refurbishment (4)If your personality is a bit more flamboyant, how about a bright colour? There’s the whole spectrum to choose from, with metallic sheens like gold and bright sporty colours like orange able to completely transform the look of your car. You can further expand on the almost limitless range of colours by opting for custom effects such as marbling, which can create a truly eye-catching result.

range-rover-alloy-wheelsLet’s not forget silver painted finishes, of course, which can vary from super-bright metallics to flat powerful greys such as gunmetal. Anthracite, a near-black grey with a distinctive sheen, is becoming a go-to choice for many drivers looking to update their look.

A Picture Tells a Thousand Words

Ever wondered exactly what happens after you’ve dropped off your alloys for repair? If you don’t have time to look through our previous blogs for details of individual processes, why not watch our quick new video, which provides a step-by-step guide in just a minute and a half?

Commencing at the point where we separate the alloy from the tyre, the video takes you through many of the complex processes we use to make your alloys look as good as new – although our experts do make them look easy!

One of the things many people find particularly fascinating is the alloy oven, in which we bake your wheels to ensure the coating adheres successfully and provides a high quality, smooth and long lasting finish.

Other interesting aspects are sanding, priming, powder coating and re-balancing – although some people have also expressed surprise at the fact that we give every part an ID number, which is essential in ensuring we don’t mix up your wheels!

Good Things Can Lurk in the Shadows…

shadow-chrome-alloysStuck for a kick-ass new look for your alloys? If none of the standard finishes float your boat, but you’d really like to update your aesthetic, then why not consider a shadow chrome effect?

To the untrained eye the shadow effect looks quite similar to that on other alloys, but it actually requires a substantial amount of skill to achieve. The effect was created in Italy and first used on high-end marques in the early 1990s, which is why people instinctively associate it with luxury and quality today.

Of course, because the high end cars had shadow effect alloys, the other car manufacturers wanted to introduce them too. Now it’s possible to see shadow effects on any car, but most of the time this will still only be on those where the car’s owner or manufacturer have taken the time to create a high quality appearance.

A shadow chrome effect, unlike the traditional silver paint, produces a gun metal finish that is darker and more refined in appearance. To create a true shadow effect you need expert technicians, such as the ones we have here, who can coat the alloys with a powder layer before applying heat – something that allows the powder to melt and coat the alloy like a second skin. Once the powder is cured the alloy is sprayed with a specialist shadow chrome paint, then varnished with a thin coat of clear lacquer to ensure that it’s protected from the elements.shadowchrome-banner-1_sm_da18_1

A shadow chrome effect gives your alloys a striking finish, giving them a three-dimensional, nuanced look that’s impossible to achieve through other methods. Diamond Alloys can apply the shadow effect when repairing your wheels, or simply update your aesthetic if you feel like you’re in need of a new look – this is particularly useful if you’re about to put your car on the market for sale.

Why do Diamond Alloys use Powder Coating?

refurbished-range-rover-wheelsRegular readers of our blog might have noticed that we mention powder coating a lot. But what is this process, and why do we use it so often at Diamond Alloys? Read on to find out:

What is powder coating?
Take a look at these photographs – they show the wheels from a Range Rover Sport, which we recently refurbished for Pendragon Premier. These alloys have just been powder coated, and are now ready to be Diamond Cut.

Powder coating is a protective layer that is applied after the wheel has been stripped back, cleaned, checked and filled, and then been baked to remove any air. The heating also helps achieve an even coating of powder, as it adheres better to a warm surface.

The powder coat is sprayed on, ensuring an even finish, and then baked again to help it set. After this, specialist procedures such as diamond cutting can be carried out, before the wheel is lacquered.

range-rover-alloy-wheelsWhat are the advantages of powder coating?
Power coating has myriad advantages – simply put it will make your wheels look better and last longer! This is because powder coating achieves a thicker, more even and more robust finish than liquid paints can. We absolutely love the finish that powder coating achieves: it creates a stunning, high quality appearance that’s perfect both for professional vehicles and those which just strive for a certain chic.

It’s also far more environmentally friendly – unlike liquid finishes the powder contains no volatile organic compounds, pollutants which cause much environmental damage when they are released into the air.

How do I find out more?
Simples! Just give us a call on 0845 370 8881 or send us an email through the Diamond Alloys site. Our experts will be very happy to discuss the details of your particular alloys and explain how powder coating – alongside our other specialist techniques – can bring your wheels back to life for an affordable price.

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