What wheel refurbishment includes
Our wheel refurbishment service is aimed at appearance, not structural repair. It is best suited to alloy and steel wheels that have curb rash, light corrosion, peeling clear coat, scuffs or colour fade. The process can be done on a single damaged rim or on a full set, depending on how uniform you want the finish to be.
Typical work includes thorough cleaning, surface preparation, sanding of damaged areas, filling where needed, refinishing and a final protective clear coat. If a wheel has a crack, buckle or severe vibration issue, we will flag it as a safety matter and refer it for proper mechanical attention first. Cosmetic work should never hide a wheel thats unsafe.
- Alloy rim scuff repair and cosmetic renewal
- Full colour change on a set of wheels
- Clear coat refresh on faded finishes
- Touch-up for fleet vehicles with kerb damage
- Co-ordination with wrap and tint jobs for a tidy overall look
How the refurbishment process works
We start with a visual inspection and note the wheel size, damage level and existing finish. From there the wheels are removed or masked off, then cleaned so that brake dust, tar and road film do not interfere with adhesion. In Gauteng and coastal areas alike, dust and salt build-up can make prep work more time consuming, but it is the step that determines how long the finish will last.
Once the surface is ready, our team shapes out damaged sections and prepares the face, lip and spoke areas evenly. Where colour matching is important, we use a controlled finish spec so the set looks consistent from wheel to wheel. If the vehicle is in daily use, we can schedule the work around fleet downtime and stagger the wheels so the vehicle is off the road for the shortest possible time.
- Initial inspection and finish assessment
- Removal or masking of the wheel set
- Cleaning, sanding and damage correction
- Refinishing and clear coat application
- Final quality check before fitment
Wheel sizes, finishes and practical specs
We work on common passenger, SUV and light commercial wheel sizes, generally from 15 inch through to 24 inch depending on the condition and style of the rim. Standard finishes include gloss, satin and matte colour renewal, plus carefully matched metallic tones where the original look needs to be retained. For wrapped vehicles, we can choose a wheel colour that supports the body colour or contrasts it in a cleaner more deliberate way.
On fleet vehicles, finish choice often comes down to durability and ease of maintenance. Darker tones tend to hide brake dust better, while lighter finishes can suit branded executive vehicles. For coastal customers, we often recommend a slightly tougher clear coat approach because humidity and salty air can speed up staining if wheels are not washed regularly.
- Wheel size range: 15 inch to 24 inch, subject to condition
- Finish options: gloss, satin and matte
- Use case: cosmetic refresh, wrap matching, fleet presentation
- Suitable for: alloy and steel rims
- Condition limits: no structural crack or buckle repair
Turnaround times that suit real schedules
Turnaround depends on the condition of the wheels, the number being done and whether the vehicle is booked in for other work at the same time. A single set usually moves faster than mixed damage across a larger fleet, and if there are deep gouges or heavy oxidation the prep stage will take longer. We give realistic time frames up front so you can plan around school runs, site work or dispatch schedules.
For private vehicles, a small job may be completed in a day or over a weekend, while a full set with more involved correction can take longer. Fleet jobs are usually staged to reduce vehicle downtime. In Johannesburg and surrounding areas, we can also plan around load-shedding windows and workshop access, which helps keep the schedule on track and avoids unnecessary delays.
- Single wheel touch-up: usually faster than a full set
- Full set refurbishment: based on condition and finish type
- Fleet scheduling available for reduced downtime
- Bookings can be aligned with wrap, tint or PPF work
Pricing approach for private vehicles and fleets
Pricing is based on the number of wheels, the amount of surface correction required, wheel size, finish choice and whether the wheels need removal and refitting. Because no two rims are damaged in exactly the same way, we quote after inspection rather than using a flat one-size-fits-all rate. That keeps the price fair for minor scuffs and accurate for more time-intensive jobs.
Fleet clients often prefer a maintenance plan that groups vehicles by route, depot or model. That makes budgeting easier and avoids a patchy look across branded vehicles. If you are pairing wheel refurbishment with a colour change wrap, we can price the work together so the final result is neat and the vehicle spends less time in the bay.
- Quoted per wheel or per set, depending on scope
- Damage level and wheel size affect labour time
- Bulk fleet pricing available for repeat work
- Combined bookings can reduce overall downtime
Aftercare and maintenance intervals
Refurbished wheels need basic care to keep the finish looking good. We recommend washing them regularly with pH-neutral shampoo and a soft mitt, especially after long highway runs or wet weather. Avoid harsh acids, steel wool and aggressive wheel cleaners, as these can dull the clear coat and shorten the life of the finish.
For vehicles that see heavy use, a quick visual check every 6 to 12 weeks helps spot new kerb marks, stone chips or contamination early. Coastal vehicles may need more frequent washing because salt and humidity can leave residue on the wheel face. If the vehicle is due for another wrap, tint or PPF appointment later on, let us know so we can keep the wheel finish in the same condition as the rest of the car.
- Wash with a pH-neutral cleaner
- Dry wheels properly after washing
- Avoid abrasive brushes and strong acids
- Inspect every 6 to 12 weeks on working vehicles
- Book touch-ups early if new damage appears
Key facts
| Service type | Cosmetic wheel refurbishment and colour renewal |
|---|---|
| Wheel sizes | Typically 15 inch to 24 inch, subject to inspection |
| Finish options | Gloss, satin, matte and selected metallic tones |
| Best for | Alloy and steel wheels with curb rash, fade or peeling coat |
| Turnaround | From same-day touch-up to multi-day set refinishing |
| Booking areas | Kya Sand, Sandton, Midrand, East Rand, Pretoria and Durban |
