Wet spraying alloy wheels is a popular alternative to powder coating for enhancing the appearance and protecting alloy wheels. Wet spraying uses liquid paint applied through a spray gun, which is then allowed to air-dry or cured with heat. It is often chosen for custom colours, finishes, or when a specific look is desired that might not be possible with powder coating.

Steps in Wet Spraying Alloy Wheels:

1. Preparation:

   • Wheel Removal: The wheels are removed from the car, and the tires, weights, and valves are taken off.
   • Cleaning: The wheels are thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, grease, brake dust, or contaminants. This is crucial to ensure the paint adheres properly.
   • Stripping: Any existing paint or finish on the wheel is removed, usually with chemical stripping or light sanding, to get a smooth base surface.
   • Sanding: The wheels may be sanded to smooth out imperfections and create a surface for better paint adhesion.

2. Priming:

   • A primer is applied to the surface of the wheel. This step is essential for ensuring the paint sticks well and provides a smooth, uniform finish.
   • The primer is usually heat-resistant to withstand the high temperatures that wheels encounter during driving.

3. Wet Paint Application:

   • Base Coat: The liquid paint is applied using a spray gun. Multiple thin layers are often sprayed to ensure even coverage and prevent runs or drips. The number of layers depends on the desired opacity and finish.
   • Custom Colours: Wet spray allows for an unlimited range of colours and finishes, from metallics to pearls, as well as matte or gloss finishes.
   • Drying: Each coat is allowed to air-dry or cured with heat before applying the next layer.

4. Clear Coat:

   • Once the colour coats are applied, a clear coat is sprayed over the top. This provides additional protection against scratches, chips, and UV damage, and gives the wheel a glossy or satin finish, depending on the desired look.
   • Drying or Curing: The clear coat is either air-dried or baked in a curing oven for a durable, long-lasting finish.

5. Finishing Touches:

   • After the paint and clear coat have fully dried, the wheels are reassembled with new valves, weights, and tires, and are balanced before being placed back on the car.

Benefits of Wet Spraying Alloy Wheels:

• Custom Colours and Finishes: Wet spraying offers more customization options than powder coating, as it allows for complex finishes like candy, pearl, or metallic shades.
• Smoother Finish: Wet spray can provide a very smooth, high-gloss finish that some people prefer over the more textured finish of powder coating.
• Touch-Up Friendly: If the paint gets chipped or scratched, touch-up jobs can be done more easily than with powder-coated wheels.

Cost of Wet Spraying Alloy Wheels:

The price of wet spraying alloy wheels can vary depending on the size of the wheels, the complexity of the finish, and the location of the service provider. On average:

• Basic Wet Spray: £250 to £350 for a set of four wheels.
• Custom Colours or Special Finishes: More complex jobs, like metallic or candy finishes, can cost upwards of £400 or more.

Durability and Longevity:

• Wet spraying is less durable than powder coating when it comes to resisting chips, scratches, and harsh road conditions. However, with a high-quality clear coat and proper care, a wet-sprayed finish can still last several years.
• Regular Maintenance: Proper cleaning and avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasives can extend the life of the paint job.

Wet Spray vs. Powder Coating:

• Durability: Powder coating is generally more durable than wet spray, especially for wheels that endure rough conditions.
• Customization: Wet spraying allows for more intricate and varied finishes, including metallics, pearls, and high-gloss options.
• Repairability: Wet spray can be easier to repair or touch up in the event of chips or scratches.
• Thickness: Wet spray typically results in a thinner coat than powder coating, which might be preferable for certain aesthetic purposes.

Common Wet Spray Finishes for Alloy Wheels:

• Gloss Black: A popular choice for a sleek, high-shine look.
• Matte Black: Offers a more subdued, modern appearance.
• Metallics: Silver, gunmetal, bronze, and other metallics are often used to give wheels a premium finish.
• Custom Colours: Wet spraying allows for a wider range of colours and finishes, including candy, pearl, or even colour-shift paints.

Considerations:

• Maintenance: Wet-sprayed wheels will require more regular cleaning and care to maintain the finish compared to powder-coated wheels.
• Durability: Wet spray is more prone to chipping or damage, especially in rough driving conditions or harsh weather, so it’s not always the best option for off-road or performance vehicles.

In summary, wet spraying alloy wheels offers excellent customization options and allows for more complex finishes than powder coating. However, it’s generally less durable than powder coating and may require more upkeep. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a highly specific colour or finish that powder coating cannot achieve.