Maintenance
OEM Wheel Restoration Guide | Refinish Factory Wheels
Blackout Team· Window Tinting Experts
·4 min read
OEM wheel restoration and refinishing guide. Restore curb-rashed and damaged factory wheels to like-new condition.
OEM Wheel Restoration Guide
Curb rash happens. Before buying new wheels, consider restoration—it's often half the cost.
What Is Wheel Restoration?
Bringing damaged wheels back to original (or better):
- Curb rash repair
- Scratch removal
- Bent wheel repair
- Complete refinishing
Damage Types
Repairable Damage
| Damage | Repair Method |
|---|---|
| Light curb rash | Sand, fill, refinish |
| Deep curb damage | Weld, reshape, refinish |
| Scratches | Sand and refinish |
| Corrosion | Strip, treat, refinish |
| Minor bends | Hydraulic straightening |
May Not Be Repairable
- Severe structural cracks
- Major impact damage
- Damaged spoke integrity
- Extreme bends
Restoration Options
OEM Match
Restore to factory appearance:
- Same color, same finish
- Matches remaining wheels
- Maintains original look
Upgrade Finish
While restoring, upgrade:
- Powder coat custom color
- Change finish (matte, satin)
- Two-tone options
Cost Comparison
| Option | Per Wheel Cost |
|---|---|
| Curb rash repair | $75-150 |
| Full refinish | $100-200 |
| Powder coat | $150-250 |
| New OEM wheel | $300-1,000+ |
Restoration = 30-50% the cost of replacement
Process
- Remove wheel from vehicle
- Strip existing finish
- Repair damage (fill, weld)
- Smooth and prep surface
- Apply new finish
- Clear coat and cure
- Balance and reinstall
When to Replace Instead
- Structural cracks
- Racing/track use
- Want different style
- Severe damage
📞 Call 408-848-8468 — assess your wheels
Related Content
- Colors: Powder Coating Colors
- Cost: Powder Coating Cost Guide
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