Rim Refinishing in Hamilton

Rim refinishing services are an important component of proper maintenance of steel wheels. Such a service usually includes the following steps and components:

1. Initial inspection: before the rim refinishing process, the wheel/ rim is inspected thoroughly in order to find any eventual damage or out-of-service conditions. In case that manufacturer’s identifying marks or the DOT stamp are not legible at any time during the finishing process, the rim or wheel is removed from service.
2. Pre-wash: within this step, the grease, dirt or debris are removed prior to the removal of the paint.
3. Coat Removal: For any media used, it is absolutely necessary that the paint removal system leaves the bead seats and the mounting surface in bare metal. Grit or sandblasting by itself is not recommended.
4. Inspection following coating removal: once the coating removal process is done, the rim/ wheel is inspected for any out of service conditions or cracks.
5. Pre-treatment / cleaning: the coating manufacturer usually offers its specific recommendations and guidelines for pre-treatment and cleaning. As a general rule, it is required that the cleaning agent is periodically replaced.
6. Bare wheel handling and storage: the bare wheels are handled by technicians with lint-free, clean and dry gloves. During the handling, it is important to keep bare wheels from coming in contact with contaminants or the floor. The surface is promptly coated in order to protect the bare wheels from moisture and to prevent flash rusting.
7. Primer application: in order to improve adhesion of subsequent coat, an optional base coat called primer is applied to the bare metal.
8. Finish application: an electrostatic-charged powder paint cured in an oven is applied for powder coat. The rim/ wheel can be quickly returned to service once out of the oven. The finish can be cured in an oven or dried at room temperature if solvent or water-based paints are applied. Excessive coating thickness can cause wheel loss, premature wear or loose fasteners.
9. Curing: in order to cure the coating are used ovens or other cure sources. The time required for complete curing of material for air-dry coatings is at least three days. Baking the painted rim / wheel can speed up the curing time. Under-cured coatings can have the same negative effect as excessive coating thickness. When they are tightened, the soft coating may squeeze from under the wheel fasteners.
10. Post-finish inspection: once the process of curing the finish is done, according to manufacturer’s recommendations, the rim/ wheel is inspected for excessive coating thickness or runs. If the manufacturer’s identifying marks or the DOT stamp are not legible, the wheel is removed from service.