Diamond cut alloy wheel repair in Lincoln

In detail

Diamond cut alloy wheel repair, explained

Diamond cutting is how most modern two-tone alloys get their bright, finely ridged face: the wheel is coated, then put on a lathe that skims a thin layer off the face to leave bare, polished-looking alloy, which is sealed under clear lacquer. Saxilby Tyres repairs and re-cuts diamond-cut wheels at its workshop near Lincoln, for drivers across Lincolnshire.

Why can't kerb damage on a diamond-cut wheel just be painted?

Because the face was never painted in the first place. It is bare metal under lacquer, so a painted repair always shows up as a dull patch against the machined finish around it. The only way back to the original look is to repair any damage underneath and then re-machine the whole face on a lathe.

How does Saxilby Tyres refurbish a diamond-cut wheel?

The tyre comes off and the wheel is stripped and repaired - kerb rash dressed out, cracks welded, buckles straightened. It is then powder primed and colour coated, oven-baked like every other wheel Saxilby Tyres refinishes. Next the face is skimmed on the lathe back to bright alloy, and the whole wheel is sealed under powder lacquer before the tyre is refitted and balanced.

Can every diamond-cut wheel be re-cut?

Most can, but not indefinitely. Each cut takes a thin layer off the face, so a wheel that has already been re-cut several times, or has gouges deeper than a cut can safely remove, may not have enough metal left. If that is what we find, Saxilby Tyres will say so and suggest a solid colour instead - which hides the damage for good and is tougher than lacquer over bare alloy.

Why does the lacquer on diamond-cut wheels fail?

Because it is the only thing protecting the bare alloy. Once a stone chip or a kerb strike breaks through it, moisture and road salt get underneath and spread as cloudy patches or thin white lines of corrosion. Caught early, a re-cut and fresh lacquer puts it right; left for a few winters, the corrosion can run deep enough that a solid colour is the better repair.

Is diamond cutting guaranteed?

Yes. Diamond-cut wheels refinished at Saxilby Tyres are guaranteed for 6 months against peeling and corrosion. That is shorter than the 1-year guarantee on a solid-colour refurbishment for the reason above: the machined face is protected by lacquer alone, with no colour coat underneath it.

How much does diamond cut alloy wheel repair cost?

Diamond cutting at Saxilby Tyres starts from £100 per wheel. The final figure depends on the size of the wheel and the damage underneath - heavier damage such as chunks or deep gouges may be charged as extra - so send a photo of each wheel to 01522 468109 or through the contact form and you will have a firm price the same day.

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