It often seems to us, that only the car's body is exposed to unfavorable weather conditions, and we completely forget about the rims. Unfortunately, they are most often subject to mechanical damage, birthday, chemicals and salt complete the work of destruction. After a few seasons, even the most beautiful steel rims may look like they've been pulled out of a junkyard. It is no different with aluminum rims. Losses of colorless varnish and oxidation of aluminum cause, that they, too, stop shining over time. Of course, you can decide to buy new ones, associated with a serious expense. Meanwhile, old hoops can be restored to their original shine at a low cost. Provided, of course, that they are not seriously mechanically damaged.
The renewal of the rims does not only have an economic aspect, it is also worth paying attention to environmental protection. Thanks to such treatments, we are not enlarging the mountains of scrap metal, which are already growing at an alarming pace.
Sanding
If the rims are undamaged (np. bent, holes, cracked), then after removing the tires from them, go to a specialized sandblasting workshop. This is the most recommendable solution. Self-cleaning of their surfaces by hand (np. with a wire brush) or mechanically (np. with a small grinder) are half measures. Sandblasting costs just from 20 do 40 zlotys (depending on the size of the rim). We are sure about that, that not only the external was subjected to this process, but also the inner surface of the rim.
Sandblasting is performed with the use of specially selected sand, whose grains are of a similar size. Its stream escaping under high pressure from the nozzle of the aggregate, cleans the rim surface down to the metal.
Thanks to this, within a dozen or so minutes we are able to get rid of rust and peeling paint (see photos opposite).
Painting
Cleared, but not secured rim very quickly (not even used) it would be rusty again. Therefore, it should be protected against this. We have two solutions for steel rims – painting with powder varnish or, most recommended, placing the zinc primer first, then powder varnish, and finally the clearcoat. Such three layers should effectively protect the metal surface for several years. After applying each of them, they are kept in an oven for approx 30-40 minutes, at a temperature of approx 210 degrees Celsius.
In the case of aluminum rims, the entire operation is limited to the position of two layers: powder varnish, and then clear varnish.
Effect
Looking at the rims, it's hard to believe, that they are the same rims before and after renovation. And yet. The entire operation takes one day, but the end result is worth the time. This way we gain certainty, that the rims are secured as effectively as new ones.