Maya Ellison
If your car has plastic wheel covers, you may notice that they become scratched, chipped, and damaged over time. Instead of buying new wheels, you can refurbish your wheel covers to make them look brand new. The process involves removing the wheel covers, cleaning them, sanding down any imperfections, priming, painting, and finally, sealing your work with a clear coat. This guide will take you through each step in detail, ensuring a professional finish.
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What You'll Learn
Removing plastic wheel covers
If you have a "pop-on" wheel cover, you can use a wide-tipped removal tool to gently pry up the solid areas of the cover, between the openings. It is important not to use a common screwdriver, as this can crack the edge of the cap. Using two wide-tip screwdrivers simultaneously can reduce the risk of cracking by spreading out the pressure.
For "bolt-on" wheel covers, you must first jack up one wheel at a time, removing the lug nuts and then the hubcap. After replacing the wheel cover, install the lug nuts through the cover and onto the studs.
Finally, "screw-on" wheel covers are removed by carefully unscrewing each plastic lug nut with the "hand tool" provided with your car. Once all the plastic lugs are removed, the hubcap can be taken off by hand.
With any of these methods, it is important to work your way slowly and gently around the wheel cover to avoid damage.
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Cleaning plastic wheel covers
To clean plastic wheel covers, you can use a commercial wheel cleaner, soap and water, or a specialised product like New Hot Rims Multi Piece Wheel Wash.
Firstly, remove the wheel cover from your car by gently sliding a flat-head screwdriver between the wheel cover and the wheel. Pry the clips away from the wheel, working your way around until the cover is free.
Next, wash the wheel cover with soap and water, removing any bugs, brake dust, and dirt. Dry the cover thoroughly.
If your wheel cover has tough stains, you can use a Dremel with a homemade 1-inch pad and M80 to remove them. Alternatively, you can use a commercial wheel cleaner or a product like New Hot Rims Multi Piece Wheel Wash, which is designed to safely remove grime and brake dust from wheel covers. Soak the covers with the product and use a wheel brush to scrub away any remaining dirt.
Once your wheel covers are clean and dry, you can proceed with sanding and repainting if necessary.
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Sanding plastic wheel covers
Sanding is an important step in the process of refurbishing plastic wheel covers. It helps to create a smooth and even surface for the new paint to adhere to. Here is a detailed guide on how to sand plastic wheel covers:
Start by removing the wheel cover from your car. This can be done by using a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry the clips away from the wheel, working your way around the cover until it is free. Once removed, give the wheel cover a thorough wash with soap and water to remove any bugs, brake dust, and dirt. It is important to ensure the cover is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
When it comes to sanding, it is recommended to use 600-grit sandpaper. This type of sandpaper is designed to remove minor imperfections such as rust, scratches, and road grime from the surface of the wheel cover. Gently sand the entire face of the hubcap, paying extra attention to any areas with visible damage. Remember to always sand in the same direction to achieve a uniform finish.
After sanding, it is crucial to remove any sanding residue that may be left on the surface. This can be done by washing the wheel cover with soap and water for a second time. Make sure to dry the wheel cover thoroughly after washing.
Once the wheel cover is clean and dry, it is important to choose a well-ventilated workspace for the next steps. Working outdoors is ideal, as long as it is not too windy. Place the wheel cover on a few sheets of newspaper to protect the work surface and ensure that no debris will blow onto the wheel cover while the paint is drying.
By following these steps, you can effectively sand plastic wheel covers and prepare them for the next stages of the refurbishment process, such as priming and painting. Remember to take your time and work carefully to achieve the best results.
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Painting plastic wheel covers
Next, wash the wheel cover with soap and water, removing any bugs, brake dust, and dirt. Dry the cover thoroughly. Now, you will need to sand the wheel cover. Using 600-grit sandpaper, gently sand away any rust, scratches, and road grime from the entire face of the hubcap. Wash the wheel cover again with soap and water to remove any sanding residue, which could cause bumps in the final finish.
Place the wheel cover on some newspaper in a well-ventilated location, preferably outdoors, but not in a windy spot. You don't want any debris to blow onto the wet paint. Now, you are ready to start painting. Spray a primer onto the hubcap, coating it thoroughly. Use a spray pattern that goes side to side, as well as front and back, to avoid any striping. Allow the primer to dry, and then spray a second coat.
Once the primer is dry, paint the wheel cover using the same spray pattern, allowing the cover to dry completely between coats. Check the paint can for the appropriate drying time. Finally, spray the wheel cover with a clear coat. Apply two or three coats of the clear coat to give your hubcap a professional, tough finish. Allow the wheel cover to dry between coats, and then replace it on your car. Remember to wear a mask when painting to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
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Reattaching plastic wheel covers
To reattach plastic wheel covers, you must first remove them from the car. Using a flat-head screwdriver, gently slide the tip of the screwdriver between the wheel cover and the wheel. Slowly pry the clips away from the wheel, working your way around the wheel cover until it is free from the tire. Next, wash the wheel cover with soap and water, removing any bugs, brake dust, and dirt from the surface. Dry the wheel cover thoroughly.
Now, you can begin the process of refinishing the wheel cover. Using 600-grit sandpaper, gently sand any rust, scratches, and road grime from the entire face of the hubcap. Wash the wheel cover with soap and water a second time to remove any sanding residue, which can cause bumps in the final finish. Place the wheel cover on a few sheets of newspaper in a well-ventilated location, preferably outdoors, to prepare for painting.
Spray primer onto the hubcap, coating it thoroughly. Use a spray pattern that runs side to side, as well as front and back, to avoid any striping that might occur from painting in only one direction. Allow the primer to dry, and then spray a second coat. Once the primer is dry, paint the wheel cover using the same spray pattern, allowing the cover to dry completely between coats. Check the paint can for the appropriate drying time.
Finally, spray the wheel cover with two to three coats of clear coat, allowing it to dry between coats. This will give your hubcap a professional and tough finish. Reattach the wheel cover to the car, and enjoy your newly refurbished wheel covers!
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