Introduction
The problem of clear coat on aluminum wheels can be a tricky one to deal with. This is because the clear coat is designed to protect the wheel from corrosion and other environmental damage, but over time it can start to chip away or wear down, leaving your wheels looking dull and worn out. Luckily, there are a few different ways to remove clear coat from aluminum wheels and restore them to their original shine.
Sanding and Polishing
This is often the first option people turn to when trying to remove clear coat from aluminum wheels. The advantage of this method is that it’s relatively easy and inexpensive, and you don’t need any special tools or equipment. However, it can be very time-consuming and you may not get the desired results if you’re not experienced with this type of work.
To begin, you’ll need to gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need sandpaper in a variety of grits (start with a low grit and move up to higher grits as needed), a bucket of water, a sponge, and a rubbing compound. Once you have all the supplies, follow these steps:
- Soak the sandpaper in the water for a few minutes.
- Wet the wheel with the sponge.
- Start sanding the wheel with the lowest grit sandpaper, using circular motions.
- Move up to a higher grit sandpaper if needed, repeating the same process.
- Once you’ve removed all the clear coat, rinse off the wheel with the sponge.
- Apply the rubbing compound to the wheel and buff it with a clean cloth.
- Rinse off the wheel again and dry with a clean cloth.
Using a Chemical Stripper
Another option for removing clear coat from aluminum wheels is to use a chemical stripper. This is a more aggressive method than sanding and polishing but it can be much faster and more effective. To use this method, you’ll need to gather the following supplies: chemical stripper, paint brush, plastic sheeting, and a bucket of water.
Once you have all the supplies, follow these steps:
- Cover the surrounding area with the plastic sheeting to protect it from the chemical stripper.
- Put on gloves and safety goggles.
- Use the paint brush to apply the chemical stripper to the wheel.
- Let the stripper sit for a few minutes, then scrub it off with a brush.
- Rinse off the wheel with the bucket of water.
- Dry the wheel with a clean cloth.
Using an Electric Buffer
Using an electric buffer is another way to remove clear coat from aluminum wheels. This method is more expensive than the others but it can also be much faster and easier. To use this method, you’ll need to gather the following supplies: electric buffer, buffing pad, polishing compound, and a bucket of water.
Once you have all the supplies, follow these steps:
- Put on gloves and safety goggles.
- Attach the buffing pad to the electric buffer.
- Apply the polishing compound to the wheel.
- Turn on the electric buffer and slowly move it around the wheel, buffing it until the clear coat is removed.
- Once the clear coat is gone, rinse off the wheel with the bucket of water.
- Dry the wheel with a clean cloth.
Abrasive Blasting
Abrasive blasting is another option for removing clear coat from aluminum wheels. This method is more expensive than the others but it can also be much faster and more effective. To use this method, you’ll need to gather the following supplies: an abrasive blaster, an air compressor, protective clothing, and a bucket of water.
Once you have all the supplies, follow these steps:
- Put on protective clothing and safety goggles.
- Attach the abrasive blaster to the air compressor.
- Point the blaster at the wheel and start blasting it with the abrasive material.
- Continue blasting until the clear coat is gone.
- Once the clear coat is gone, rinse off the wheel with the bucket of water.
- Dry the wheel with a clean cloth.
Utilizing a Rotary Tool
Using a rotary tool is another way to remove clear coat from aluminum wheels. This method is more expensive than the others but it can also be much faster and easier. To use this method, you’ll need to gather the following supplies: a rotary tool, a polishing pad, polishing compound, and a bucket of water.
Once you have all the supplies, follow these steps:
- Put on gloves and safety goggles.
- Attach the polishing pad to the rotary tool.
- Apply the polishing compound to the wheel.
- Turn on the rotary tool and slowly move it around the wheel, buffing it until the clear coat is removed.
- Once the clear coat is gone, rinse off the wheel with the bucket of water.
- Dry the wheel with a clean cloth.
Applying Heat with a Torch
The last option for removing clear coat from aluminum wheels is to use a torch. This is by far the most dangerous method and should only be attempted by experienced professionals. To use this method, you’ll need to gather the following supplies: a propane torch, protective clothing, and a bucket of water.
Once you have all the supplies, follow these steps:
- Put on protective clothing and safety goggles.
- Light the torch and slowly move it around the wheel, heating it until the clear coat is melted.
- Once the clear coat is melted, rinse off the wheel with the bucket of water.
- Dry the wheel with a clean cloth.
Conclusion
Removing clear coat from aluminum wheels can be a tricky task, but with the right tools and techniques, it doesn’t have to be difficult. You can try sanding and polishing, using a chemical stripper, an electric buffer, abrasive blasting, a rotary tool, or even applying heat with a torch. Whichever method you choose, make sure to take all the necessary safety precautions and follow the instructions closely.
Finally, remember that removing clear coat is just the first step. You’ll still need to polish and wax the wheels to restore their original shine and protect them from further damage. Good luck!