Diamond cut and clear lacquer vs. clear powder coat

[Squirtydog]

Dear all,

Please excuse my ignorance. A quick search has not answered this for me.
The wheels on my E63 are in dire need of a refurb. Mainly due to the clear coat lacquer lifting as well as a few curb marks.
Can anyone tell me the difference (aesthetics, resistance to lifting) between the normal lacquer process and a clear powder coat as the top coat? I have had 2 cars with diamond cut wheels and have struggled to get 12 months out of a set before the lacquer starts to lift. If needs be, I will go for a single colour all over powder coat. However, I like the 2 tone diamond cut look but do not want to be waiting for the same to happen again.

Thanks.

They are the 19" forged alloys as below...

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[ph47mf]

I had the same dilemma as you.

I have chosen to go down the powdercoat route. As a matter of fact, I will get my wheels back tomorrow, I will post some pictures and you can make up your mind then.

 

[PhilLinda]

Unless you really want the 2-tone finish then go for the all over powder coat. Much more durable. I've got silver wheels that have been diamond cut on my S212. Can't understand why Mercedes bothered as barely noticeable difference between the painted and the diamond cut bit.

 

[brucemillar]

Essentially the issue you have is the 'diamond cutting' lacquer or powder does not to stick to the diamond cut finish. Many refurbishing shops now will not offer a diamond cut finish (now you know why)

Lepsons, who I would say are the best around in this field, no longer warranty a diamond cut finish. Your best bet, is to look at the many chrome/polished look finishes that are available now in powder-coat.

Or just accept that the finish will most likely flake off again in winter and need re-ding in summer. I spent an age trying to find a diamond cut finish for my WIfe's BMW and went for a polished chrome look. When you see it in the flesh it looks diamond cut but does not flake.

 

[Larkone]

At the end of the day it comes down to how deep your pockets are if you want to retain a diamond finish. Certainly getting rid of it on my wheels this spring.

 

[artyman]

I changed mine to an anthracite grey, doesn't show the brake dust as much!

 

[jon.english68]

I am also facing this dilemma with my diamond cut alloys coupled with 1 wheel being cracked too, itll cost over £400 to get my wheels refurbed but then possibly peal again but im struggling to find wheels that i like to replace the wheels i have.

 

[ph47mf]

at least that's not too bad looking, no sign of peeling lacquer yet, gather a bit more battle scars first

Mine was quite bad, the middle bit was all cloudy but the guy at the refurb place simply shrugged and said ''ah, easy''.

 

[jon.english68]

at least that's not too bad looking, no sign of peeling lacquer yet, gather a bit more battle scars first

Mine was quite bad, the middle bit was all cloudy but the guy at the refurb place simply shrugged and said ''ah, easy''.

That’s my best wheel [emoji849]


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[WDB124066]

The Best Or Nothing, it's not really on is it. Anything out of China should last better.

 

[MartC]

At the end of the day it comes down to how deep your pockets are if you want to retain a diamond finish.

Plus you can only machine so much off a wheel each time before they loose definition, or become dangerously thin in areas.

 

[Squirtydog]

Thanks everyone.
Seems like the sensible route is to go powder coat and no diamond cut then. Last car we had with a diamond cut was a Volvo bought from new. Volvo replaced all the wheels under warranty after just 18months.
At the moment I am planning to go to Wheel Specialist in Ellesmere port as they are very well recommended here.
I'm looking at some shade of metallic grey/titanium I think. I'll ask about polished finishes as I like the look of that.

I'll add pics once done.

Cheers,

 

[WDB124066]

Volvo; The Best Or Nothing.

 

[ph47mf]

Got my wheels back today, they diamond cut it instead of powdercoat, I was not happy with this misunderstanding but was quite satisfied with the finish so I paid and went.

Excuse the old centre caps, thought it came out quite well.

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[General85]

Got my wheels back today, they diamond cut it instead of powdercoat, I was not happy with this misunderstanding but was quite satisfied with the finish so I paid and went.

Excuse the old centre caps, thought it came out quite well.

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They have come out really nice. Where did you get these done as I can see your also from the Midlands?

 

[ph47mf]

They have come out really nice. Where did you get these done as I can see your also from the Midlands?

Speedwells in Tyseley, postcode is B258HT, number is 01217721198. 40 pounds each for powdercoat or 85 each for diamond cut.

I have used them in the past and they are quite good. They have spare wheels for you to go home with as well but it will set off a lot of warning lights.

Just make sure you tell the guy exactly what you need as he misunderstood me big time.

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[General85]

Speedwells in Tyseley, postcode is B258HT, number is 01217721198. 40 pounds each for powdercoat or 85 each for diamond cut.

I have used them in the past and they are quite good. They have spare wheels for you to go home with as well but it will set off a lot of warning lights.

Just make sure you tell the guy exactly what you need as he misunderstood me big time.

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Brilliant! Turns out they're 5 minutes away from me! I will make a note of their number, thank you.

 

[WDB124066]

Get some C5 on them - should help to make them last a bit longer than usual.

Struggling to get this in NZL as the local agent only replys to text's and I don't have a cell. There is nobody at the address given either, Grrr.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

They have come out really nice. Where did you get these done as I can see your also from the Midlands?

These chaps are very good too: Alloy Wheel Refurbishment | Diamond Cuttting | JP Alloys

 

[Deleted member 65149]

I’m guessing that I’ve just been lucky with the diamond cut alloys on my car. I’ve had it for six years now and there’s still no sign of the lacquer lifting anywhere, even by the couple of small kerbing scuffs. Or perhaps it’s because I never use anything to clean the wheels other than car shampoo and water (and the amazing WheelWoolies!).