Diamond Cut vs Powder Coating

[TeddyRuxpin]

I get the impression it’s about £200-250 for powder coating and £375-425 for diamond cut, on average, for 18” wheels?

Mine are pretty bad, but £400+ is just so much money for what is essentially a cosmetic item for my car. I’m half tempted to just leave it I’ve never curved a wheel so far, but in pretty sure my first time would be as soon as I had mine reconditioned...

(P.S., I’m reading some stuff online of people who get a refurb and oxidisation returns in a couple of years, even with no curbing or damage - is this correct?)

 

[Will]

Those figures are in the right sort of ball park.

Cheap cast alloy wheels with average quality refurbs and taken to car washes who spray brick acid on them and spray with high pressure washers etc will last a shorter time than new or top quality refurbed wheels that are cared for sympathetically.

Too many variables but if you’re only worried about the longevity of the finish then powder coating all the way. If the appearance is what’s important then you’ll need to decide what you want to do, but for factory diamond cut wheels you’ll never get the same finish from paint/powder coat.

When the sunlight hits the diamond cut finish they look so much better than gloopy powder coat

 

[Edd1968]

That's interesting - I've been talking to The Wheel Specialist in Aberdeen and they didn't mention the ability of combining the two!
Dave

...you should have spoken to Kenny in Inverness. Top guy!

 

[Edd1968]

Too many variables but if you’re only worried about the longevity of the finish then powder coating all the way. If the appearance is what’s important then you’ll need to decide what you want to do, but for factory diamond cut wheels you’ll never get the same finish from paint/powder coat.

When the sunlight hits the diamond cut finish they look so much better than gloopy powder coat

I can't agree here because it depends one where you go and their skill level. My wheels aren't OEM but the paint finish and the clear powder coated diamond cut edges are perfect. And the amount of diamond cut OEM wheels, both Merc and BMW wheels that we replaced under warranty while I worked at the dealership was horrific!


...then again, the sh1te they through down on our Highland roads in the winter eat any alloy wheels for breakfast, dinner and tea!!!

 

[Will]

I was comparing the finish of factory diamond cut wheels or high quality refurbished ones to the typical ‘powder coated’ all one colour wheels that most refurb places will do.

Powder coat laqcuer over the diamond cut surface is okay, I meant that you’ll never achieve the same finish as a diamond cut/high sheen polished alloy wheel with any form of painted/powder coating colour/equivalent

I think you know what I mean as your wheels your posted have diamond cut lips, silver powder coat looks okay and will be more durable long term but won’t have the same appearance in the sunlight as yours

 

[Alex225]

100% powder coat the wheels!

I recall some years ago having a set of wheels for a VW Lupo refurbished. I wanted a polished lip and a black centre. The place I was using, I had been to many times before and had wheels powder coated. The chap I spoke to advised me to have a bare metal lip rather than having it lacquered. He explained that lacquer simply doesn't adhere properly to bare metal and will eventually lift and look naff. I opted for bare metal, gave the lip a quick wipe over with polish once a month and they were fine.

Further experience of diamond cut wheels is much the same. My mum had a car with them fitted, never kerbed, only done 20k and all four were absolutely ruined. Even stone chips will be enough to allow moisture under the lacquer and in turn it'll life and you'll get white lines start to appear, that's assuming they don't ever go near a kerb.

I think diamond cut wheels can look good on the right car, maybe if your car is garaged and sees few miles they'll last. There is a reason why many wheel repairers won't guarantee that finish for more than 6-12 months.

 

[Neiltodd]

Had mine powder coated in Elgin

 

[Edd1968]

Had mine powder coated in Elgin

... The less said about that the better!
Just kidding my friend

 

[Cyclone1]

As has been said, Diamond cutting the alloys unfortunately isn’t very durable albeit the finish if done properly is amazing. I had my diamond cut alloys painted, the finish was also amazing and better than I expected, but it depends on who you use and how they prepare and carry out the job. Powder coating probably won’t give as good a finish, but it is the most durable in the long term. It’s a much harder finish than paint so less likely to be affected by road grit and debris causing chips.

You can see a few pics of my painted alloys in this thread, like I said though the only downside is they will eventually suffer from chipping.

AMG Alloys and Caliper Colour Change

 

[Petrol Pete]

Better...? View attachment 85136

Much..

 

[pmcgsmurf]

Just dropped the W212 18" Diamond Cut wheels off today at refurbisher.

Going with with Powder Coating this time, £280 against £400.
Will post some pictures of before and after.

These wheels were last done 3 years and about 4k miles ago and are quite poorly.