How to Repair Auto Mag Wheels

Alloy wheels are sometimes referred to as mags or magnesium wheels.

Auto alloy wheels are sometimes referred to as mag wheels because alloy is a mixture of aluminum and magnesium, providing superior wheel performance through its light weight and increased braking and acceleration capabilities. Because of such improvements mag wheels are often more expensive than regular steel wheels. Still, the overall aesthetic appeal encourages many car enthusiasts to change their wheels to mags in addition to their functional enhancements.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaner
• Shop rag
• Paint thinner
• Masking tape
• Spot putty
• 240-, 400- and 600-grit sandpaper
• Scratch filler primer
• Spray paint
• Clear coat
• Polish

Instructions

1. Wash off the wheel with household cleaner to remove grease, dirt and debris. Scrub them with paint thinner to remove any paint residue.

2. Tape off surrounding areas with heavy paper and masking tape to prevent any unwanted spills.

3. Apply a small amount of spot putty onto the scratch and let it harden for 10 minutes.

4. Sand the spot putty with 240-grit sandpaper. Then finish sanding the putty until it's flush with the surface with 400-grit sandpaper.

5. Spray scratch filler primer onto the affected area.

6. Apply another small layer of spot putty on the damaged area. Let it harden and sand until smooth with 240-grit sandpaper.

7. Spray on another coat of primer and let it dry. Then sand off any rough spots with 400-grit sandpaper.

8. Spray the entire wheel with spray paint. Spray three light coats rather than one thick coat, letting each layer dry before applying the next.

9. Spray two coats of clear coat, letting each coat dry before applying the next.

10. Polish the wheel with car polish and a shop rag.

References

• Autopia-Carcare: Guide to Wheel Scuff Repair on Alloy Wheels