How to Fix a Curbed Rim

by Jenny Carver

sports car rim image by Lario Tus from Fotolia.com

Rims are expensive to replace whether they are aftermarket or factory original wheels. Rims are not hard to damage when driving around curbs in parking lots or drive-thrus. A cement curb is rough and strong and when the rim is driven too close to the curb, the curb scrapes and gouges the surface of the rim. Curbed rims can be fixed with some patience and some supplies from an automotive paint supply store.

Step 1

Sand the curbed area of the rim with 220-grit sandpaper until it is smooth. It will be lower than the surface of the rim. Apply a thick layer of body putty to the low area using a plastic squeegee. Wait one hour for the putty to dry. Sand the putty smooth with 220-grit sandpaper until it is level with the surface of the rim. Sand it again with 400-grit sandpaper to smooth the scratches left by the 220-grit paper.

Step 2

Place masking tape and paper on the area adjacent to the repair so it doesn't become covered in over spray. Wipe the area down with wax and grease remover using a microfiber towel to remove any wax or grease particles left from old cleaners or fingerprints.

Step 3

Spray a total of three to four thin coats of wheel paint over the repaired area. Hold the can six inches from the surface of the rim and keep the coats light to reduce the chances of runs in the paint. Wait 10 minutes between each coat and wait three hours after the last coat is sprayed before handling the rim.

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