Dealing with Corrosion on Rims: Everything You NEED to Know

For an updated guide, follow this link: Dealing With Corrosion on Rims: The Updated Guide.

Dealing with corrosion on rims is a frustrating problem that many car owners encounter at some point. Not only does corrosion detract from the overall appearance of your vehicle, but it can also compromise the structural integrity of the wheels.

However, you have nothing to fear!

In this guide, I will walk you through a step-by-step restoration process to effectively deal with corrosion on rims.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or a beginner, this guide is designed to provide you with the knowledge and techniques necessary to restore your rims to their former glory.

Assessing the Damage.

Before going forward into the restoration process, it’s really important to assess the extent of the corrosion on your rims.

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve already noticed some rust or discoloration on your rims. If that’s the case, you can skip ahead. But if you’re unsure whether your rims have corrosion, let’s start by understanding how to spot it.

Give Your Rims a Thorough Inspection: Take a close look at your rims, checking for signs of rust, pitting, or discoloration. These indicators will help you determine whether the corrosion is just on the surface or if it has penetrated deeper into the material.

Identifying the extent of the damage will guide you in choosing the right restoration approach.

Gathering the Required Equipment.

To effectively restore rims affected by corrosion, you will need some chemicals and tools that will help you in the battle. However, while the chemicals are essential, they don’t have to be expensive.

In fact, the ones you’ll need are really easy to gather. You can quickly order them online and they will be at your doorstep before even knowing it.

And what is even better? You don’t have to lose time selecting and comparing. For your comfort and ease, I’m going to provide you with links, where you can check them with all their details.

Note: Not everything from the list above is a must-have. You don’t have to buy stuff you don’t need and spend money without necessity. I’ll talk more about it below.

– Wheel and Tire Cleaner:

You are going to need one, because your first step in the whole process will be to clean and degrease the wheel. This should be done before anything else.

And about the product, I recommend you to use the Adam’s Polishes Wheel & Tire Cleaner Combo.

It is one of the best options the market has to offer, and something I would personally recommend. It is very effective in removing brake dust and rejuvenating tires, leaving the wheels looking refreshed.

The cleaner is safe to use on various finishes and extends the lifespan of tire dressings.

And the best part? It comes with both wheel and tire brushes, which is neat, because you’ll also need those in the process. All-in-one pack.

– Rust Converter (If there are areas of deep corrosion):

If there are areas of deep corrosion, a rust converter can help convert and stabilize the rust, preventing it from spreading further.

My personal recommendation is the Seymour 16-45 Rust Converter.

It is an efficient product for treating rust on metal surfaces. It converts rust into a stable, black protective coating and can be painted over without bleeding through subsequent top coats. It works quickly and effectively, providing a hard, durable surface.

Below I will provide you with instructions on how to use it, step-by-step.

You can check that Rust Converter here.

– Wheel wax:

Applying a high-quality wheel wax will provide a protective barrier against pollutants and make cleaning easier in the future.

And for high-quality wheel wax, I strongly recommend the “‎Chemical Guys ‎WAC315 as it’s a practical choice for wheel protection.

It does a solid job keeping brake dust and grime away, plus it’s got UV protection to prevent fading.

What’s impressive is how it gives your wheels a slick, clean look.

Application is easy and is done with a foam pad and is working on different wheel materials without any problem.

Also the product is durable, making it a smart choice for anyone looking for a straightforward and effective solution for wheel protection.

You can view more details of the product here.

– Sanding block:

You are going to use the sanding block for smoothing the surface of the rim.
Look for sanding blocks with a coarser grit of:

• 80 or 120 to remove the corrosion
• 220 to give a smoother finish

You can acquire them at every local hardware store, but if you are looking for a faster and easier solution, I would recommend the Boshcraft 10 Sanding Block Pack. << Check it here.

It’s literally everything you need, and the best part is that they are reusable after washing. Needless to say more.

– A Wire Brush (If the old paint must be scrapped):

If the corrosion on your rims is extensive and demands a thorough removal of the old paint, you may consider using a wire brush.

It’s crucial to approach this process with care, taking into account the material composition of your rims.

Choosing the right tools is essential, as improper equipment may risk damaging the rim’s surface.

For instance, a wire brush can assist in the paint removal process without causing harm when used judiciously, especially if it is made from the right material.

Remember, the key is to tailor your approach to the specific needs of your rims, considering their composition and condition. Always exercise caution to preserve the integrity of the rims while achieving the desired results.

If uncertain about the compatibility of tools with your rim material, seek professional advice or consult the product manufacturer’s guidelines.

Again, there are a lot of options in every hardware store, but you can also check my recommendation here.

The Ecodite 4-Pack Multi Purpose Wire Set is a great choice.

They come in different sizes, so you can access every inch of your rim. You can also use them for whatever other purposes in your home, as they are useful in multiple ways.

These wire brushes are made from different materials – two brushes made of Stainless Steel and two brushes made of Brass, which is softer and can be used if your rim is of more delicate material.

Another perk is their eco-friendly design and their comfy handles.

Before using the brushes, always test them in a small area first. Use them at your own risk.

– Masking Tape (If painting is necessary):

You need a masking tape to separate the tire from the rim, so the rubber can be protected during the painting process.

The 3M Scotch Masking Tape could be a great and inexpensive choice.

It is made of durable material and sticks to most surfaces without leaving residue when removed.

But you can still use whatever other masking tape you have.

– Primer and Paint (If painting is necessary):

Finding the perfect paint for your rims totally depends on your preferences and your style.

Hardware stores offer a rich selection of sprays and paints from which you can choose based on what you want your rims to look like.

And don’t forget to look for a good primer that is compatible with the material of which your rims are made of. Applying a primer is essential if you want the paint to last longer, but it also serves as a protective layer from corrosion. Have that in mind.

You can find more information about the different materials and rim types here:

> Car Rim Types: The Ultimate In-Depth Guide.

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Additional Tools You May Need:

• Edgeless Towel
• Microfiber Towel
• Small Brush
• Applicator Pad

Step-by-Step Restoration Process

1. Observing the Damage:

Before doing anything, you first need to see what the level of the damage is. You have to check if the corrosion is extensive, deep and if the affected area is big. Based on this information, you are going to judge what you need and what you will use.

If the corrosion is not that extensive, you just need to remove it using a sanding block, but if it’s extensive or deep, then you must use a rust converter. Scrapping the old paint at the affected place may be needed on that occasion.

After observing the damage and acquiring the needed tools and chemicals, you can then proceed to the next part.

2. Preparing the Work Area:

Safely lift your vehicle using a jack, and secure it properly to ensure stability. Remove the affected wheel to allow easier access during the restoration process.

You are not sure how to do it? Then we got you covered! Here is an easy step-by-step guide on how to remove the wheel safely.

3. Cleaning the Wheel:

Start by cleaning the wheel with the wheel cleaner to remove dirt and brake dust.

That’s how to do it:

1. Apply the wheel cleaner thoroughly on the surface of the wheel WITHOUT first rinsing with water. Just apply the product directly.
2. Using the brushes provided in the kit, scrub the rim and the tire’s sidewall. You will see how a foam will start to form. Just make sure you don’t allow the product to dry on the wheel’s surface on its own.
3. Lastly, rinse thoroughly with water.
4. You can repeat the process two or three times until the foam turns completely white when scrubbing. That means that the dirt, grease, brake dust and oil buildups are gone.

After rinsing with water, let the wheel dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

4. Removing the Corrosion:

WARNING: Skip the first step if the corrosion is NOT extensive or deep. If the corrosion is not extensive, you can proceed directly with the sanding.

1) Begin by removing the old paint on the affected place if necessary (if the corrosion is extensive or deep). You are going to use the wire brush, but I recommend you to test the brush on a small area to see if the material of your rim can support it without being damaged.

Apply moderate pressure and work in small, controlled motions. The goal is to remove the paint without scratching or damaging the metal.

Scrap it until bare metal. Don’t worry, we are going to repaint it in the process.

2) Use the sanding block to smoothen the corroded areas.

Start with a coarser grit (such as 80 or 120) to remove the corrosion and then progress to finer grits (such as an 220) for a smoother finish. Aim for a uniform and smooth surface.

Then wipe the surface using a clean cloth or rag to remove any dust particles.

5. Treating Deep Corrosion

If there are areas of deep corrosion that cannot be completely removed by sanding, you are going to apply the rust converter.

How:

1. Follow the steps from above to safely remove the paint from the affected area. Unfortunately, If the corrosion is deep, you need to remove the paint before applying the product.
2. Safety first: put on some gloves. After all, you are going to work with a strong chemical that may harm your skin. Also, read the instructions of the product carefully before applying.
3. Firmly spray the liquid over the rusted area.

This will convert any remaining rust into a stable compound in 10-20 minutes, preventing further spread.

Allow the rust converter to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

6. Applying the Primer

Choose a high-quality primer specifically designed for metal.

Apply an even coat of primer to the affected areas, or the whole rim if you wish, ensuring thorough coverage. You should use light, sweeping strokes for a seamless application.

Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Painting the Rim

Select an automotive-grade paint that matches your preferred color. Apply thin, even coats of paint to the rim, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

Multiple thin coats will provide better results than a single heavy coat.

Ensure an even and smooth application.

8. Applying the Wheel Wax

To provide added protection and enhance the shine of the restored rims we are going to apply a wheel wax.

• Apply a small amount of the product to the wheel surface, covering it evenly. Then use an applicator pad to spread the wax in a thin and even layer. Ensure that you reach all areas of the wheel, including spokes and crevices.

• After allowing the product to dry for 15 minutes, buff off using a microfiber towel.

The wax will serve as a protective barrier against future corrosion and give your rims a glossy finish.

Preventive Measures

To avoid future corrosion on your rims, follow these preventive measures:

– Regularly clean your rims: Regular cleaning will help remove dirt, brake dust, and other corrosive substances that could lead to corrosion.

– Apply protective coatings: Consider applying a protective wheel sealant or wax frequently to provide an additional barrier against corrosion. These coatings will also make cleaning easier in the future.

– Check tire pressure and general maintenance: Proper tire pressure and regular maintenance will help prevent unnecessary stress on the rims, reducing the likelihood of corrosion. Ensure that your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure and that your vehicle’s suspension is in good condition.

We have articles that explore everything about Wheel Maintenance considering every detail.

• Car Tire Maintenance Tips – Treat to be Treated.
• How to Store Tires Properly: A Practical Guide for Preservation.
• Best Tire Cleaning Products: Adam’s Graphene Tire Dressing.

Conclusion

Restoring rims affected by corrosion is a worthwhile investment of time and effort.

By following this expanded step-by-step restoration guide, you can effectively address rim corrosion and restore them to their original condition.

Remember to assess the damage, gather the necessary tools and materials, and follow the restoration process I have outlined for you.

By taking preventive measures and maintaining regular maintenance, you can enjoy corrosion-free rims for years to come.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to drop a comment below, or contact me directly through one of my social media channels or on my email: info@kaiserwhees.com. I’m always here for you!