In professional wheel restoration, the surface preparation stage directly determines the quality and durability of the final finish. Wet blasting has proven to be the most effective method for preparing alloy wheels due to its controlled, repeatable process. Here’s how it can be applied step by step:
Initial inspection
• Assess the wheel for structural damage, corrosion depth and coating type. This determines the right abrasive media and operating parameters.
Pre-cleaning (when required)
• If wheels are heavily soiled with oils, brake dust or grease, a degreasing stage is recommended. This prevents slurry contamination and allows the wet blasting cycle to focus on coating and corrosion removal. If the wheel has a light contamination of oils, brake dust or grease then wet blasting alone may be sufficient.
Wet blasting operation
• A water-abrasive slurry is directed at the wheel under controlled pressure.
• The hydraulic cushioning effect reduces abrasive impact energy, avoiding pitting or substrate distortion.
• Parameters such as media type, slurry concentration and flow pressure are fine-tuned depending on the condition of the wheel.
Surface profile
• The process leaves a clean, uniform substrate with a refined micro-profile, providing an ideal key for powder coating, wet paint or lacquer systems.
Final finishing
• Apply the chosen coating system. With a properly prepared surface, adhesion improves significantly and long-term corrosion resistance is enhanced.
For professionals, wet blasting offers repeatability, superior coating adhesion and reduced airborne dust compared with dry blasting. It’s a process that balances precision with efficiency.
