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From my understanding if you have 1 wheel repaired you may notice a minor colour difference to your other 3 wheels. Therefore, you may need to repaint all 4 wheels! Just depends on how picky you are!
Have a go at repairing it yourself before calling your local wheel repairer!
1. Start by thoroughly cleaning the rim to remove any dirt and brake dust.
2. Use tape and plastic sheets to cover the tire and the areas of the rim that are not damaged.
3. Use sandpaper to carefully sand down the damaged area. Start with a coarser grit like 200 or 400 to smooth out the rough edges. Gradually move to finer grits like 600+ to smooth the surface further. (Attaching sandpaper to a power drill using an adapter works best and will save you a lot of time sanding. If the damaged area is very close to the tyre, it is best to release air from the tyre to allow you to get right up into the edges).
4. After sanding, clean the rim again to remove any dust or debris from the sanding process. Use a microfiber cloth and a mild solvent if necessary.
5. Apply a thin layer of automotive primer to the sanded area. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding drying times between coats.
6. Once the primer is dry, apply the paint in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat to prevent runs and achieve a smooth finish.
7. After the paint has dried completely, apply a clear coat to protect the paint. This helps to blend the repair with the rest of the rim’s surface and provides durability. Apply the clear coat to the entire area of the wheel including the undamaged area to achieve a well blended paint job.
8. Carefully remove the masking tape from the tire and rim.
9. Optionally polish the wheels at the end for a mirror-like finish.
If you mess it up after giving it a go or if you are not comfortable in doing the work yourself, then get in contact with your local wheel repairer!
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