Your alloy wheels take a beating. Kerbs, potholes, road salt and brake dust all damage that shiny finish over time. When it comes to restoring them, you have two main options: traditional wet paint or powder coating.

Both methods can make your wheels look brand new. But they work very differently and offer different results. This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can pick the right choice for your car.

 

What Is Alloy Wheel Painting?

Wet painting is the traditional method most people know. A technician sprays liquid paint onto your wheels using a spray gun. The paint contains pigments mixed with solvents that evaporate as the coating dries.

The process typically involves:

• Stripping the old finish
• Sanding and preparing the surface
• Applying primer
• Spraying multiple coats of colour
• Adding a clear lacquer topcoat

Wet paint dries through evaporation. This means the solvents in the paint escape into the air, leaving behind the coloured pigments bonded to the wheel surface.

 

What Is Powder Coating?

Powder coating uses a completely different approach. Instead of liquid paint, technicians apply a dry powder made from pigments, resins and curing agents.

The powder gets an electrostatic charge as it passes through the spray gun. Your wheel is earthed, so the charged powder particles stick to the metal surface like a magnet. According to the Health and Safety Executive, this electrostatic process creates a fairly uniform coating thickness across the entire surface.

Once coated, the wheel goes into a curing oven. The heat melts the powder and fuses it into a hard, continuous film. This chemical bonding creates an incredibly tough finish.

 

Key Differences Between Painting and Powder Coating

Feature	Wet Paint	Powder Coating
Durability	Moderate. Prone to chips and scratches	Excellent. Highly resistant to damage
Finish quality	Good. Can show brush marks or runs	Superior. Smooth, even coverage
Colour options	Extensive range available	Wide range including metallic and candy
Corrosion resistance	Fair	Excellent
Thickness	Thinner coating	Thicker, more protective layer
Environmental impact	Contains solvents (VOCs)	No solvents, more eco-friendly
Typical lifespan	1-3 years	5-10+ years with proper care
Cost	Lower upfront cost	Higher but better value long-term

 

Durability: The Biggest Difference

This is where powder coating really shines. The cured finish bonds chemically to the metal, creating a surface that resists chips, scratches and fading far better than paint.

Wet paint sits on top of the wheel surface. It can chip if hit by stones or scratched by kerbs. Over time, it fades from UV exposure and can peel if moisture gets underneath.

Powder coating becomes part of the wheel itself. The finish handles harsh conditions brilliantly, making it ideal for British roads where salt, rain and debris constantly attack your wheels.

At Alloy Fix, we use the highest quality powder coating materials. This allows us to offer a 3-year warranty on all alloy wheel refurbishment work using this method.

 

When to Choose Wet Paint

Wet paint still has its place. Consider it when:

• You need a very specific colour match
• You want a quick, budget-friendly touch-up
• Minor damage needs repair without full refurbishment
• You plan to change colours frequently

Paint works well for cosmetic touch-ups on small areas of damage. It dries faster and costs less for minor repairs.

 

When to Choose Powder Coating

Powder coating is the better choice when:

• You want maximum durability and protection
• Your wheels face harsh conditions daily
• You prefer a factory-quality finish
• Long-term value matters more than upfront cost
• You want protection against corrosion

For a complete wheel restoration, powder coating delivers results that last years longer than paint. The finish looks better and stays looking better.

 

The Professional Powder Coating Process

Getting powder coating done right requires specialist equipment and expertise. Here is what happens when you bring your wheels to a professional workshop:

1. Inspection and stripping The old finish comes off completely. This reveals any damage that needs attention.

2. Repair work Technicians fix any kerb damage, cracks or buckles before coating.

3. Surface preparation Shot blasting or chemical treatment prepares the metal for perfect adhesion.

4. Powder application The electrostatic spray applies powder evenly across every surface.

5. Curing Wheels go into an oven at around 200°C. The powder melts and fuses into a solid coating.

6. Quality check Each wheel gets inspected for coverage, thickness and finish quality.

 

What About Diamond Cut Wheels?

Diamond cut alloys need special consideration. These wheels have a machined face that gives them that distinctive, shiny, two-tone look.

You cannot powder coat over a diamond cut finish and keep that polished appearance. The process for these wheels involves:

• Powder coating the inner barrel and back of the wheel
• Precision machining the face on a CNC lathe
• Applying a protective lacquer over the machined surface

This combination gives you the durability of powder coating where it matters most, plus that stunning diamond cut sparkle on the visible face.

 

Cost Comparison

Wet paint costs less upfront. A basic respray might run £50-80 per wheel.

Powder coating typically costs £80-150 per wheel for a full alloy refurbishment. But you get what you pay for.

When you factor in longevity, powder coating often works out cheaper. A painted wheel might need redoing every 2-3 years. Powder coated wheels can last a decade or more with proper care.

 

Making Your Decision

Think about how you use your car:

Choose paint if:

• Budget is tight right now
• You only need minor touch-ups
• Your car does low mileage in good conditions

Choose powder coating if:

• You drive daily in all weather
• Your wheels face regular wear and tear
• You want a finish that lasts
• Long-term value matters to you

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I powder coat any alloy wheel? Most alloy wheels suit powder coating. Severely damaged or cracked wheels may need repair first. A professional can assess your wheels and advise.

How long does powder coating take? Typically 2-3 days for a full set of four wheels. This includes stripping, preparation, coating and curing.

Will powder coating add weight to my wheels? The coating adds minimal weight, usually less than 100 grams per wheel. This has no noticeable effect on performance.

Can I change the colour later? Yes. The old powder coating can be stripped off and a new colour applied.

Does powder coating come in different finishes? Absolutely. You can choose gloss, satin, matte or metallic finishes. Candy colours and special effects are also available.

Is powder coating better for the environment? Yes. It contains no solvents or volatile organic compounds. Overspray can be recycled, so there is very little waste.

 

The Bottom Line

Both painting and powder coating can restore damaged alloy wheels. But for durability, protection and long-term value, powder coating wins every time.

The harder finish resists the chips, scratches and corrosion that British roads throw at your wheels. The factory-quality look lasts for years, not months.

If you want wheels that look stunning and stay that way, powder coating is the smart choice.

---

Ready to restore your alloy wheels?

Contact Alloy Fix today for a free quote. Our expert technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to deliver showroom-quality results with a 3-year warranty.

Call us on 01708 728438 or visit our workshops in Romford, Dartford or Hemel Hempstead.

---

Google Title: Alloy Wheel Painting vs Powder Coating | Which Lasts Longer?

Google Meta Description: Comparing alloy wheel painting and powder coating? Discover which finish lasts longer, costs less long-term and protects your wheels best. Expert guide.