Alloy Wheel
Dipping

When Is Acid Dipping the Right Choice?

Dipping strips a wheel right back to bare metal in one go. It is most useful when:

• Corrosion has spread under the coating. When corrosion creeps under the paint or powder coat, a surface repair will not stop it. Dipping removes the coating so all of the corrosion can be dealt with.
• The wheel has many layers of paint. Wheels that have been painted several times can become thick and lumpy. Dipping removes every layer.
• An old coating has failed. Peeling or flaking powder coat is hard to remove fully by hand. Dipping clears it before a fresh alloy wheel refurbishment.
• The wheel is being diamond cut. Diamond cutting needs a clean surface, and any leftover coating can spoil the finish.
• A structural repair is needed. Welding a crack needs clean, bare metal. Dipping prepares the wheel for cracked wheel repair.

Dipping Compared With Other Ways of Stripping a Wheel

• Acid dipping: best for heavy corrosion, many coating layers and wheels that need repairs. Because the wheel is fully immersed, the liquid reaches every corner, spoke and detail.
• Blasting: fires fine particles at the wheel to remove coatings and rust and give the surface an even texture. It works well for lighter jobs and is often used alongside other preparation.
• Chemical paint stripper: suitable for small areas, but it struggles with heavy build-up and hard-to-reach spots.
• Sanding by hand: only suitable for minor damage. It is slow and cannot reach into the curves of complex wheel designs.

Why Acid Dipping Is Not a DIY Job

Dipping uses strong chemicals that can cause serious injuries, even from small splashes. It needs chemical-proof protective clothing, eye protection, good fume extraction and careful control of the solution. The wheel then has to be neutralized and rinsed thoroughly so no chemical traces are left behind. Used chemicals must also be disposed of properly and must never be poured down a drain. For all of these reasons, dipping should only be carried out by a professional workshop.

What Happens After Dipping?

Dipping is only the first stage. Bare aluminium starts to oxidize when it is exposed to air and moisture, so a dipped wheel cannot be used as it is. It goes on to be refinished, for example with:

• Powder coating, which gives a tough, even finish that protects against corrosion.
• Diamond cutting, where the clean metal allows an accurate, bright machined finish.
• A protective lacquer to seal the surface against moisture and road salt.

We offer a 3 year warranty on all powder coating and diamond cut wheels. Prices depend on wheel size, condition and finish, and you can see current prices on our price list.