How can I remove these scratches on my wheel?

[BM96]

I think these were from an automatic car wash (don't worry, I'm never going through one again). I tried using a scratch remover and it seems to lighten them up but I'm guessing when I wash the car again they will just reappear. I really don't want to mess with re-painting anything and don't want to spend money on the tools. What would be the easiest way to remove or lighten these scratches?

 

[Klasse Act]

I would try some Meg's Ultimate Compound and if that doesn't work your going to need to contact one of those wheels repair people in your town, sorry to see the Detroit's damaged, really cool wheel with a great name!!

 

[custmsprty]

Honestly I would characterize those as gouges, they look really deep. I wouldn't expect much.

 

[BM96]

I would try some Meg's Ultimate Compound and if that doesn't work your going to need to contact one of those wheels repair people in your town, sorry to see the Detroit's damaged, really cool wheel with a great name!!

I'll have to give it a shot and see if it helps. I do have some on hand.

Honestly I would characterize those as gouges, they look really deep. I wouldn't expect much.

Idk, when I run my finger over them it's smooth and I can't feel anything. I think they are just light scuffs.

 

[DaveT435]

If you can't feel them that picture must be deceiving. I have to agree...they look deep. Compound then polish should be able to take care of it if it's that light a scratch.

 

[Crispy]

They might be powder coated. It doesn't respond to compounding and polishing like paint. I don't know how to test for powder coat. A small trick I've used to define depth of a scratch. Take a magic marker of contrasting colour and put it on the scratch. When you polish the magic marker will come off. If there still is a stain then it is deep and you will need to level to remove.

 

[Mantilgh]

I cleaned up a wheel of my sisters with Optimum Compound and a flash pad with a DA polisher. She lost a brake pad, left it go, then tried to clean the wheel with a metal mesh pot scrubber.

I though I had some pictures of it downloaded here, but I can't find them at the moment.

It would be a lot of work by hand.

 

[StealthXJ]

If compounding does not work, step up to sanding. Try a decently rough grit first, then work your way down to wet sanding and buffing.

 

[shadwell]

If compounding does not work, step up to sanding. Try a decently rough grit first, then work your way down to wet sanding and buffing.

Be very careful as with the painted rims the clear is thin, and the paint isn't too crash hot either.. sanding will get your down to alu in no time and at that point you are looking at a full wheel recon.. ie repray.. a fe hundred dollars..

 

[Octopiston]

Take your time and be careful. Those have a machined face with a clear over. It won't be just a respray if the cut surface is marred. They have to throw it on a lathe to resurface.
Kind of a long vid, but this is the process.
http://youtu.be/6u-iCWDc7VI

 

[Riff]

Take your time and be careful. Those have a machined face with a clear over. It won't be just a respray if the cut surface is marred. They have to throw it on a lathe to resurface.
Kind of a long vid, but this is the process.
http://youtu.be/6u-iCWDc7VI

Nice. Just had mine done on my 2005 Silverado. They look awesome! This video didn't show it but they clear coated mine. Even the sides of the spokes are cleared.

Expensive. $150 each. You can buy a used one for less if you can find one with no curb rash. I liked the idea of my original wheels looking even better than new.

 

[Ferbias]

Hello,

The scratch look a little deep. The best way to remove this scratch is to compound and polish. Otherwise, apply nail polish of the same color over the scratch. I read about it in a blog about 4 tricks every driver should know. But do that only if you can get the right color.

 

[Octopiston]

Nice. Just had mine done on my 2005 Silverado. They look awesome! This video didn't show it but they clear coated mine. Even the sides of the spokes are cleared.

Expensive. $150 each. You can buy a used one for less if you can find one with no curb rash. I liked the idea of my original wheels looking even better than new.

Ya, if they didn't clear they'd tarnish pretty quickly. Many years ago, I had a car from the 80's that had machined faces and no clear. I tried to polish them once and never messed with them again.

 

[evo77]

Save yourself time and arm soreness by investing in a 3" pad and backing plate with a drill attachment. Buff and Shine is a good starting point. All for $20. Should be able to knock out those scratches much more quickly than by hand.

Buff and Shine 3 inch Grip Pads