What is this on my wheels?

[Green_Machine]

Hi guys,

New to the forum. I bought my car around a year ago and the aftermarket wheels that came with the car had strange marks on them. It looks like dirt but does not seem to come off. See the attached photos - note the photos are all of the same wheel (some with flash on, some flash off).

I have tried using Bluemagic Metal polish (it says for chrome, aluminium and mag wheels) with no success.

1) I honestly don`t even know what finish my wheel is - any guesses?

2) Anyone know what the marks are and more importantly, how I can get them off?

[admin]

Those wheels appear to have a machined face with a clearcoat, and it's the clearcoat that has failed and likely aluminum oxidation is occurring underneath.

These wheels are made by being cast, painted black, and then machining the face (as indicated by the grooves) and completely clearcoated. Reproducing the finish would take a lot of work, but it can be done... and you'd have to polish away the oxidation (and possibly some pitting) underneath the failed clearcoat.

Unless you want to strip the finish completely, I'd suggest new wheels.

[The Guz]

The clearcoat has failed. There is nothing you can do to polish them out. Your best bet is to have them refinished or get new wheels.

[admin]

Yes, there are companies that refinish wheels, and something like this usually costs about $80-120 depending on what they do... if they are expensive quality wheels, that may be a good option.

Some polishing houses could also polish away the finish and maybe refinish them as well, or just leave them bare polished aluminum, which has a classic look.

Search for "metal polishing" or "wheel refinishing" or variations on those terms, and ask around at your tire shops, body shops or detailers for recommendations.

[Green_Machine]

Thank you for your responses. It is very much appreciated.

I will contact a few shops and see what they would charge to refinish the wheels (provided they can do so).