Painting Alloy Wheels at Our Perivale Workshop
Need alloy wheel painting in Greenford? MH Auto Repair Centre paints alloy wheels at our workshop in Perivale, Greenford UB6 7LD, whether you want faded or scuffed alloys brought back to their original colour or a full alloy wheel colour change. Painting alloy wheels (also called alloy rim painting, an alloy wheel respray or repainting alloys) is a colour and finish service for wheels that are structurally sound: if a wheel is cracked, dented or kerbed, that damage is repaired first, as explained further down this page. Completed work carries our 6-month warranty. WhatsApp a few photos to 07533 280206 and we’ll advise on the best approach for your wheels.
What is alloy wheel painting?
Alloy wheel painting is the process of applying a new coat of paint to an alloy wheel to change or restore its colour and finish. Unlike alloy wheel refurbishment, which repairs physical damage such as kerb scuffs, dents and cracks, painting is a cosmetic finish change carried out on a wheel that’s structurally sound. It’s the service to look at if your wheels have faded with age, no longer match the rest of the car, or you simply want a different colour — not if the wheel itself has been knocked, bent or chipped.
Signs your alloy wheels could do with repainting
Alloy wheel paint is exposed to constant road spray, brake dust, grit and UV light, and it wears differently to bodywork paint because it sits so close to the road. Common reasons drivers come to us for alloy wheel painting include:
- Faded or discoloured paintwork — the lacquer and colour coat breaking down after years of road exposure and washing
- Light surface scuffs or scratches across the face of the wheel that haven’t gone through to the metal
- Brake dust staining and pitting in the lacquer that no amount of cleaning will fully lift
- A finish that no longer matches the rest of the car — for example if a wheel has been swapped or previously repaired
- Wanting a different colour altogether — moving away from the factory finish to something like satin black, gunmetal or a colour-matched shade
If any of that sounds familiar but the wheel has also picked up a dent, crack, or kerb gouge, that underlying damage needs addressing first — see the next section.
Painting, refurbishment or diamond cutting — which do you need?
These three services get confused with each other a lot, so it’s worth being clear about what each one actually does before you get in touch:
- Alloy wheel painting (this page) changes or refreshes the colour and finish of a wheel that isn’t physically damaged.
- Alloy Wheel Refurbishment repairs the underlying damage first — kerb scuffs, dents, cracks and corrosion — before any cosmetic finish is applied.
- Diamond Cut Alloy Wheel Repair is a completely different process: a lathe machine-cuts a thin layer off the face of the wheel to reveal a polished, two-tone metal finish, rather than applying a painted colour.
If a wheel has kerb damage, dents or cracks, that structural damage needs repairing before we can paint over it — otherwise the flaw will still be visible, and the new paint won’t hold properly over unrepaired damage. In that case, our Alloy Wheel Refurbishment service addresses the wheel itself first, and our Alloy Wheel Repair page covers cracked and welded wheels. If what you’re actually after is the bare, polished metal look rather than a solid colour, that’s a job for Diamond Cut Alloy Wheel Repair, not painting. Send us a few photos on WhatsApp if you’re not sure which applies to your wheels — it’s often obvious once we can see the damage, or lack of it.
Colour and finish options
Wheels can typically be repainted in a range of finishes, from gloss and matte black through to silver, gunmetal, and colour-matched options intended to blend in with the rest of the car. We don’t promise a fixed colour range upfront, because exact finish availability depends on the wheel’s condition, the paint system being used, and what’s practical for that particular job. We’ll talk through realistic options once we’ve seen the wheels or the photos you send over — whether you’re after something close to the original factory colour or a more noticeable change.
How we handle alloy wheel painting
- Inspection — we check the wheel over for any damage, such as kerb scuffs, dents or cracks, that would need addressing before painting rather than after.
- Preparation — the existing finish is cleaned, keyed and prepared so the new paint has a sound, even surface to bond to. Poor preparation is the main reason a wheel repaint doesn’t last, so this stage matters as much as the paint itself.
- Masking — tyres, valves and any parts that shouldn’t be painted are protected before spraying begins.
- Painting — the chosen colour and finish is applied at our Perivale/Greenford workshop, followed by a protective lacquer coat where appropriate.
- Curing — the paint is left to cure properly before the wheel goes back on the car, so the finish isn’t compromised by handling it too soon.
- Handback — completed work carries our 6-month warranty.
Why a proper respray beats a DIY spray can
Alloy wheel paint takes more of a beating than any other painted surface on a car — constant grit, brake dust, road salt and washing — which is exactly why preparation and the right paint system matter so much. A wheel that isn’t properly cleaned, keyed and primed before painting will usually show it fairly quickly, with the new colour lifting, chipping or fading around the edges long before it should. Professional preparation and application, followed by a proper cure, is what makes the difference between a repaint that looks good for a few weeks and one that holds up to daily driving. Wheel condition matters beyond looks, too: the annual MOT includes a check of your wheels and tyres, as GOV.UK explains. We can look them over during a pre-MOT check before we book your MOT at an authorised MOT test centre nearby.
What affects the cost of alloy wheel painting
There’s no fixed price for alloy wheel painting, since it depends on the specifics of the job. Cost depends on things like:
- How many wheels need painting — a single wheel refresh costs less than a full set of four
- The condition of the wheel before painting — light prep for a faded finish costs less than more involved surface work
- The finish or colour chosen, including whether a colour-match to the rest of the car is needed
- Whether the wheels need to be removed from the car for the job
For a quote, message us on WhatsApp with photos of the wheels and a few details about what you’re after — the current colour, the finish you’d like, and how many wheels are involved.
Do you offer mobile alloy wheel painting?
We don’t currently offer a mobile/on-site painting service. Wheels are painted at our Perivale/Greenford workshop, where we can properly prepare and cure the finish under controlled conditions — ask the team about collection and drop-off options when you get in touch.
Related services
- Alloy Wheel Refurbishment — for kerb damage, dents, cracks or cosmetic restoration before any repainting
- Alloy Wheel Repair — for cracked, scuffed or welded alloy wheels
- Diamond Cut Alloy Wheel Repair — for the machine-cut, polished-metal finish rather than a painted colour
- Diamond Cut Wheel Paint — colour and finish options for diamond cut wheels
- Scratch Repair — for scratches and scuffs on the bodywork itself
- Car Respraying — if you want the bodywork colour refreshed to match freshly painted wheels
- Car Body Repairs — our wider bodywork specialism
Why choose MH Auto Repair Centre
MH Auto Repair Centre is a family-run garage carrying out alloy wheel painting from our workshop in Perivale/Greenford, serving drivers across Greenford, Perivale, Northolt, Southall, Brentford and the wider West London area. Wheels are prepared and painted in the workshop, completed work carries a 6-month warranty, and a free vehicle inspection is available if you want the wheels checked over first. If your wheels have faded, don’t match the rest of the car, or you’re after a colour change, WhatsApp is the quickest way to get an initial view and arrange a time to bring the car in. You can also request a free estimate online.
Alloy wheel colour change: black and other finishes
An alloy wheel colour change is simply a full repaint in a new shade rather than the original factory colour. Popular choices include gloss or satin black, gunmetal grey and silver, or a shade picked to complement the bodywork. Painting alloys black follows the same process as any other colour: the wheel is inspected, prepared, masked, painted, lacquered where appropriate and left to cure. The quote depends on the number of wheels, how much preparation they need and the finish you choose, including whether a colour-match is needed. Tell us the colour you’re thinking of when you send photos and we’ll say whether it’s realistic for your wheels.
FAQs
Can alloy wheels be repainted a different colour?
Yes, wheels can typically be repainted in a range of finishes, including a full colour change away from the original factory shade. We’ll confirm what’s practical for your wheels once we’ve had a look.
Is painting the same as refurbishment?
No — painting refreshes the colour and finish of a wheel that isn’t damaged. If the wheel has kerb damage, dents or cracks, that’s addressed through our Alloy Wheel Refurbishment service, usually before any repainting takes place.
What’s the difference between painting and diamond cutting?
Painting applies a solid colour finish across the wheel. Diamond cutting is a machine-cut lathe process that removes a thin layer of the wheel’s face to reveal a polished, two-tone metal look, rather than adding colour — see our Diamond Cut Alloy Wheel Repair page for that option.
Can a damaged alloy wheel just be painted over?
Not on its own — paint won’t disguise a kerb scuff, dent or crack for long, and it won’t bond properly over unrepaired damage. Wheels with physical damage need that damage addressed through Alloy Wheel Refurbishment first, with painting carried out afterwards if needed.
Do all four wheels need to be painted, or can I do just one?
Either is possible. Some customers want a single faded or mismatched wheel brought back in line with the others, while some want a full set repainted for a colour change. Let us know what you’re after and we’ll advise accordingly.
What affects the cost of alloy wheel painting?
The number of wheels, their condition beforehand, and the finish or colour chosen. Send us photos on WhatsApp for a quote.
Can you paint my alloy wheels black?
Yes. Alloy wheels can typically be painted black in a gloss, satin or matte finish, and we’ll confirm what’s practical once we’ve seen them. The cost depends on the same things as any repaint: how many wheels, their condition and the finish you choose. WhatsApp photos to 07533 280206 and we’ll give you a quote.
Do you offer mobile alloy wheel painting?
No, not currently — painting is carried out at our Perivale/Greenford workshop so the finish can be properly prepared and cured. Ask about collection and drop-off when you contact us.
Get your alloy wheels assessed
Message us on WhatsApp with photos of your wheels and what you’re after — current colour, desired finish, and how many wheels are involved — and we’ll advise on the best option.
Prefer to speak to us directly? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp below.
