Your wheels take more punishment than any other part of your car. Between hitting potholes and catching high kerbs, it doesn’t take much to turn a perfect set of rims into a mess. At Manchester Powder Coating (MPC), we specialise in alloy wheel refurbishment. This guide breaks down our refurbishment process, why we’ve earned over 200 5 reviews*, and how we restore your car’s look and safety. If you’ve noticed a scuff, a deep scratch, or a dent that’s causing a vibration, you’re in the right place to find a permanent solution.
When your wheels start looking tired, the temptation is often to try a quick fix or a mobile “smart repair.” However, those temporary solutions rarely last more than a few months before the paint starts to flake or the corrosion returns. Choosing professional alloy wheel refurbishment at a dedicated workshop like MPC means your wheels are treated to a full industrial process. We don’t just paint over the problem; we strip the alloy back to its original state to ensure the new finish actually sticks. Our incredible service and reputation have been built on doing the job right the first time.
The roads in Salford are tough on cars. From the constant stop-start traffic to the salt used on the roads in winter, your alloy wheel set is under constant attack. By bringing your car to a wheel specialist, you’re making an investment in the longevity of your vehicle. We use heavy-duty coatings that are far more resilient than standard wet paint, ensuring that your wheels can handle the daily grind while still looking brand new.
At MPC, we believe in a total restoration rather than a cosmetic patch-up. Our alloy wheel refurbishment services begin with a full assessment of each wheel. We remove the tyres and pressure-wash the rims to see exactly what we’re dealing with. Many wheels that come into our shop have hidden issues—like a small dent or a hairline crack—that you can’t see when they’re covered in road grime. Our skilled technicians check for these structural problems before any aesthetic work begins.
Once we’re happy the wheels are safe, they go through a chemical stripping tank to remove every trace of old paint and lacquer. This is followed by media blasting to smooth out the surface of the alloy. We then heat the wheels in an oven to “out-gas” the metal, which prevents bubbles from forming in the final finish. This level of detail is why we are the leading alloy wheel experts in the area. We don’t take shortcuts because we know our customers expect a showroom finish that lasts for years.
If you’ve ever had to navigate the tight parking around Media City, you know how easy it is to catch a rim. That grating sound of metal on stone usually means you’ve got kerb damage. A deep scuff isn’t just ugly; it breaks the seal of the paint, allowing moisture to get into the alloy. Once that happens, corrosion starts to spread under the surface, leading to that bubbly, white oxidation that ruins the look of the whole car.
Our wheel repair process at MPC is designed to fix this properly. We carefully sand out the damage and, for deeper gouges, we use specialised fillers that bond to the metal. We then reprofile the edge of the rim so it looks exactly as it did when it left the factory. Fixing alloy wheel damage early is the best way to prevent the metal from degrading, saving you from a much larger bill later. Our team focuses on a perfect finish that makes the original damage impossible to spot.
The secret to a long-lasting finish is our powder coating services. Most people are used to standard spray paint, but powder coating is a completely different animal. It involves spraying a dry, tinted powder onto the wheel using an electrostatic charge. This ensures the powder wraps around every curve and spoke. The wheel is then baked in an industrial oven, where the powder melts and sets into a rock-hard, durable skin.
This high-quality powder coating is much thicker and tougher than liquid paint. It’s better at resisting stone chips, road salt, and the heat generated by your brake system. At MPC, we have a wide range of colours available, from classic silvers to bespoke custom shades. This process ensures your wheels have a uniform finish that won’t run or sag. For anyone driving in Salford, it’s the best way to keep your wheels protected against the elements while maintaining a high-end look.
A common question we get is whether it’s worth fixing a wheel or just buying a new one. In almost every case, a professional refurb at MPC is available at a fraction of the cost of a new rim from a dealership. For many premium car brands, a single new alloy wheel can cost upwards of £500, whereas we can often refurbish a full set of four for less than that.
Aside from the cash saving, our powder coating is often more durable than the original finish the car came with. If you’re looking to sell your car or return a lease vehicle, having a fresh set of wheels is one of the best ways to protect the value of the car. Damaged wheels are an immediate red flag for buyers. By using our repair services, you’re maintaining the marketability of your vehicle while saving money on future maintenance.
We know that being without your vehicle is a hassle, so we’ve refined our process to offer quick turnarounds without rushing the important bits. Most of our alloy wheel refurbishment jobs take between two to three working days. This gives us enough time to let the wheels strip properly, complete any wheel repair needed, and allow the powder coating to cure in the oven.
To make the process even easier, we can often arrange collection and delivery in the Salford area. You don’t even have to worry about how to get your car or your wheels to us; we can take care of the logistics. Our skilled technicians handle everything from start to finish, including refitting and balancing your tyres, so your car is ready for a safe return to the road the moment we’re done. It’s about making the whole experience as stress-free as possible.