Went a little crazy with the pressure washer on wheels.

[zarmstrong92]

Hello,

I posted this on the Audi forum, but didn't get much of a response. Not sure if it matters, but they are 19" OEM Audi wheels. Yesterday I was pressure washing the inside of my wheels that were almost pitch black from all the brake dust. The pressure washerworked fantastic for that, but then I got carried away. I pressure washed the front of the wheels, which also worked fantastic, but a little too fantastic. Luckily I only did it to two wheels. One wheel is very minor, and the other I would call mild/moderate damage. Basically it took some of the finish off of the lip of the wheel. I have included a picture of the wheels I have, although I could not find a paint code online anywhere. I have read that others have used silver Toyota touch up paint for Audi wheels, but I would like a little more advice before I go down that route. I may just buy some of that paint and try it on a small area if I can't find an exact paint match. I’m hoping I can find some paint and use an air brushto paint over the small spaces that need refinishing. Any help would be greatly appreciated!



I can provide pictures of my actual wheels showing the damage if you guys think it would be beneficial.

Thanks

[postaltwo]

Dosent surprise me . I've seen paint stripped off before ,particularly with high pressure machines. I would take the rims in to a wheel repair shop they will fix it, likely cheaper than buying new

[zarmstrong92]

Dosent surprise me . I've seen paint stripped off before ,particularly with high pressure machines. I would take the rims in to a wheel repair shop they will fix it, likely cheaper than buying new

The damage isn't really noticeable enough to warrant spending $100-$150 per wheel to have it professionally repaired. If I can find correct paint, it shouldn't be too difficult to do with an air brush. Just looking for solutions other than professional repair or replacing wheels.

[Setec Astronomy]

Wurth Wheel Kit, wheel repainting kit, wheel paint, wurth wheel repair kit
German Wheel Scuff Repair Kit
German Wheel Restoration Kit

Or pick your own from the Wurth page: Wurth Care Care Products

[zarmstrong92]

Wurth Wheel Kit, wheel repainting kit, wheel paint, wurth wheel repair kit
German Wheel Scuff Repair Kit
German Wheel Restoration Kit

Or pick your own from the Wurth page: Wurth Care Care Products

I read that Wurth Silver paint is no longer a "one size fits all" for German wheels?

[VISITOR]

what PSI was the pressure washer you were using?

[Setec Astronomy]

I read that Wurth Silver paint is no longer a "one size fits all" for German wheels?

That may be, but paint codes (and touch-up paint) are impossible to find for wheels, as you have already found. Where are you located?

[jmsc]

I've seen this personally on paint and read about it on various forums. If you get too close with the pressure nozzle on painted body panels, alloys or other wheels, trim, plastic, glass...you may do damage to them.

I stay 1-2 feet from all body panels.

How close did you get?

[swanicyouth]

I'm wondering if those wheels were already "refinished" by the mobile dealer wheel guy. Have you had the wheels since new?

I had "dealer dude" refinish my wheels (was a freebee paid for by dealership) and the clear coat peeled off within a month. Then I paid to have them done right.

Factory wheels are powder coated - which is significantly tougher than paint sprayed from a gun. Of course, something could have went wrong with the factory powder coating process.

Pressure washers are very safe for factory wheels... Assuming this is an electric pressure washer and not some 4000 psi gas monster.


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[Joe@NextLevelDetail]

I have done this, luckily it was on my friends beater, so ever since then i have learned from that.

I now no longer try to do alot of cleaning with the pressure washer, i just keep it about 4 feet away get obvious lose dirt, and do the majority of cleaning with soap/tools.

The pressure washer isnt going to get the tire/wheel 100% clean if really dirty anyway.

Be happy it was just the wheels and not the paint, now you know to reapect the machine.