Diamond Cut or Powder Coating Wheels

[PhilkSVR]

I have a 2011 Mercedes SL and I am going to refurbish the wheels. They have been checked and are suitable for a DC. They were originally DC from factory but in its life half are PC and half DC. DC is more expensive but my question which is more durable or are they both the same. I have asked for a double layer of laquer to be applied after they are DC, but does PC do the same job or is DC the way to go. I know there is a cost differential but that is not the issue for me. Thoughts please.

[paul_c123]

PC all the way. DC is not at all durable.

[PhilkSVR]

Thank you, that helps.

[ARHarh]

I got a 2 colour powder coat done on mine, see for yourself.

[PhilkSVR]

They do look very good. It sounds like there is little benefit in DC. Not as durable and the appearance is pretty indiscernible to the average guy. My wheel man can tell the difference but I guess most people can’t?

[ARHarh]

You can tell the difference easily, but who is ever going to look at your wheels and say, oh they are not diamond cut. If you want the look 2 colour is the way to go.

Diamond cut does not last well as there is no primer coat, therefore poor adhesion.

[PhilkSVR]

Well I have both on my car so not easily discernible to be honest. It’s a single colour coat for me and the overwhelming view seems DC yes looks better, glossier but durability is an issue if they are not carefully looked after. I wash my own cars carefully with the right products so I will bear that in mind. It’s a cosseted car doing around 2000 miles a year so doesn’t get daily usage and is garaged and not used in rain or ice. I have a few weeks left yet to make up my mind. Thanks for your input.

[Pica-Pica]

I have had a set powder coated, after the diamond cut was damaged. The firm recommended just normal car shampoo for cleaning. You could have a brighter outer colour - I would suggest a grey inner colour to avoid showing too much brake dust.

[PhilkSVR]

Pica-Pica said:

I have had a set powder coated, after the diamond cut was damaged. The firm recommended just normal car shampoo for cleaning. You could have a brighter outer colour - I would suggest a grey inner colour to avoid showing too much brake dust.

Thanks, I am looking to keep it stock which is silver. I think powder coat is the sensible choice, but I am still wavering

[Chris_i8]

Diamond cut wheel finish is to my eyes and experience the worst possible finish for an alloy wheel.

The wheel well / wheel is quite possibly the most hostile area of a car and then many brands decide (marketing dept.?!) to put a low quality, 'soft' finish DC wheel face right in the middle

Powder coat every time!

[paul_c123]

The rise in popularity of diamond cut coincided with the rise in popularity of leasing/PCP where the car is returned at some point and an assessor looks for damage as an extra income stream for the company.....

[juice]

Diamond Cut wheels are a stupid idea. They pretty much always go scabby.

The 20" ones on our GLC looked st and were corroded after 5 years



I had them powder coated in Shadow Chrome instead, for £400. Miles better and much harder wearing !

[PhilkSVR]

Thank you for all for your responses. If the look is not compromised then the extra durability will be the deciding factor. I simply want the car to look stock, and the clear vibes are to go down the PC route.

[paul_c123]

One option is to just leave them for now, then get them refurbished 7 minutes before you sell it.

[PhilkSVR]

paul_c123 said:

One option is to just leave them for now, then get them refurbished 7 minutes before you sell it.

Good idea, the problem is I intend keeping it for now and I look at them and see the imperfections. I will admit to being a little obsessive about my cars. I’m even thinking about repainting the calipers. Now that is sad.

Edited by PhilkSVR on Thursday 28th August 15:22

[Smint]

PhilkSVR said:

Good idea, the problem is I intend keeping it for now and I look at them and see the imperfections. I will admit to being a little obsessive about my cars. I’m even thinking about repainting the callipers. Now that is sad.

Nothing sad about painting calipers, can't stand seeing rusty filthy neglected calipers, nor come to that rusty unswept sections of discs/drums showing through the wheels, i also paint those unswept parts of new discs if they weren't coated at the factory.
Don't do bright colours, standard black hammerite is fine.

[PhilkSVR]

I will keep them stock silver. I have already changed the wheel bolts and bought new caps, which I haven’t put on yet, so a wheel refurb and caliper paint will finish the job off. Nothing sets off a car like smart wheels in my view.