How Much Does Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Cost? A Complete Price Guide
Quick Answer
Alloy wheel refurbishment costs £60–£90 per wheel for powder coating, £90–£130 for diamond cut, and £120–£150 for specialist finishes. A full set of four wheels typically costs £280–£500. At IQ Tyres Mitcham, powder coat refurbishment starts from £60 per wheel.
Alloy wheel refurbishment costs between £60 and £150 per wheel for most standard finishes, with diamond cut refinishing at the higher end of that range. A full set of four wheels typically costs £280–£500 depending on size, finish type, and the extent of damage. Here is what drives the price and how to avoid paying more than you need to.
The Three Main Refurbishment Types and Their Costs
Not all alloy refurbishment is the same. The process — and therefore the price — varies significantly depending on the finish your wheels require. There are three main categories:
1. Powder Coat Refurbishment — £60–£90 per wheel
Powder coating is the most common refurbishment type and the most cost-effective. The wheel is stripped of its existing finish, any damage is repaired, a powder coat colour is applied electrostatically, and the wheel is oven-cured at around 200°C. The result is a solid, uniform colour finish that is harder and more durable than conventional paint.
Powder coating is suitable for wheels with a solid colour finish — silver, black, gunmetal, white, or any custom colour. It is not suitable for wheels that originally had a diamond cut two-tone finish, because powder coating cannot replicate the machined bright face.
At IQ Tyres, powder coat refurbishment starts from £60 per wheel for standard sizes up to 18 inches. Larger wheels and those requiring significant damage repair are priced on inspection.
2. Diamond Cut Refurbishment — £90–£130 per wheel
Diamond cut refurbishment is required for wheels with a two-tone machined finish — the type where the spoke faces are bright, polished aluminium and the recesses are a contrasting colour. This finish is common on BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and many other premium manufacturers.
The process involves powder coating the base colour first, then mounting the wheel on a CNC lathe and machining the face to remove the top layer of powder coat and expose the bright aluminium beneath. A clear lacquer is then applied immediately to prevent oxidation. The process requires specialist equipment — not every refurbishment shop has an in-house CNC lathe — which is why diamond cut costs more than standard powder coating.
At IQ Tyres, diamond cut refurbishment starts from £90 per wheel for sizes up to 18 inches. We operate our own in-house CNC lathe, which means we control the full process and can apply the lacquer immediately after cutting — a critical factor in achieving a bright, mirror-like finish rather than a dull, oxidised one.
3. Structural Repair Only — £40–£80 per wheel
If a wheel has a crack, buckle, or severe bend but the cosmetic finish is otherwise acceptable, structural repair alone may be the right option. This involves welding cracks, straightening buckles using a hydraulic press, and refinishing only the repaired area. Structural repair is always assessed on inspection — not every damaged wheel can be safely repaired, and we will tell you honestly if replacement is the safer option.
What Drives the Price Up
Several factors push the cost of alloy refurbishment above the base price:
Wheel Size
Larger wheels take longer to process and require more material. Wheels above 19 inches typically cost 10–20% more than the standard price. Very large wheels (21 inches and above) are usually quoted individually after inspection.
Extent of Damage
Minor kerb scuffs on one or two spokes can be repaired quickly. Deep gouges that have removed significant material, corrosion that has spread under the lacquer, or damage that affects multiple spokes all require more preparation time and filler material, which adds to the cost. A wheel with severe kerb damage on every spoke might cost 20–30% more than one with a single minor scuff.
Custom Colours
Standard colours — silver, black, gunmetal, anthracite — are held in stock and add no premium. Custom colours, two-tone finishes, or colour changes that require a specific RAL or BS reference may carry a small premium for the colour matching process.
Structural Repairs Required Before Cosmetic Work
If a wheel needs structural repair (crack welding, buckle straightening) before cosmetic refurbishment can begin, the structural repair cost is added to the cosmetic cost. This is why we always inspect wheels before quoting — a wheel that looks like a straightforward powder coat job may have a crack that needs addressing first.
Typical Total Costs for a Set of Four Wheels
To give you a realistic picture of what a full set of four wheels costs, here are typical ranges based on the most common scenarios we see at IQ Tyres:
| Scenario | Wheel Size | Typical Cost (Set of 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard powder coat, minor kerb damage | Up to 17" | £260–£300 |
| Standard powder coat, moderate damage | Up to 18" | £280–£360 |
| Diamond cut, minor kerb damage | Up to 18" | £380–£420 |
| Diamond cut, moderate damage | Up to 18" | £420–£500 |
| Diamond cut, large wheels (19"–20") | 19"–20" | £440–£560 |
| Powder coat custom colour | Up to 18" | £300–£380 |
These are indicative ranges. The only way to get a firm price is to have the wheels inspected — which is why we always recommend bringing the car in or sending photos before committing to a booking.
Refurbishment vs Replacement: Which Is Cheaper?
For most wheels, refurbishment is significantly cheaper than replacement. A set of four OEM alloys for a mid-range car typically costs £600–£1,500 new, and even aftermarket replacements in the correct size and style are usually £400–£800. Refurbishment at £280–£500 for a set of four is almost always the more economical choice.
The exception is when wheels have severe structural damage that cannot be safely repaired, or when the wheels are a very cheap aftermarket set where the replacement cost is lower than the refurbishment cost. In those cases, replacement may make more sense. Our technicians will always give you an honest assessment.
For a more detailed analysis of when to refurbish versus replace, see our article on whether alloy wheel refurbishment is worth it.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The most reliable way to get an accurate quote is to bring the car to us for a free inspection. We will assess the condition of each wheel, identify any structural issues, confirm the finish type required, and give you a firm price before any work begins. There are no hidden extras — the quoted price is the price you pay.
If you cannot bring the car in, send us clear photos of each wheel (including close-ups of the damage) on 07904 962265 and we will give you a ballpark estimate. We will confirm the final price when the wheels are with us.
Does Alloy Refurbishment Affect My Car's Value?
Kerbed and corroded alloys are one of the most visible signs of a neglected car and are a common reason buyers negotiate down the price. Refurbished alloys that look factory-fresh can add more to the perceived value of a car than the refurbishment cost — particularly on premium vehicles where the alloy design is a significant part of the car's visual identity.
If you are preparing a car for sale, alloy refurbishment is one of the highest-return investments you can make. A £380 diamond cut refurbishment on a BMW can easily recover £500–£800 in negotiating position.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does alloy refurbishment take?
Most refurbishments are completed within one to two working days. Single wheels can sometimes be done same-day. For full turnaround times, see our guide on how long alloy refurbishment takes.
Is there a warranty on refurbishment work?
Yes. At IQ Tyres, all refurbishment work carries a 12-month workmanship guarantee. If the finish fails due to a defect in our work within that period, we will rectify it at no charge. The guarantee does not cover damage caused by kerbing, road salt, or pressure washing.
Can I have just one wheel done?
Absolutely. We refurbish single wheels regularly — for example, after a single kerbing incident. The per-wheel price is the same whether you bring one wheel or four.
Do I need to remove the tyres first?
No. We handle tyre removal and refitting as part of the service. The quoted price includes everything.