How To Self Repair Curb Rash

How Professionals Repair Curb Rash, And Why It'southward And so Expensive

Sticker shock and bicycle repair quotes get manus-in-paw. It's no wonder, because wheel repairs tin cost equally much as $150 per bicycle. That'south the aforementioned cost every bit some brand new wheels.

Simply the more than you think nearly it, the more than information technology makes sense why wheel repair professionals charge so much money. We'll explicate why in this article.

But Repairing A Wheel Is So Easy!

Repairing a wheel seems similar an easy and straightforward procedure. DIY curb rash repairs can lead to skilful results. But there's no substitute for professional person repair. You're non only paying for the professional'south time. Yous're also paying for their years – or even decades – of training and feel.

There's an art and science to bike repair. You can learn the science in an hr. But it'll take a lifetime to larn the art. A proficient repair person tin brand a heavily damaged wheel wait new. That'due south because they've repaired hundreds or thousands of wheels. Practice makes perfect.

So if you lot ask united states, the rates professionals accuse are worth every penny.

Professionals use i of the following two methods:

Refinishing the bicycle
The body shop method

Permit'southward talk virtually each method.

The Refinishing Procedure

Refinishing the wheel is an platonic solution when there'due south modest damage. Hither'south a general overview of the process:

Clean the damaged area.
Comprehend the tire and the valve stem (if well-nigh the damaged area).
Sand out the scratches and jagged edges with coarse sandpaper.
Cover the scratched expanse(s) with Bondo putty.
Gently sand the putty until smooth.
Scuff most vi inches around the damaged area with a scuff pad until completely smooth.
Spray three or four coats of primer on the bicycle.
Spray a couple of coats of paint on the wheel. Sand between coats. Let dry.
Spray ii light coats of articulate coat over the paint.

While this project is something y'all could do at home, it rarely ends upward looking adept. Information technology takes some practice for good results. The putty may not come out every bit smooth as yous wanted, for example. The paint job may not look expert, either. A professional will make your wheels look perfect.

The Body Store Method

Some professionals use a body shop type method. This method involves media blasting the wheel to remove the paint before applying epoxy putty, primer and pigment to the wheel. This method brings keen results. It's a great manner to remove all the paint and rust from the wheels. You would need a bunch of tools, including:

Air compressor
Air hose
Sandblasting gun
Sand
Goggles
Gloves

Rather than invest in all these tools and risk getting results that don't await bully, hire a professional. Skillful professionals already have all these tools. They too have the expertise to make your wheels look flawless.

Protecting Your Repaired Wheels

A professional wheel repair job is a cracking investment, so of form you would want to protect it. There'due south a adept take a chance your wheels will get scraped upward once more. The best mode to protect your wheels from future harm is to become rim protectors.

RimSavers is a leading brand for rim protectors. RimSavers are lightweight and durable strips of proprietary cloth that you can apply effectually your rims. They serve equally the showtime line as defense confronting curbs and other obstacles on the road. Cheque out RimSavers and run across if they're an platonic solution for yous!