Have you ever seen a car with shiny two-toned wheels and wondered how they got that way? If so, you’re not alone. If the wheels have that beautiful look then there’s a good chance they’ve been diamond cut. Diamond cut wheels are becoming increasingly popular and for a good reason. They can give your car a distinctive appearance that will set it apart from the rest. They can also improve performance and handling.
But how can you be sure they’ve been diamond cut? Many people are unsure what diamond cutting is or how to tell if their own car wheels have been finished this way. Thankfully, we have all the answers so all you need to do is read on!
Finding Out If Your Wheels Are Diamond Cut
Once you know what you’re looking at, diamond wheels are quite obvious to see. They’ll have a two-toned appearance with a darker painted background and a shiny metal face. This is due to how they are finished.
Creating a diamond cut wheel starts with painting it in the desired color and then baking them dry. The intricate diamond-cut design on this wheel is achieved with the help of CNC lathes and machining. The top layer of paint is shaved off to expose the shiny metal underneath.
Once it’s dry, an acrylic lacquer is sprayed to protect the surface and maintain that shine. Due to this process, the wheels have a look that is very different from any other type of wheel.
Different Types of Alloy Wheel Finishes
To better understand what diamond cut wheels are, it’s a good idea to look at the main types of finish that you’ll get on a rim.
Diamond Cut Wheel – The diamond cut, also known as a high-shine finish, is often used by manufacturers to highlight their top-of-the-range models. This type has a highly sleek and smooth surface that offers excellent shine with little or no gloss.
Powder Coated Wheel – A powder coat adds a rich, durable quality to any vehicle. They are among the most popular finishes because they provide an attractive yet tough skin for your ride that stands up against wear and tear.
Chrome wire wheels – Chrome wire wheels are typically found on British and American classic cars. The elaborate design of the wheel creates an authentic, old-fashioned look that will make your car stand out from others around town!
Painted & Lacquered – This is the standard alloy finish that you’ll see on most modern production cars. It can look good but doesn’t have the wow factor of other types of finish.
The Benefits of Diamond Cut Wheels
The diamond-cut wheels were a rare option available for the car enthusiast, and they gave vehicles an exclusive look with their custom design. Diamond cuts also made significant impacts on performance due to them being so lightweight, which improved efficiency.
While they do have some other benefits, there is no doubting the main reason people get diamond cut and that is because they look awesome. If you want to make your car stand out from the crowd, diamond wheels are a great option.
Diamond-Cut Wheels – FAQs
Can all wheels be diamond cut?
Wheels may be diamond cut to create an extremely sharp and sleek finish, but not all wheels can accommodate this type of pattern. There are some limitations to the types of finishes that can appear on a wheel.
If in doubt, contact a specialist who will help you determine if it is possible for your desired wheel design.
Are Diamond-cut wheels more expensive?
For those who care deeply about the aesthetics of their car, diamond cut are an investment worth making. Yes, it can be expensive to buy and refurbish them when they get damaged, but in return, you’ll have a set that will never go unnoticed by other people on the road.
How to clean diamond-cut wheels
Cleaning them every often is recommended to maintain that high level of shine and premium aesthetic look. For the diamond cut , clean them with a mild shampoo or mild dry wheel soap.
Are there any drawbacks to having diamond-cut wheels?
The beauty of diamond cut alloys is undeniable, and it is sharp and sleek, but they’re also delicate. The fine lines of a diamond-cut design can be easily chipped or scratched, so you have to care for your car a little extra while driving. The chipped or scraped can be refinished but it can be costly.
How to repair Diamond-Cut Wheels?
Diamond cut alloys are a unique and intricate design, which requires specific equipment like a lathe to refurbish. The process begins by cutting away the face so that it can be repainted with lacquer or other coatings until you have an original-looking wheel again! Small repairs may be done yourself but it’s usually best to leave it in the hands of a professional.
How many times have Diamond cut wheels can be refurbished?
The answer to this question is dependent on how many times a wheel has been cut before. If an alloy was only processed once and it’s still in good condition, you may be able to get away with cutting them again for another cycle or two without any problems at all.
Final Thoughts
Diamond cut wheels are a popular choice for many car owners. They can provide numerous benefits, including better performance and an appearance that is sure to turn heads. While they may be more expensive than other wheel options, they are worth the investment.
You’ll know if your wheels have been diamond cut but the unique appearance they have. That is a darker painted background in contrast to the face of the rim that will have a high level of shine.
If you have diamond cut then you’re sure to turn heads. Just make sure to keep them clean and looking their best. If you don’t, then now’s a great time to put that right and get yourself a new set of diamond cut wheels.
