- 1). Clean the entire wheel with soap and water, making sure to remove any dirt or wheel grease. Allow the wheel to dry fully before continuing. Use paint thinner and a lint-free washcloth to further clean the scratched area of the wheel, making sure to fully remove anything on the damaged area.
- 2). Tape around the scratched area with masking tape, leaving about a quarter-inch of space around the scratch. Tuck the tape underneath the rim to avoid damaging the tire.
- 3). Use 240 grit or a similar-grade sandpaper to begin buffering the scratch, making sure to only sand near the scratch to avoid further damaging your wheel. Apply spot putty to the scratch, completely covering it. Allow the spot putty to fully dry before moving on, which should take around five to 10 minutes.
- 4). Sand the scratched area again, this time using 400 grit or a similar grade of sandpaper. Sand the scratch and putty until it looks and feels smooth.
- 5). Cover the entire area of your car near the wheel with a sheet or large cloth. Making sure to cover everything assures that no paint will get on the car or anywhere it isn't needed. Use scratch-filler and primer, and spray from about six to eight inches away directly on the spot with putty. Beware of the primer running if you get too close. Allow the primer to fully dry, and sand it again with either 400 or 600 grit sandpaper.
- 6). Apply colored lacquer or paint to the scratched and sanded area. Make sure to avoid over-painting the area, as paint can run and a second coat can always be applied. Allow the paint to fully dry before moving on. Spray a clear coat over your wheel after the colored coat. Allow it to dry before spraying again once more, allowing it to fully dry again; overnight is typically best. Remove the masking tape, rinse your wheel, and you are ready to get back on the road.
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