Anodising of alloy rims

[Treecom]

I send my aluminium parts to United Aluminium Products Pte Ltd in AMK. 

 

U can ask them for a quote.

[Dreamnyx]

Have been researching quite some time on this topic as I acquired a set of 2nd hand forged rims which came originally anodised and chromed (separate pieces) so hope to contribute here to possibly save future fellow researchers some time.

Anodized wheels are really nice but the issue with my aluminium anodized set of rims was that it has some permanent oxidation and decolouration that was stubborn and seems impossible to get rid off. It even have some minor pitting on the bolt concave areas as this part is the easiest to collect water and grease, despite this aluminium is 6061-T6 as it is supposed to be highly anti-corrosion. Seems like the previous owner did a bad job in taking care this set of rims.

As I wanted to preserve this set of rims for long haul, was exploring to anodize or even galvanising it so I went down to Kong Heng Metal Polishing for advice. Unfortunately the sales consultant told me that Zinc galvanising/plating will not be suitable for aluminium material. Stubborn stains and deep scratches will not be fully removed due to material issue even after treatment like sandblasting etc. Water marks and decolouration stains will still be visible after anodising or similar treatments so I have to give up on this idea. 

Went to an reputable spray painting shop and he told me that anodising really looks very attractive at the start, but very hard to maintain later part due to foreign contamination like oil etc by road conditions and even by regular strong detergent washes. As my chromed piece still intact, I have no choice but to select spray painting on the anodized piece as if I further delay, chance of "bubbles" forming after spray paint as a result of foreign residues is higher though they promised me they will try their best to sand it off as much as possible. Power coating was not an option for me as I heard it can weaken the rims. 

Personal conclusion for me is although anodized rims are excellent in physical protection, they are hard to maintain over a long term unless you go specialised car grooming very regularly (not regular petrol kiosk washes) if not decolouration due to oxidation, surface anodised flaking etc and permanent "stains" will still happen. So if you don't mind long term appearance issues, it can be still a good choice as there is a limit to how much aluminium will corrode. 

So no choice I have to choose spray paint to try to remove and cover up the apparent stains and oxidation and to prevent further oxidation and anodised flaking issues which usually result in different colour tones. Especially I am lazy to maintain my car so spray painted will be easier to maintain and gives better protection from foreign contamination. However it is much more prone to scratches as compared to anodising. 

However if you are having steel rims instead which nowadays are rare as it is heavy, Galvanising will be an excellent option to preserve it over a very long haul. 

Hope it helps if you are researching on this topic.

[Roberttan]

just my Sharing

from your Pictures can see most of the coating peeled (chipped) off are near the edge of Holes, that is something most cant prevent due to Mechanic working  their Tools touching the surface.(unless super extra caution)

your wheels are on Mercedes Benz ( I guessed only )

I only advice is get to Good Spray Painter to do it once for all (good one can cost up to $150 each).

and do remember to Leave the wheel dry longer before heading to install it.