Diamond cut alloys
Diamond cut alloys need a CNC lathe to restore that signature two-tone finish. We strip, repair, lathe-cut and lacquer to factory-style spec.
Diamond cut wheels look incredible until they don't. Lacquer goes milky, the cut surface corrodes, kerb rash chips through. We strip the wheel back, repair the damage, re-cut the face on the lathe and seal it under fresh lacquer for a factory-finish recovery.
Diamond cut wheels are the factory finish on a lot of premium German and Korean cars - Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Hyundai, Kia, Range Rover. The face is machined on a CNC lathe to leave a fine bright cut against a coloured pocket, then sealed under lacquer.
When the lacquer fails - usually after 3-5 years on a daily-driven car - moisture gets between the lacquer and the cut alloy and the surface goes milky white. Kerb rash, pothole hits and corrosion accelerate the process.
Refurbishing diamond cut wheels properly takes lathe access, time, and a willingness to throw a wheel away if it's been cut too many times before. We strip, repair any damage, cut the face on our lathe and re-lacquer to a factory-style finish that lasts another 3-5 years.
What you get
- CNC lathe-cut face restoration
- Powder coated base, lacquered finish
- Kerb damage and corrosion repair included
- Most sets turned around next day
How the work is done
- Inspection. Wheels checked for prior cuts, structural damage and corrosion depth. Wheels that have been cut too many times can't safely take another pass; we'll tell you straight.
- Strip. Old lacquer and coatings chemically stripped back. Pocket colour stripped if it's also being refinished.
- Repair. Kerb damage filled and dressed. Corrosion pits dealt with. Cracks assessed - some are repairable, some aren't.
- Powder base. Pocket colour applied as powder coat and cured. This is what shows through behind the diamond cut face.
- Lathe cut. Wheel mounted on the CNC lathe and the face machined to a fine bright cut. Programmed pass depth varies with how much material is left and how the design needs to be re-cut.
- Lacquer and cure. Fresh diamond-cut-spec lacquer applied over the cut face and oven cured to seal against moisture ingress.
Pricing
From £280 + VAT per set (diamond cut alloys).
From £280 + VAT per set. Damage repair, multi-tone pocket colours or bespoke colour matching may add to that. Free quote up front.
How to get a quote
Drop the parts in for a quick check, or send us a few photos by email or text. We come back with a price and a turnaround time, usually same day.
Diamond cut alloys FAQs.
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Why have my diamond cut alloys gone milky white?
It's lacquer failure. The clear coat over the cut face has cracked microscopically, water has got in between the lacquer and the alloy, and the alloy has oxidised. Once it's started, it spreads. Refurbishment is the fix - the wheels are not damaged in any structural sense.
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How many times can a diamond cut wheel be re-cut?
Generally three to four times before the face gets too thin to cut safely. We measure depth on inspection. If a wheel has been cut too many times we'll tell you and recommend going to a flat powder finish instead.
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Is diamond cut more expensive than standard powder coating?
Yes. Lathe time, the extra strip-and-cut step and the diamond-cut-spec lacquer all add cost. From £280 + VAT per set vs £200 + VAT for standard alloys.
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Can you match my exact factory pocket colour?
Usually - most OEM pocket colours are well documented (Audi shadow chrome, BMW jet black, etc). Bring the wheel or the colour code and we'll match it.
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How long does the refurbished finish last?
Same as factory if it's looked after - 3-5 years on a daily-driven car parked outside. Avoid harsh wheel cleaners and the lacquer holds longer.