December 21, 2015

Chrome vs. Polished Wheels

There is more than one way to get that shiny look on your OEM <|DPH:DomainBlogKeyword1|> wheels. Some wheels come stock from the factory with a Chrome finish and some are polished. There is a difference. Both give a reflective surface, but they each come about through a different process.

Chrome <|DPH:DomainBlogKeyword1|> wheels go through a plating process, adding layers of Copper, Nickel and finally Chrome. This gives the stock <|DPH:DomainBlogKeyword1|> wheel a mirror like finish. If damaged, repairing the <|DPH:DomainBlogKeyword1|> wheel could require stripping and adding new chrome. The process of strip and re-chrome usually takes a couple of weeks.

Polished original <|DPH:DomainBlogKeyword1|> wheels start with the bare aluminum surface sanded smooth and then polished to create a very bright and shiny reflective surface. Upon close inspection, the reflection is duller and images may be a bit blurry compared to chrome. Repairing a damaged polished <|DPH:DomainBlogKeyword1|> rim is usually faster and less costly than that of a chrome wheel. The process of reconditioning can include re-sanding, adding metal if necessary and then polished again to an original luster.

Both Finishes of <|DPH:DomainBlogKeyword1|> wheels require maintenance to keep it in good condition. Be sure to wash your <|DPH:DomainBlogKeyword1|> rims with a non-abrasive cleaner and dry well. You should clean your wheels regularly to keep them free from damage causing debris. If you are not sure which finish your <|DPH:DomainBlogKeyword1|> wheel is or unsure of what you need, please do not hesitate to contact Stockwheels.com for help.