COST GUIDES
How much does alloy wheel refurbishment cost in 2026? UK prices explained
Updated 03/26
Scrapes, scratches and chips on your car alloys can be a real eyesore. Find out what the average alloy wheel refurbishment cost in the UK is.
Fast Facts
Standard alloy wheel refurbishment for a single wheel up to 20” costs around £80 per wheel
If your alloy wheel is 21” or bigger, the alloy refurbishment cost will be nearer £90 per wheel
The average cost of diamond cut alloy wheel refurbishment treatment is about £115 per wheel
How much does alloy wheel refurbishment cost in the UK in 2026?
Are your alloy wheels in need of some TLC? Alloy wheel refurbishment in the UK typically costs between £54 and £106 per wheel.
After a designer, diamond-cut finish? That comes with a higher price tag.
Keep reading to find out what the average cost of alloy wheel refurbishment is in the UK.
Alloy wheel refurbishment cost table
| Cost provided item | Price range - low | Price range - high | Average UK cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single wheel refurbishment (up to 20") | £54 | £106 | £80 |
| Single wheel refurbishment (21"+) | £60 | £120 | £90 |
| Set of 4 alloy wheels (up to 20") | £216 | £384 | £300 |
| Set of 4 alloy wheels (21"+) | £250 | £430 | £340 |
| Alloy wheel scuff repair | £48 | £120 | £89 |
| Single diamond cut wheel | - | - | £115 |
| Tyre fitting per wheel (including balancing) | - | - | £9 |
| Last updated: March 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
As you can see from the costs above, there are several different alloy wheel treatments available, which will affect the price you pay.
Your alloy wheel repair cost will also depend on the extent of damage, and the size and type of your wheels. Let's get into it.
Alloy wheel repair cost by wheel size
When working out the cost to refurbish your alloy wheels, figuring out how many wheels need revamping and the size is a good place to start.
Single wheel (up to 20 inches):
As a guide, standard alloy wheel refurbishment for a single wheel up to 20” costs around £80 per wheel.
Single wheel (21 inches and over):
If your alloy wheel is 21” or bigger then the alloy refurbishment cost will be nearer £90 per wheel.
Set of four wheels (up to 20 inches):
If you’re having all four alloy wheels repaired at the same time, then you’ll often save some money. That's because some workshops offer discounts for full sets of wheels.
For a set of four wheels up to 20”, the alloy wheel repair cost is about £300.
Set of four wheels (21 inches and over):
A set of four 21” wheels will cost you around £340.
That said, the exact cost you'll pay will depend on the level of damage and finish you go for. That's up next.
Alloy wheel refurbishment cost by finish
Alloy wheel scratch repair cost
Scratches and scuffing are one of the most common types of damage to alloy wheels.
A professional alloy wheel repair service will use a range of sanding techniques to remove scuffing. While dents or deep scratches can be filled using metal fillers and then sanded to be flush with the wheel.
The average alloy wheel scuff repair cost can range from £89 per wheel, depending on wheel size and the extent of the damage.
Diamond cut alloys repair cost
Diamond cut is an alloy wheel finish that uses a specialist CNC wheel lathe to machine away part or all of the painted surface of a wheel.
The finished effect is the shiny alloy finish, which is treated with a lacquer to prevent any future corrosion.
The average cost of diamond cut alloy wheel refurbishment treatment is about £115 per wheel.
Wondering how often alloy wheels can be diamond cut? Our FAQS below have all the details.
Powder coating alloy wheels
Powder coating your alloy wheels is another option if you're after a sleek, durable finish. It involves a mechanic applying a powder coating, before curing it under high heat and then refitting the wheels.
Looking to change up the colour of your alloys too, once you've got the repairs sorted? Our alloy wheel painting cost guide runs you through all the different options.
What affects the cost of alloy wheel refurbishment?
Alloy wheel refurbishment prices will also depend on:
Wheel size: Larger wheels (20 inches and up) generally cost more to refurbish than smaller wheels
Level of damage: More severe damage may require additional repair work like welding or straightening, which is an additional cost
Finish: Powder coating and diamond cutting are both add-on options for refurbishment
What’s included in an alloy wheel refurbishment quote?
A typical alloy wheel refurbishment quote covers the preparation, repair, and refinishing needed to restore the wheel’s appearance and protection.
It usually includes:
Wheel inspection and preparation to assess damage and prepare the surface
Cleaning and paint stripping to remove old coatings, dirt, and corrosion
Kerb damage repair to smooth out scratches or scuffs
Sanding and surface preparation to create a smooth base
Primer and repainting or coating such as paint or powder coating
Protective lacquer finish to seal and protect the wheel
Wheel refitting and balancing if tyres were removed during the process
Always check the quote carefully, as some services may charge extra for tyre removal, balancing, or specialist finishes. Which brings us to...
What’s not included in the price?
It's also helpful to know what's not typically included in a quote for alloy wheel refurbishment, so there are no surprises later down the line:
Wheel refitting: Some refurbishment services include refitting the wheels, while others don't. As a general steer, you can expect to pay £9 per wheel
Wheel balancing: If the damage to the wheel also affected the steering, you may need wheel realignment. Expect to pay an added £35 for a standard front wheel alignment
Welding: A small welding job (like a small hole/patch/rust weld repair) costs around £125
Factors that can increase alloy wheel refurbishment costs
Factors that can increase the price for alloy wheel refurbishment include:
Location: If you live in London or the South East, you may pay higher prices due to increased labour and business costs in these areas
Mobile alloy wheel refurbishment vs garage repair: Mobile alloy wheel refurbishment carried out at your home or workplace will cost slightly more than a garage-based service
Alloy wheel refurbishment cost calculator
Use our estimator to get a guide price for your alloy wheel refurb.
Job Estimate Calculator
This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. Always arrange for a trusted alloy wheel specialist to assess your car and provide a written quote before you go ahead.
For a clearer idea of what you’ll actually pay, search for car paint repair companies operating in your area and get in touch for a quote.
Search for checked tradespeople working in your area
How long does alloy wheel refurbishment take?
Typical timeframes for alloy wheel refurbishment are:
Mobile alloy wheel refurbishment: Around 1–2 hours per wheel, depending on the damage
Standard garage refurbishment: Usually 1 day, as the wheels may need tyre removal and curing time for paint or coatings
Diamond cut alloy refurbishment: Often 2–3 days, as the wheel must be precision-machined and lacquered
Multiple wheel refurbishments: Refurbishing all four wheels may take a full day or several days, depending on the service and finish
That said, the time needed to refurbish alloy wheels depends on the type of repair, the finish, and how many wheels need work.
For an accurate timescale, you're always best off speaking to a professional alloy wheel refurbisher directly.
DIY vs professional alloy wheel refurbishment
While it’s possible to repair minor scratches on alloy wheels yourself using DIY kits, professional refurbishment will deliver a higher-quality and longer-lasting result. Here's why:
Risk of mistakes – DIY repairs can lead to uneven finishes, colour mismatches, or damage to the wheel if preparation isn’t done correctly
Finish quality – Professionals use specialist tools, controlled spray environments, and proper coatings to achieve a smoother, more consistent finish
Durability – Professional refurbishments often include powder coating or durable lacquers, which tend to last longer than most DIY repairs
Resale impact – Poor DIY repairs can reduce the visual appeal of your car, which could reduce the vehicle’s value
Still keen to give alloy wheel refurbishment a go yourself? Check out our step-by-step guide in the FAQs below.
Is it worth getting alloy wheels refurbished?
In many cases, refurbishing alloy wheels is more affordable than replacing them. It may be worth refurbishing your alloy wheels if:
The damage is cosmetic – Such as kerb scuffs, scratches, or minor corrosion
You want to improve the car’s appearance
You’re preparing to sell the car
You want to prevent further damage – Refurbishment can seal exposed metal and reduce the risk of corrosion spreading
However, if a wheel is structurally damaged or heavily cracked, replacement may be the safer option.
A professional will inspect the wheel first and advise whether refurbishment is suitable.
How to save money on alloy wheel refurbishment
Here's some practical tips to help reduce the price of your alloy wheel refurbishment:
Get multiple quotes – Comparing quotes from several local professionals can help you understand the typical price in your area
Refurbish all wheels at once – Some providers offer a lower price per wheel when multiple wheels are repaired together
Choose a standard finish – Specialist finishes like diamond cutting can cost more than standard painted or powder-coated wheels
Book early if damage is minor – Repairing small scuffs early is often cheaper than fixing more serious damage later
Alloy wheel refurbishment cost checklist
Find alloy wheel refurbishment repairers near me
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Alloy wheel refurbishment FAQs
What is alloy wheel damage?
Local alloy wheel specialists will usually treat a wide range of alloy wheels, from standard alloys to diamond cut and split rims. They’ll be used to dealing with common alloy wheel damage, including:
Scuffed or kerbed wheels
Scratches and dents
Alloy corrosion
Pothole damage
Split rim wheel repair
Straightening alloys
How much does it cost to refurbish alloy wheels UK?
To repair alloy wheel scuffs, you will typically pay around £89 per wheel, depending on how deep or large the scratch is.
How much does it cost to spray alloys black?
If you're looking to spray your wheel alloys black once any repairs are carried out, this will be an additional cost. The average alloy wheel painting price is £72.50 for one wheel or £260 for four wheels. Our alloy wheel painting cost guide runs you through all the different options.
Does Halfords do wheel refurbishment?
Halfords does not typically carry out full alloy wheel refurbishment in-store. However, some branches may offer minor alloy wheel repair services or partner with specialist providers.
For full refurbishment, you’ll usually need a dedicated alloy wheel refurbishment specialist.
Can badly kerbed alloys be repaired?
Yes, many kerbed alloy wheels can be repaired, especially if the damage is cosmetic. Specialists can fill, sand, and refinish the wheel to restore its appearance.
However, if the wheel is cracked or structurally damaged, replacement may be the safer option.
Is diamond cut alloy refurbishment worth the extra cost?
Diamond cut refurbishment can be worth the extra cost if you want to restore the original factory finish of diamond cut wheels.
The process involves precision machining and lacquer coating, which typically costs more but can produce a high-quality, polished finish.
Is mobile alloy wheel refurbishment more expensive?
Mobile alloy wheel refurbishment can be slightly more expensive per wheel because the technician travels to your location.
However, the convenience of having the work done at home or at work can make it worthwhile for many drivers.
Can all alloy wheels be repaired?
Most alloy wheels with minor scratches, kerb damage, or corrosion can be refurbished.
However, wheels with severe cracks, heavy structural damage, or major bends may not be suitable for repair and may need replacing.
Does refurbishment include tyre removal and balancing?
Whether or not refurbishment includes tyre removal and balancing depends on the service.
Garage-based refurbishment often includes tyre removal and wheel balancing. Meanwhile, mobile repairs may refurbish the wheel without removing the tyre. Always check what’s included in the quote.
How often can alloy wheels be diamond cut?
Alloy wheels can usually be diamond cut two or three times at most.
That's because each refurbishment removes a thin layer of metal, so repeated machining may eventually make the wheel unsuitable for further diamond cutting.
Can you repair alloy wheel scratches yourself?
While it’s possible to repair alloy wheels yourself using DIY kits, professional refurbishment usually delivers a higher-quality and longer-lasting result.
But if you're keen to go down the DIY route, read on for the main steps to follow below.
How to repair alloy wheel scratches
What you’ll need:
Lint-free cloth and mild detergent
Paint thinner
Masking tape
Sandpaper (240 and 400 grit)
Metal filler or spot putty and putty knife
Primer and metallic spray paint
Safety gear (gloves, goggles, respirator mask)
Basic steps:
Clean the wheel with detergent and a lint-free cloth.
Remove grease and dirt using paint thinner, then let the area dry.
Protect the tyre with masking tape if the scratch is near the rim edge.
Sand the scratch with 240-grit sandpaper until smooth.
Apply metal filler, let it dry, then smooth it with 400-grit sandpaper.
Prime the area, then apply several light coats of metallic spray paint, allowing each coat to dry.
DIY repairs can work for minor cosmetic scratches, but deeper damage may need professional refurbishment for a more durable finish.
To find alloy wheel specialists covering your local area and get accurate prices for your alloy repair job, just search your postcode below.
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