kattanh3

Are the WORK VS-XX lips polished or painted?

I have the vs-xx and the lips got sandblasted on a long road trip across the desert (Saudi -> Dubai). I lack experience with paint and would like to restore the lips back. They used to be reflective as mirrors and now look like rough bare metal.

If it’s polished how can I restore that polish back? If I’d like to color it, what product should I use to achieve a clean polish/mirror finish?

Thanks
-Hamza

SClean4

I believe they're polished. Maybe try to polish them with a product that is made for polished metal and see if that helps. If it doesn't you could get the lips refinished.

Seize

I believe they're anodized but I'm not 100% sure.

ChronoJ1

iTrader: (2)

I thought they were clear coated, in which case you would need to delaminate the clear and polish the bare metal or re-clearcoat it.

extensive write up here:
http://autopia.org/forum/click-brag/...o-rim-job.html

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i believe seize is right, the lips are anodized, just like most of the lips on jdm wheels

unfortunately you can't really re-finish an anodized lips. it's through special process. there is no clear coat. if they are damaged, you can polish to get the super shiny finish, however it's not like original anymore, and brake dust will eat into the finish (unlike original)

splitfire

iTrader: (6)

The VS-XX lip are anodized. If they weren't too bad you can use anodized remover to remove the anodize and use mother metal polish to buff it and they should shine like new. You can also them polish and have them re-anodized or clear coat them for not much $$$. Hope this help

kattanh3

Thanks guys but it looks like the damage is deep and beyond repair. I'll have to paint them. If anyone has experienced coloring 3pc wheels please share with me your tips or Do's & Don'ts.

I really love the stock look (silver centers with polished/reflective lips) but since i am already going to paint everything, i figured i'll do it a little different. I like this hyper polished aluminum finish (i am not sure that's what its called) and i think I know how to achieve this affect (white base + Alsa Ghost Chrome + polishing + apply clear coat) but i am worried about the paint on lip getting damaged while installing tires etc... any help is appreciated