STOCK WHEELS

We Buy and Sell New, Used, and Reconditioned Stock Wheels

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December 21, 2015

Chrome vs. Polished Wheels

There is more than one way to get that shiny look on your OEM vehicle 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 vehicle wheels go through a plating process, adding layers of Copper, Nickel and finally Chrome. This gives the stock vehicle wheel a mirror like finish. If damaged, repairing the vehicle wheel could require stripping and adding new chrome. The process of strip and re-chrome usually takes a couple of weeks.

Polished original vehicle 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 vehicle 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 vehicle wheels require maintenance to keep it in good condition. Be sure to wash your vehicle 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 vehicle wheel is or unsure of what you need, please do not hesitate to contact Stockwheels.com for help.