Hyundai Grandeur GN7 Wheel Repair & Painting Review — Black Matte

Hyundai Grandeur GN7 Wheel Refinishing: Why Act Fast

Wheel paint peeling isn't just an aesthetic issue; it exposes the metal, leading to rust, especially during rainy seasons. This Hyundai Grandeur GN7 had significant paint damage on the front driver's side wheel. Fortunately, it was caught early, prompting a decision for a black matte restoration. The service at 'Today's Car' in Daejeon offered a cost-effective solution at around 70,000 Korean Won per wheel. The entire process, including tire removal, repair, painting, and reassembly, took approximately 2 hours per wheel, completed the same day. This approach effectively prevents metal corrosion while being budget-friendly.

Assessing Wheel Damage Before Restoration

Accurate diagnosis is the first step in any wheel repair. This involves checking for peeling paint, minor scratches, or corrosion on the edges. The Grandeur GN7's wheel had widespread paint detachment but, crucially, no structural damage like bends or cracks. Structural damage would necessitate additional welding costs. Several factors influence wheel repair costs: wheel size (16-22 inches), the extent of damage (paint only vs. structural), and the need for replacement parts like valve stems. Since this Grandeur GN7 had standard wheel size and only paint damage, the 70,000 KRW per wheel price was applicable.

Sandblasting: The Foundation for a Lasting Finish

The success of a paint job hinges on proper surface preparation, often referred to as 'degreasing' or 'etching.' This process completely removes old paint and oxidation layers, ensuring the new paint adheres properly. 'Today's Car' utilized sandblasting for this crucial step. Sandblasting uses high-pressure abrasive media to uniformly etch the wheel surface, providing a superior profile for adhesion compared to manual sanding. The grit size is typically between 80-120, balancing effective material removal with preventing wheel damage. Post-sandblasting, the wheel's surface is returned to bare metal.

Multi-Stage Cleaning for Optimal Paint Quality

After sandblasting, thorough cleaning is essential to remove residual media, metal dust, and oils. Incomplete cleaning can lead to paint delamination. 'Today's Car' employed a combination of automated and manual cleaning methods. High-pressure washing removed larger particles, followed by manual cleaning with solvents and towels to eliminate fine dust. A final drying stage ensured a pristine surface. This meticulous process ensures the new paint applies evenly and adheres strongly.

Precision in Black Matte Painting

For this restoration, a black matte finish was chosen. Matte paints have a different characteristic than gloss finishes; their micro-texture requires a more delicate application. Applying paint too thickly can cause runs or 'orange peel.' The Daejeon shop applied multiple thin layers, typically 3-5 coats, maintaining a total paint thickness of 80-120 micrometers for durability. Proper drying time between coats (15-20 minutes) and airflow are critical. While black matte offers a sophisticated look, it does show dust more readily, requiring regular cleaning.

How it works:
1. Damage Assessment: Inspecting the wheel for paint issues, scratches, or structural damage.
2. Surface Preparation: Sandblasting to remove old paint and corrosion.
3. Cleaning: Multi-stage washing to ensure a contaminant-free surface.
4. Painting: Applying multiple thin coats of black matte paint.
5. Curing: Allowing the paint to fully harden for durability.