How To Fix Hubcap Scratches? – Easy Diy Repair Guide

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Seeing scratches on your hubcaps can be frustrating. They make your wheels look old and neglected, even if the rest of your car is spotless. The good news is, you don’t always need a professional to make them look new again. This guide will show you exactly How To Fix Hubcap Scratches with simple, do-it-yourself methods.

Whether your hubcaps are plastic, aluminum, or have a chrome finish, there’s a repair strategy for you. We’ll cover everything from quick cosmetic touch-ups to more involved sanding and painting processes. You can save a significant amount of money and get the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

Let’s get your wheels looking sharp again.

How To Fix Hubcap Scratches

Before you start any repair, you need to know what you’re working with. Hubcaps come in different materials, and the fix depends on the type and depth of the scratch. A surface scuff needs a different approach than a deep gouge.

First, identify your hubcap material. Most modern hubcaps are made from durable plastic with a painted or chrome-plated finish. Older or more premium wheels might be actual aluminum alloy. The repair steps vary, so this identification is crucial.

What You’ll Need: The Basic Toolkit

Gathering your supplies before you start makes the whole process smoother. Many of these items are common household or garage staples.

  • Mild soap (car wash soap is ideal) and water
  • Microfiber cloths and old towels
  • Rubbing alcohol or a wax and grease remover
  • Fine-grit sandpaper (800, 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit)
  • A sanding block or pad
  • Plastic polish or metal polish (depending on material)
  • Touch-up paint or plasti-dip (color-matched if possible)
  • Clear coat spray paint
  • Painter’s tape and newspaper or plastic sheeting
  • A well-ventilated workspace

Step 1: Remove and Clean the Hubcap

For a proper repair, you should always remove the hubcap from the wheel. This gives you full access and prevents damage to your tire or brakes. Most hubcaps pop off with gentle prying from behind, but consult your vehicle’s manual if your unsure.

Once it’s off, give it a thorough clean. Use soapy water to remove dirt, brake dust, and grime. Dry it completely with a microfiber cloth. Then, wipe the entire surface, especially around the scratch, with rubbing alcohol. This step removes any leftover wax or oils that could interfere with sanding or painting.

Step 2: Assess the Scratch Depth

Run your fingernail gently across the scratch. If your nail doesn’t catch, it’s likely a clear coat or superficial surface scratch. If your nail catches, the scratch has penetrated the color layer or even the base material. This test determines your next steps.

  • Surface Scratch: Polish and compound may be enough.
  • Moderate Scratch (through paint): Will require sanding, touch-up paint, and clear coat.
  • Deep Gouge (into plastic/metal): May need a filler like epoxy putty before painting, or might be a candidate for replacement if severe.

Method A: Fixing Light Surface Scratches

For those shallow marks that just cloud the finish, you can often buff them out. This works great for plastic and clear-coated aluminum hubcaps.

  1. Ensure the hubcap is clean and dry.
  2. Apply a small amount of plastic polish (for plastic) or a fine rubbing compound (for painted/metal) to a clean microfiber cloth.
  3. Rub the polish onto the scratched area using small, circular motions. Apply moderate pressure.
  4. Keep polishing for a few minutes. The abrasive in the polish will slowly level the scratched surface with the surrounding area.
  5. Wipe away the residue with a separate clean cloth. Inspect the scratch. You may need to repeat the process 2-3 times for the best results.

Method B: Repairing Deeper Scratches (The Full Repair)

This is the most common repair for noticeable scratches that have taken off the paint. It involves sanding, painting, and sealing.

Step 1: Sand the Area

The goal here is to smooth the edges of the scratch and create a surface for new paint to adhere to. Start with a finer grit and work your way to an even finer one.

  1. Wrap a small piece of 800-grit sandpaper around a sanding block. Lightly sand the scratched area and a small border around it. Use light pressure and keep the sandpaper wet with water to prevent clogging.
  2. Wipe clean and switch to 1000-grit sandpaper. Sand the same area again to remove the marks from the 800-grit.
  3. Repeat with 1500-grit, then finally 2000-grit sandpaper. After the 2000-grit, the area should feel completely smooth to the touch and look uniformly dull.
  4. Clean the area thoroughly with water and dry it. Then, wipe with alcohol again to remove all dust.

Step 2: Apply Touch-Up Paint

Now it’s time to restore the color. Color-matched spray paint is best for larger areas, while a small brush-in bottle works for tiny scratches.

  1. If using spray paint, mask off the surrounding areas of the hubcap with painter’s tape and newspaper. Protect your work surface.
  2. Shake the spray can vigorously for at least two minutes. Hold the can about 6-8 inches from the surface.
  3. Apply the first coat in a light, sweeping motion. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes. It will look thin and uneven—this is normal.
  4. Apply 2-3 more light coats, allowing drying time between each. It’s better to build up color slowly than to apply one thick, drippy coat.
  5. Let the final coat dry completely, ideally for a few hours or as the paint can directs.

Step 3: Apply Clear Coat

The clear coat protects the new paint and gives it a glossy, finished look that matches the rest of the hubcap.

  1. Once the color paint is dry to the touch, apply the clear coat in the same manner. Use light, even sweeps.
  2. Apply 2-3 light coats of clear, with proper drying time between.
  3. Let the clear coat cure fully. This can take 24-48 hours for it to really harden.

Step 3: Final Wet Sanding and Polish

The repaired spot might have a slight “orange peel” texture or be slightly raised. This final step blends everything seamlessly.

  1. After the clear coat has cured for at least 24 hours, take your 2000-grit wet sandpaper.
  2. Lightly wet-sand the repaired area and its immediate surroundings. Be very gentle—you’re just trying to level the texture, not sand through the new clear coat.
  3. Clean and dry the hubcap. Then, use a polishing compound on a microfiber cloth to buff the entire hubcap to a uniform, high shine.
  4. Wipe clean and admire your work. The scratch should now be virtually invisible.

Special Case: Repairing Chrome-Plated Plastic Hubcaps

Chrome scratches are tricky because you can’t easily paint over them. For small scratches on chrome-plated plastic, a specialized chrome polish can sometimes minimize the appearance.

For deeper scratches, your options are limited. Chrome repair kits exist, but they rarely match the original mirror finish. Often, the most effective and cost-effective solution for a badly scratched chrome hubcap is to use a chrome-like spray paint or vinyl wrap for a full cover-up, or to replace the unit.

Prevention: Keeping Your Hubcaps Scratch-Free

Once you’ve put in the work to fix them, you’ll want to keep them looking good. A few simple habits can prevent future damage.

  • Be mindful when parking. Avoid grazing curbs, which is the number one cause of hubcap scratches.
  • Wash your hubcaps regularly with a soft sponge or mitt. Brake dust is corrosive and can etch surfaces if left on too long.
  • Consider applying a wheel sealant. This creates a protective barrier that makes cleaning easier and can guard against minor abrasions.
  • Remove hubcaps carefully during tire changes. Don’t let mechanics toss them on the ground.

When to Call a Professional or Replace

DIY is great, but it’s not always the answer. If a hubcap is cracked, has large chunks missing, or is severely bent, repair might not be feasible or safe. A damaged hubcap can come loose while driving.

If you’ve attempted a repair and aren’t happy with the results, a professional wheel repair shop can often refinish a hubcap to like-new condition. However, for standard plastic hubcaps, the cost of professional repair sometimes approaches the cost of a brand new replacement hubcap, which you can often find online for a reasonable price.

FAQ Section

Can I fix hubcap scratches without taking them off?

You can attempt to polish out very light surface scratches with the hubcap on the car, but for any real repair involving sanding or painting, removal is essential. You risk getting polish, compound, or paint on your tires and brakes, and you won’t get a clean, even repair.

What household items can remove light scratches from hubcaps?

For extremely light scuffs, some people have success with non-gel toothpaste (a mild abrasive) or baking soda paste. Apply with a damp cloth in a circular motion, then rinse. Test in a small area first, as these are not designed for automotive finishes and results can vary widely.

How do I find the exact paint color for my hubcap?

The easiest way is to use your vehicle’s paint code. This is usually found on a sticker in the driver’s door jamb or in the glove box. You can take this code to an automotive parts store for a custom-mixed touch-up paint. If the hubcap is a generic gray or silver, a standard wheel silver spray paint from the auto store will often be a close enough match.

Is it worth fixing a scratched hubcap?

Absolutely, especially if you follow this DIY guide. The materials cost is low—often under $30—compared to buying a new set of hubcaps or paying for professional repair. It also extends the life of your current hubcaps and maintains your car’s overall appearance and resale value.

Can I use regular spray paint on a hubcap?

You should use paint formulated for automotive or plastic surfaces. Regular spray paint may not adhere properly, may not be flexible enough to withstand temperature changes and vibration, and will likely chip and peel quickly. Automotive spray paint is designed to be durable and withstand the elements.

Fixing scratched hubcaps is a satisfying project that can make a big visual impact on your car. By following these steps carefully and patiently, you can restore your wheels to their former glory. Remember, the keys to success are proper cleaning, using the right materials, and taking your time with each sanding and painting step. With a little effort, those unsightly scratches will be a thing of the past, and you’ll have the confidence to tackle them again if needed.