User:Barepixels

Wheel Finish Guide
Every alloy wheel requires a different combination of techniques and processes to create it's unique finish. Wheel finishes range from flat paint to reflective chrome and come in several custom configurations as well. In addition, many aftermarket wheel companies and some vehicle manufacturers now offer custom wheel finishes to match the paint on a vehicle. Here is a list of some of the most common wheel finishes and brief descriptions describing them.

Black
This wheel is finished in a black paint that is either powder coated or glossed. Many drivers with dark cars favor this finish because it's adds a level of drama and customization to their vehicle. Black wheels also look great on lighter colored vehicles because they add eye-catching contrast that makes the car standout.

Black with Chrome Lip
This wheel is finished in a black paint that is either powder coated or glossed with a chrome outer lip. The chromed outer lip is ultra-shiny and reflective and provides one more layer of detail and distinction that make the wheels and the vehicle custom and unique.

Black with Polished Lip
This wheel is finished in a black paint that is either powder coated or glossed with a chrome outer lip. The Polished outer lip is similar to chrome but not as shiny or reflective. Some drivers prefer this "sportier" look, to the traditional "luxury look of chrome. The polished lip provides one more layer of detail and distinction that make the wheels and the vehicle custom and unique.

Black with Red Stripe
This wheel is finished in a black paint that is either powder coated or glossed with a painted or anodized red stripe on the outer circumference of the wheel's face. This effect is commonly referred to as "time attack" and is a very popular look among performance-based drivers and racing enthusiasts.

Brilliant Hyper Silver
This silver finish is similar to that found on stock wheels but brighter. These are not painted, but powdercoated to achieve its finish. This process is in fact favored over painting because of the greater durability and stronger finish when tested against rocks and other road debris.

Chrome
These wheels have been finished in a 3-step chrome process that ensures durability and shine. Chrome wheels have a mirror-like shine that is highly reflective. pristine finish.

Factory Silver
The silver finish is similar to that found on stock wheels. It comes in a wide array of similar gradients that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Overall, painted wheels offer a greater durability and stronger finish when tested against rocks and other road debris than chrome or any other plated wheel.

GunMetal
Gunmetal is a commonly used term that is used to cover a variety of paint/polishing combinations that range from gray to light black. A common gunmetal finish is a two-part finish in which the front of a wheel is machine polished to produce a reflective sheen and the inner parts are painted a gray color. Gunmetal can also refer to a wheel that is entirely finished in a gray, charcoal or light black paint.

Hyper Silver Metal
This silver finish is similar to that found on stock wheels but brighter. These are not painted, but powdercoated to achieve its finish. This process is in fact favored over painting because of the greater durability and stronger finish when tested against rocks and other road debris.

Hyper Silver with Machined Face
A common, two-part finish in which the front of a wheel is machine polished to produce a reflective sheen and the inner parts are painted a silver color.

Machined
The entire wheel is machine polished to produce a reflective sheen. Machined Hyper Silver: A common, two-part finish in which the front of a wheel is machine polished to produce a reflective sheen and the inner parts are painted a silver color.

Machined Silver with Matte Black
A common, two-part finish in which the front of a wheel is machine polished to produce a reflective sheen and the inner parts are finished with a non-gloss, matte black paint.

Machined with Gunmetal
Machined with Gunmetal refers to a two-part finish in which the front of a wheel is machine polished to produce a reflective sheen and the inner parts are painted a gray color.

Machined with Gunmetal Accents
Machined with Gunmetal Accents refers to a two-part finish in which the front of a wheel is machine polished to produce a reflective sheen and the inner parts are painted a gray color.

Machined with Silver Accents
A common, two-part finish in which the front of a wheel is machine polished to produce a reflective sheen and the inner parts are finished with a factory silver paint.

Matte Black
This wheel is finished in a black paint that is either powder coated or glossed. Many drivers with dark cars favor this finish because it's adds a level of drama and customization to their vehicle. Black wheels also look great on lighter colored vehicles because they add eye-catching contrast that makes the car standout.

Silver
The silver finish is similar to that found on stock wheels. It comes in a wide array of similar gradients that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Overall, painted wheels offer a greater durability and stronger finish when tested against rocks and other road debris than chrome or any other plated wheel.

Silver with Chrome Lip
The inner part of the wheel is a silver finish is similar to that found on stock wheels, with the addition of a chrome outer lip. The chromed outer lip is ultra-shiny and reflective and provides one more layer of detail and distinction that make the wheels and the vehicle custom and unique.

Silver with Machined Accents
A common, two-part finish in which the front of a wheel is machine polished to produce a reflective sheen and the inner parts are finished with a factory silver paint.

Silver with Machined Face
A common, two-part finish in which the front of a wheel is machine polished to produce a reflective sheen and the inner parts are finished with a factory silver paint.

Silver with Polished Lip
This wheel is finished in a factory silver paint that is either powder coated or glossed with a chrome outer lip. The Polished outer lip is similar to chrome but not as shiny or reflective. Some drivers prefer this "sportier" look, to the traditional "luxury look of chrome. The polished lip provides one more layer of detail and distinction that make the wheels and the vehicle custom and unique.

Source: usarim.com