Finish guide

Wheel finishes, explained

Gloss or matte? Machined or chrome? Here's how each finish looks in real life, how it handles brake dust, and how to keep it looking new.

Finish guide

Which finish is right for you?

Every finish is protected by a clear coat, but they look, age and clean differently.

Gloss black

Deep, wet-look shine that goes with any paint color. Shows brake dust and swirl marks sooner than matte, but wipes clean easily.

Hides brake dust Easy to clean

Matte & satin black

Low-sheen, modern look that hides light dust well. Needs matte-safe cleaners: polishes and waxes leave shiny patches.

Hides brake dust Easy to clean

Machined face

Bare aluminum cut on a lathe for bright, fine grooves that contrast with a painted pocket. Clear coated; keep acidic cleaners away.

Hides brake dust Easy to clean

Hyper silver

Bright metallic silver with a fine sparkle, close to many factory finishes. Very forgiving with brake dust and easy to clean.

Hides brake dust Easy to clean

Gunmetal & graphite

Dark metallic grey that sits between black and silver. Hides dust well and suits almost any color car.

Hides brake dust Easy to clean

Bronze

Warm metallic bronze that pops on white, black, blue and grey cars. Clean gently to keep the metallic flake looking rich.

Hides brake dust Easy to clean

Chrome

Mirror shine for maximum bling. Needs the most care: pH-neutral cleaner only, dry right away, and avoid road salt sitting on it.

Hides brake dust Easy to clean

Polished & brushed

Polished lips and brushed faces add depth to two-tone designs. Clear coated; use a soft brush and avoid abrasive pads.

Hides brake dust Easy to clean

Two-tone (black machined)

A painted face with machined spokes or lip for contrast. Treat the painted and machined areas with the same gentle routine.

Hides brake dust Easy to clean

Care

How to wash your wheels

A few minutes every couple of weeks keeps brake dust from baking into the clear coat.

  1. Start coolWash wheels in the shade after they’ve cooled down. Cleaner on a hot wheel dries fast and can spot the finish.
  2. Rinse firstKnock off loose dust and grit with a strong rinse before anything touches the surface.
  3. pH-neutral cleanerUse a wheel cleaner labeled safe for all finishes, or car-wash soap. Let it dwell for a minute, never let it dry.
  4. Soft brushes onlyA soft-bristle face brush and a barrel brush reach the spokes and inner barrel without scratching.
  5. Rinse and dryRinse thoroughly and dry with a clean microfiber towel or blower to prevent water spots.
  6. ProtectA wheel sealant or ceramic coating every few months makes brake dust wipe right off.

Do

  • Clean wheels before the rest of the car so overspray gets rinsed off
  • Use separate mitts and buckets for wheels and paint
  • Use a matte-specific cleaner and sealant on matte and satin finishes
  • Hand-torque lug nuts with a torque wrench after any tire service

Don’t

  • Acid-based or “wheel brightener” cleaners, especially on chrome and machined faces
  • Steel wool, abrasive pads or polishing compounds on matte finishes
  • Brush-style automatic car washes, which scratch lips and spokes
  • Tire shine sprayed onto the wheel face

Good to know

Finish questions

Will my finish look exactly like the photos?

Very close. Screens and lighting change how a finish reads, especially bronze, gunmetal and hyper silver. If you’re between two finishes, message us and we’ll send extra photos.

What causes white or cloudy spots?

Usually hard-water spots or a cleaner that dried on the surface. Re-wash with a pH-neutral cleaner and dry the wheel right away. On gloss finishes, a quick detailer removes most spotting.

Can machined or polished lips corrode?

Machined and polished surfaces are clear coated, but chips from road debris or curb rash can let moisture in. Touch up chips quickly and keep the surface sealed, especially in winter climates where road salt is used.

Is curb rash covered?

Curb rash and damage from installation or road hazards are not finish defects. If you notice a finish problem when your wheels arrive, contact us before mounting tires so we can help.

Found the finish you like?

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