360 Alloys
Whether you want the wheels returned to their original factory colour or something completely different, we work through the colour and finish options with you before committing anything to the wheel. This way, there are no surprises once the job is done.
Changing or restoring an alloy wheel's colour is one of the more visible transformations we carry out, and it is also one where getting the finish right matters as much as getting the colour right. The same colour can look completely different depending on whether it is applied gloss, satin or matt, so we treat colour and finish sheen as two separate decisions that both need agreeing before work starts.
For owners wanting the wheels returned to how the car looked from the factory, we work from OEM-style colour references to match the original shade as closely as possible. Some variation is always possible due to the age of the surrounding paintwork on the car, fading that may have occurred, and normal tolerances in colour matching. We are upfront about that rather than promising a perfect, guaranteed match.
For owners wanting something different, we offer a genuinely wide range of options. These include solid gloss colours, softer satin finishes and flat matt finishes, as well as metallic colours with visible fleck or shimmer. We also offer shadow-style finishes that give a deeper, more subdued tone than a standard flat colour, and fully custom colours mixed to a specific shade you have in mind. We do not offer named finish packages beyond genuinely describing the finish type and colour you are choosing, so what you agree with us is exactly and specifically what goes on the wheel.
Colour sampling is an important part of this process. Rather than choosing purely from a colour chart or a screen, we can show physical samples where practical. We also discuss the finish against your actual vehicle so you can see how it will look in context before committing. Lighting affects how any colour reads — a colour can look noticeably different in bright daylight compared with overcast conditions or under artificial workshop lighting. We take this into account when discussing your choice with you, since a colour that looks perfect on a screen or a small sample chip can read differently once applied across a full wheel outdoors.
How it works
Colour and finish consultation
We discuss the colour and finish sheen you want, whether restoring an OEM-style shade or choosing something custom, and show samples where practical before committing to anything.
Stripping and preparation
The wheel is stripped of its existing finish back to bare alloy, since a genuine colour change needs a clean base rather than being applied over the old coating.
Priming
Primer is applied to promote adhesion and give an even base for the chosen colour, particularly important for lighter or metallic colours where the base beneath can otherwise show through unevenly.
Colour application
The agreed colour and finish type is applied, with metallic and shadow finishes generally requiring more careful, layered application to achieve an even result.
Lacquer and curing
A protective lacquer is applied over the finish and cured, protecting the colour from UV fading, stone chips and general road wear.
Final inspection
The finished wheel is checked for even colour, correct sheen and consistency with the rest of the set before being signed off.
Capability
Gloss finishes reflect the most light and give the sharpest, shiniest appearance, and are the closest match to most standard factory wheel finishes. They tend to show swirl marks from washing more readily than satin or matt finishes, simply because more light bounces directly off a glossy surface.
Satin finishes sit between gloss and matt, with a soft, gentle sheen rather than a hard shine or a completely flat look. They tend to hide minor surface imperfections and washing marks better than full gloss, while still reflecting some light.
Matt finishes reflect almost no light and give a completely flat appearance. They have become popular on performance and SUV-style wheels in particular, though matt finishes generally need specific, careful cleaning products, since some standard wheel cleaners and waxes can affect the flat texture over time.
Metallic finishes include fine metallic particles within the colour, which catch and reflect light differently depending on the viewing angle, giving a shimmer effect that flat colours do not have. Shadow finishes use darker, more subdued tones with less pronounced highlights than a standard finish of the same base colour, giving a moodier overall look without going fully matt.
Lighting genuinely changes how any of these finishes read in person. Bright, direct sunlight brings out metallic fleck and gloss reflections strongly, while overcast daylight or indoor lighting shows the base colour and sheen more evenly without those highlights. This is why we discuss finish choice with you in more than one lighting context where practical.
Different finishes have different care needs. Matt finishes in particular can be affected by some standard wheel cleaning products and abrasive brushes, so we advise on suitable cleaning products for your specific finish once the work is complete.
Why 360
Warranty
Reading facility
Garage, MOT, diagnostics, mechanical repairs, performance and alloy-wheel refurbishment.
119 Unit 4 Loverock Road, Reading, RG30 1DZMonday – Friday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: By appointment only
Sunday: By appointment only
Questions
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All 360 Alloys servicesLoverock Road, ReadingAreas we coverContact 360
360 Alloys
Complete wheel refurbishment, diamond cutting and structural alloy repair.
