Coated or Uncoated Metal?

[Obsessive1]

How can you tell the difference?

 

[Setec Astronomy]

What part of the car are you talking about, and what kind of coating?

 

[Obsessive1]

I'm referring to wheels. Like alumunim. Thx.

 

[imported_cushdrive]

Most wheels are coated. Some high end wheel manufacturers (HRE, IFORGED, DPE, Vorsteiner) sell uncoated bare aluminum wheels. The only way you can really tell is to use a small amount of metal polish and try rubbing it in a small area on the back of the wheel. If the rag turns black/grey before the polish breaks down, then the wheels are uncoated. If the polish goes clear and end up rubbing off completely without changing color, your wheels are coated.

 

[VroomVroom]

^ Bada boom - that's a great way to tell. I agree that most wheels are coated, but there are some "blue collar" brands that still sell 'em bare - Centerline, American Racing, and Weld. If you detail any 4x4 vehicles, chances are you'll encounter some of these.