WHAT IS CNC DIAMOND CUTTING?
CNC diamond cutting is the precision engineering process used to create the striking two-tone, mirror-finish look found on many modern prestige and performance wheels. Unlike standard painted alloys, a diamond-cut wheel has a microscopic layer of metal shaved off the face by a computer-controlled lathe.
We use the exact same CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathe technology used in original factory production. The diamond-tipped tool cuts across the face of the wheel with sub-millimetre precision, removing kerb rash, corrosion, and old clear coats. This leaves a brilliant, grooved alloy surface that catches the light, which we then seal with a durable, baked-on clear coat.
WHY CHOOSE AWR FOR DIAMOND CUTTING?
Not all wheel repairers can perform true diamond cutting. Many mobile operators or budget shops attempt to mimic the look by sanding and polishing the face by hand—a process that leaves uneven surfaces and ruins the wheel's structural profile.
At our Grey Lynn workshop, we do it right. Our CNC lathe probes the exact profile of your specific wheel before making a single cut. This ensures we remove only the absolute minimum amount of alloy required to clear the damage, preserving the structural integrity and safety of your wheel. We've restored tens of thousands of wheels, so you can trust our expertise.
OUR CNC MACHINING PROCESS
- Digital Profiling: We mount the wheel on the lathe and use a digital probe to map its exact curvature. This ensures the cutting tool follows the factory profile perfectly.
- Chemical Strip & Prep: The wheel is chemically stripped to remove old coatings without damaging the underlying alloy.
- Base Coat Application: The barrel and spokes are painted in your chosen base colour (often gloss black or anthracite) and cured in our ovens.
- Precision Cut: The diamond tool shaves the face of the wheel, revealing the bright, fresh alloy beneath and removing all kerb damage.
- Clear Coat Seal: We immediately seal the bare alloy with a high-quality clear coat (gloss, satin, or tinted lacquer) to prevent oxidation and protect the finish.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW LONG DOES CNC DIAMOND CUTTING TAKE?
Most diamond-cut wheel repairs are completed within 3–4 days. Because the process involves chemical stripping, base coat painting, CNC machining, and clear coat curing, it cannot be rushed or done as a "same-day" mobile repair.
CAN YOU DIAMOND CUT ANY WHEEL?
We can cut most wheels, provided the design allows it and there is sufficient alloy thickness remaining. A wheel can typically only be diamond-cut 1–2 times in its lifespan. We will measure your wheels and advise you upfront if a cut is safe.
HOW MUCH DOES DIAMOND CUTTING COST?
Replacing a factory diamond-cut wheel often costs $1,500 to $3,000+. A repair costs a fraction of that. Send us a photo for an exact, fixed-price quote.
READY TO REFRESH YOUR DIAMOND-CUT WHEELS?
Don't let damaged wheels devalue your car. Send a couple of photos for a fast quote, or swing by our Grey Lynn workshop. We'll bring back that crisp, mirror-cut face with a durable, protected finish.
Over a decade
of five-star results
From daily Corollas to weekend Porsches — here's what they said after getting their wheels back.
Expert Repairer for 60+ car & wheel brands
Discover factory-finish alloy wheel repair for every kind of vehicle — prestige, performance, SUV, EV, or everyday runabout. Our specialist technicians restore alloy and mag wheels to a flawless, OEM-quality finish.
location
We service alloy wheels nationwide from our high-tech workshop in Auckland.
grey lynn, auckland
Nearby? Swing by our workshop for a quick, no-pressure check and we will give you a quote while you wait.
Loan vehicles, and loan wheels are available.