Installing Scuffs Alloy Rim Protectors

A DIY guide for Scuffs Alloy Wheel Rim Protectors

New product alert! Here at RTECSHOP.com and R-Tec Auto Design in St Albans, we're pleased to offer you a new addition to our wheel accessory range. Introducing Scuffs Alloy Wheel Rim Protectors [ULTRA] by Rimblades! These easy-fit rim protectors are the premium choice for protecting your wheels from kerbs. Unlike some of the cheaper alternatives, Scuffs ULTRA have a soft, bendable finish which adheres to the wheel rim perfectly. They're long-lasting, made in the UK and come with everything you need.

Available NOW in x4 different colours: (click a link to go the product page)

SCUFFS Alloy Wheel Rim Protector set (Blue finish)
SCUFFS Alloy Wheel Rim Protector set (Red finish)
SCUFFS Alloy Wheel Rim Protector set (Black finish)
SCUFFS Alloy Wheel Rim Protector set (Silver finish)

We believe Scuffs are very easy to fit.

Scuffs use a high-quality double-sided tape called a VHB (very high bond). This tape bonds to the wheel surface using viscous flow. This means the maximum bond is not instant, but takes around 72 hours to fully cure, although useable bond strength is reached within 24 hours. We only use genuine 3M products.

All Scuffs will bond strongly unless something is stopping adhesion. The key is fitting to a clean and totally contaminant free wheel surface.

Tyre shine and silicone-based lubrication products used by some tyre fitters can leave a silicone residue on the wheel which prevents bonding. Likewise, some of the brake dust repellant wheel cleaners can also stop adhesion. These will require removing with a strong cleaning solution such as Auto Finesse Imperial Wheel Cleaner or Meguiars Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner or similar.

Note that ceramic coated wheels have a non-stick surface, and we would not recommend Scuffs on this application without the coating first being removed.

Once you are happy the surface is contaminant-free, use the 3M IPA (alcohol) cleaning wipes included in the kit to fully clean the surface where the rim protector will fit. Once this is dry (which takes less than a minute), use the provided 3M 06396 adhesion promoters provided around the full circumference of the wheel where the product will fit. Try not to get this anywhere else. If you do, it can be cleaned off with the IPA wipes. The primer is fully ready within 5 minutes, up to a maximum time of 20 minutes.

It is then a simple case of removing some of the backing tapes and lining up the product with the wheel rim and sticking it on a few inches at a time. It really is as simple as peel and stick. When you get to the end, leave the last inch or so of backing tape on, overlap the two ends of the product and mark where to cut with a craft knife or pencil. You can cut it a fraction oversize and tuck the ends together for a near-invisible join.

The next bit is very important. Since the tapes are pressure activated, you need to go around the circumference pushing the product on with firm pressure. A damp (not wet) cloth can assist in getting good pressure into the tape all the way around the wheel.

Once fitted, drive carefully until the tape is fully cured.

IF YOU HAVE ANY FITTING QUERIES, PLEASE CONTACT US.

Tips & Tricks

If fitting with the wheels on the car you can make the process faster and easier by jacking up the vehicle so you can spin the wheels. If you can’t jack up the car, fit the top half of the product first, then roll the car forwards (or backwards) and fit the second half still working at the top.

If fitting in colder conditions, use a hairdryer to warm the wheel surface to ensure it is free of moisture.

Removing Rimblades Products

When you need to remove Scuffs Alloy Wheel Rim Protectors because you have damaged one and need to replace it, want to change the colour or want to remove them completely (on a lease car that is being returned for example) the process is quite simple.

Start by pulling gently from the join. During removal, the core of the foam tape should split and half will be left on the rim surface.

Spray your cleaning solution liberally all over the leftover tape and within 15 to 20 minutes the adhesive compounds will be dissolved and the tape turned into an easy to remove jelly. Specific Scuffs remover solution is available online.