How do I choose the right wheel finish for my truck or SUV?

Choosing the right wheel finish is one of the most exciting parts of building out your truck or SUV. The finish you choose can completely change the look and personality of your vehicle. Here is a breakdown of the most popular wheel finishes to help you find the right one for your build.

Gloss black

Gloss black is one of the most popular wheel finishes for trucks and SUVs and it is easy to see why. Here is what to know:

• A bold, clean look that complements almost any vehicle color
• Works great on lifted builds, show trucks, and daily drivers
• Easy to clean and maintain with regular washing
• Can show brake dust and road grime more easily than darker matte finishes, so regular cleaning is recommended
• A timeless finish that works well with a wide variety of truck styles and builds

Matte or satin black

Matte and satin black finishes offer a more understated, aggressive look compared to gloss black. Here is what to know:

• A flat or low sheen finish that gives your truck a rugged, stealthy appearance
• Very popular for off road builds, lifted trucks, and blacked out builds
• Avoid using wax or gloss enhancing products on matte or satin finishes as they can alter the appearance of the finish
• Use a matte specific cleaner to keep the finish looking its best

Machined or machined face

Machined finishes feature a polished, metallic look created by cutting the surface of the wheel on a lathe after painting. Here is what to know:

• Typically feature a combination of a painted base color with a machined or polished face or lip
• The contrast between the painted and machined surfaces creates a bold, eye catching look
• Popular on both lifted builds and show trucks
• Avoid acidic cleaners on machined surfaces as they can discolor or damage the finish
• May require more maintenance than solid color finishes to keep the machined surface looking its best

Chrome

Chrome wheels are a classic choice for truck builds that want maximum shine and a show stopping appearance. Here is what to know:

• An extremely reflective, mirror like finish that stands out from a distance
• A popular choice for show trucks and builds that want a bold, flashy look
• Requires regular cleaning and polishing to maintain the shine and prevent pitting or corrosion
• Chrome specific cleaners and polishes are recommended to keep the finish in top condition
• More maintenance intensive than other finishes, but the results speak for themselves

Bronze or color tinted finishes

Bronze, gold, and other color tinted finishes have become increasingly popular in the truck community in recent years. Here is what to know:

• Offer a unique, distinctive look that stands out from more traditional black or chrome finishes
• Work great as an accent color against darker vehicle paint or blacked out builds
• Available in a variety of shades from subtle to bold depending on the look you are going for
• Generally easy to maintain with regular cleaning using a pH neutral wheel cleaner

Two tone finishes

Two tone finishes combine two different colors or textures on the same wheel, such as a black center with a machined lip or a gloss face with a matte barrel. Here is what to know:

• Create a more complex, detailed look that adds depth and dimension to your wheel design
• Popular on show trucks and builds that want a more custom appearance
• Cleaning requirements may vary depending on the specific finishes used in the combination

What should I consider when choosing a finish?

Beyond personal preference, there are a few practical things to consider when choosing a wheel finish:

• Vehicle color: Some finishes complement certain vehicle colors better than others. Black finishes work well with almost any color, while chrome and machined finishes tend to pop on darker vehicles
• Maintenance: Some finishes like chrome and machined require more regular maintenance than solid painted finishes
• Use case: If you do a lot of off roading, a finish that is easier to clean and more resistant to chips and scratches may be a better choice than a high maintenance chrome or polished finish
• Build style: Think about the overall style you are going for. A blacked out build calls for a different finish than a show truck or a daily driver

Not sure which finish is right for your build?

Use our guided fitment tool on our homepage to explore wheel options for your vehicle, or reach out to our sales team and we will help you find the perfect finish to match your build and your style!