ebruce2

iTrader: (1)

Any detail gurus:

I have a set of diamond polished aluminum wheels with high-polished, clear-coated lips coming in a few days. I am wondering about the best products/process for keeping them looking good. I haven't mounted them up yet, so I'd like to get a head start on caring for these babies. I have heard about the possibility of them dulling after a while.

Any advice???? Thanks.

Eric

Guitarman

Eric, the regular use of simple car wash shampoo is all you need to keep them clean. NEVER use any acid based wheel cleaner. Avoid even highly alkaline (Simple Green -Castrol Super Clean etc) cleaners, especially on warm or hot wheels, unless you dilute them at least 50%.

If the wheel has a non clearcoated polished part, it will dull over time, and you can use an aluminum polish or NevR Dull, Wenol, etc. to bring it back up. You can also have them sealed with Zoopseal or a similar product if you're so inclined, and never have to polish again.

One other thing you can do is daily (or every other day) spray them down with a quick detailer, and wipe dry. Once they get real dirty you would be best to wash them, but very light brake dust can be removed via the quick detailer without scratching.

A polymer sealant ( Zaino, NXT etc. ) will also protect them and make them easier to clean. I don't recommend wax in the case of wheels because it melts at or below 165 degrees, and rims can get pretty hot with constant braking going on. Polymers hold up to ~400 degrees Enjoy the rims.

ebruce2

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, Guitarman!!!

Somehow I just knew you would be the one to come through for me.

A polymer sealnt definitely sounds like a good idea. Are there quality products in this category that are more easily attainable than Zaino's for instance? Something I could acquire at an auto parts store, for example?

Also, would I be safe using such a product on the entire surface of the wheel, be it the lip or the diamond polished center?

I'm not familiar with Zoop seal, but I did catch somewhere that it is pretty costly. Guess I'll do some research on that product first.

Thanks again!!

Eric

Guitarman

As far as off -the- shelf polymer products, here are a few to look for;

Liquid Glass (acrylic polymer)

Meguiar's NXT

Finish First

Meguiar's # 20

NuFinish (acrylic polymer)

ebruce2

iTrader: (1)

excellent!! Thanks again, my friend. Any opinions about using Klasse AIO on wheels? I do have a shipment of that coming, and I understand it is also an acrylic polymer.

Guitarman

No problem using AIO, it has solvent cleaners in it, but they won't harm the wheels in any way. Cheers.

ebruce2

iTrader: (1)

sweet! Sounds like I'm in good shape then....at least for the time being.

Thanks again!

Eric

johnee78

iTrader: (4)

Do you have a link to zoopseal or at least where I can get it?? I am polishing some aluminum parts and I would like to try zoopseal to seal it and maintain the shine...

ebruce2

iTrader: (1)

here you go, johnee.

link