In our previous article, we talked about how to detail your wheels at home.
This week in this concluding series on detailing wheels, we’ll show how you can put the finishing touches to a well-detailed set of wheels and how to maintain them in that state.
Wheels, similar to paintjobs, often require a protective layer to prevent premature surface degradation and contamination.
While there are products that are specifically manufactured for protecting a wheel’s finish, you can also use what you have in your current range of detailing products like a quality synthetic sealant or even wax.
You’ll probably need to perform frequent re-applications due to the acidic nature of brake-dust and the higher operating thermal range during braking.
This will ensure that your wheels are easy to clean and maintained well.
Note that if you clean your wheels with a specific wheel cleaner, its formulation would be rather aggressive in nature and will also quite quickly deplete the protective layer you’ve applied.
Typically, after a set of wheels are cleaned, tyre dressing is applied to imbue a deep and richer finish mimicking the look on a new set of tyres. Depending of personal preference, some might prefer a high-gloss look and alternatively, others a matte-satin finish.
Here’s how you can achieve either. There are two-kinds of tyre dressing: water-based and solvent-based.
The former provides a matte-satin look whereas the solvent-based dressing will give a high-gloss finish.
The main difference between the two is the transport mechanism of the contents.
With water-based dressings, polymers are mostly used and can sometimes be layered for a deeper finish.
With solvent-based dressings, the solvent evaporates leaving behind the silicone oils. One of the key advantages of solvent-based dressing is the durability factor, albeit at a cost to the environment because it isn’t bio-degradable.
The steps for application are similar, though. Using a sponge, apply a small amount of your preferred dressing around the tires in a circular motion.
What you’d want to ensure is that only a thin, sufficient layer of dressing goes on without excess leftover.
The main reason is to avoid the excess slinging onto the paintwork when the vehicle is driven.
With water-based dressings, you can try to apply a secondary layer for a better finish (depending on product type, of course).
Allow a suitable curing time for the dressings to adhere and dry.
Maintaining your freshly-detailed set of wheels is no different from washing your vehicle.
Nothing beats a disciplined approach to detailing your vehicle.
When you perform your weekly car wash, spend a little extra time on the wheels and you’ll be very pleased with the results.
Remember, a well-detailed set of wheels enhances the overall appearance of your vehicle.
> For more information head on over to www.autodetailer.co