Etching on rims

[Dylansdad]

I have to detail a Honda Accord Ex that has factory alloys on it. The rims appear cloudy, I assume etching from cleaners, etc from previous people cleaning. Is there any way to correct this and make them presentable?

 

[DETAILKING]

Are the rims painted and clearcoated? Does the etching have a texture or is it just "faded" spots?

 

[Dylansdad]

They are a polished aluminum factory rim, clearcoated, appear to be cloudy, but nothing I feel ........

 

[DETAILKING]

Hard to tell without seeing them....any pics? The clearcoat could of been permeated and discolored or perhaps you have some contaminant residue on the surface? I would start by cleaning them very good with a clearcoat safe wheel cleaner. Inspect.....



The next step I would take would be a MILD polish like mothers clear coat wheel polish on the spots directly to be sure there is no surface residue present.



If you can't get the spots out.......clean them up the best you can and wax them. Then use a HIGH GLOSS tire treatment. The DARK / BRIGHT contrast of the tires on the wheels will draw attention away from the blemmishes....try it!