Help: Polishing Unprotected Alloy Wheels

T

thecarguyGP97

New member
Alright, i know that already most of you are thinking, "Is this guy crazy?? Zaino of course!!" Well I thought i'd just throw this Q out there anyways. This summer i will be claying my car for the first time and i also need to get some polish and/or wax for the car. Well i have heard raving reviews about Zaino and i would love to get my hands on some, but the thing that turns me away is the price. A couple of days ago i went to Murray's to pick up a few supplies and started talking to a guy about Mother's waxes and polishes. He really has me convinced that they have good products and i am thinking about buying some. I was just wondering if it would be worth the extra money to go with Zaino, or if it would be cool to go with Mothers? Also, to those of you that use or have used Mother's products, how are the results? If i go with Mother's, I will probably get the Clay Bar kit, Protective Sealant, and the Carnuba Wax paste. Thanks a lot from a 1st time poster here :D
 
When it boils down to it, the cost of Zaino isn't a factor in my book - other people may have different experiences but FWIW:



I can do 2-3 coats of Zaino on a large vehicle (Suburban, Tahoe, Expedition, etc) with about 2oz. of product. Now, I realize you need to use ZFX ($19.95, 16 uses per bottle), Z5 ($16.95, 16 ounces) and Z6 ($9.95, ?? uses per bottle)...but, just like synthetic oil, I really like the added protection.
 
If I had my choice between the 2, I would go with Zaino.

.<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

Now, I realize you need to use ZFX ($19.95, 16 uses per bottle), Z5 ($16.95, 16 ounces) and Z6 ($9.95, ?? uses per bottle)...but, just like</blockquote>
You don't have to use ZFX. You can get Z1 (8.95) and use it with Z2. It's cheaper that way, but you have to wait 24 hrs between coats
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

I know, but to not use ZFX would be a crime...that stuff is so wonderful!</blockquote>

True, but if price is a concern it's an unnecessary expense.
 
Mothers Reflections is a good product, may not be in the same league as Klasse or Zaino, but still a good product. It is as good as, and in view a little better, than Autogylm. I and a friend have done quite a bit if testing on it.
 
If cost is a factor ( and nothing is wrong with that) go with a carnuaba product. I would look at other products in this catagory that are available (P21S and Bliltz) which are available from CMA. I use P21S on my Lexus and I am very pleased with the shine and its durability is not terrible ( I re-wax every 3-4 weeks ).

The initial cost of Zaino may seem high ( basic set-up ~$55 - $60 -Z1,Z2,Z5,Z6,Z7 ) but this should be good for 20 -30 coats applied thinly and at 6 initial coats and 2 additional coats per month this supply could potentially last a year. Of course you will need to re-supply your Z6 and Z7 during this time period but that also is related to usage. I am still on my 1st bottle which I bought in Oct 01.

ZFX is optional. It is activator which allows multiple coats in one day which will always appear shinier than one coat. With the new Z2 and Z5 applied one/day over a week will still give equivalent results.

I have used Mother's paste wax and was not please with its shine and the residual white crud in cracks and around trim. Cleaning this crud added work to a already hard task.
 
The mother's products are pretty decent. I was able to apply it without any fuss, the dry time is relatively short and buffing the product was pretty painless and smear-free (unlike Meguiar's & 3M). Shine was decent and pretty much what I expected. Nothing spectacular, but probably one of the better shines for an OTC product. The stuff smells nice too. If I had to choose a product that was sold exclusively at stores like PepBoys or Autozone, Mother's would be it. It's a tad better than stuff like Meguiar's and 3M. But like the previous posts state, it's not on the same league as a product like Zaino.
 
Another reason that i am leaning toward the Mother's products is because i already have the Mothers QD and Scratch remover/abrasive compound. So i guess you guys are saying that it would be OK to go with Mothers, but it would be BETTER if i could forke up the cash and got with Zaino? Right now i think that i'm gonna get the Mothers and see how it goes, but i would like to get the Zaino, just to see what all of the fuss is about. Thanks again and if you have anything else to say about the subject, plz tell!
 
What's happenin?

Alright so if you have been around the industry for awhile, I'm guessing you have come across a pair of alloys that are totally toast.

We're talking oxidation and surface contaminants so thick they form their own protective layer on the surface. (protective might not be the best term.)

What I need to know are the steps a Good detailer takes to get them back to that beautiful shiny, glossy, appearance.

Compounding with a 2.5" wool pad, scrub pad, and foam pad are out. I've tried those. The contaminants are bad. I'm interested in finding out if I need to purchase a form of steel wool that can be used to polish, or should it be scotch bright pads..idk. You might have a better suggestion.

What ever the prep process is, it can't be to abrasive, otherwise, well it just won't work. And then again, it must be abrasive enough to remove whatever the gunk is.

I don't have any pics of the rims... sry.

Ideas? Tips? Experiences? All will be much appreciated. And you rock if you can add some before and afters.

Thanks!
 
I have had great results using a scotch brite magic eraser and p21s gel on various painted or coated wheels. On chrome or aluminum, I used the same eraser with the p21s metal polishing soap to remove bad contaminants and build up prior to polishing. on seriously crusted coatings I have used the scotch brite NO SCRATCH scouring pad with the polishing soap with light-moderate pressure.

this was after a wash and clay on the wheel!
DSCN0614.sized.jpg


magic eraser with polishing soap.
DSCN0621.sized.jpg
 
Hard to say what to do without any pictures, but here is a shot at it. Try using P21S polishing soap. Try this method when using this product. Wet the applicator sponge that comes with it with water, draw it across the P21S Polishing Soap, squeeze to create a lather, polish the wheel and rinse.
 
Yup. Scotch Brite FTW. That's what I was leaning towards. Thanks for the pics too. I'm glad to hear others support the p21s solution. I was thinking about ordering some the other day, will do now.


The job won't be for a month or so, but I'll post pics and what worked when I do. Thanks guys.
 
If the scotch bright doesn't work then you will likely need to sand the wheels, starting with something like 800 grit and working up to 1500ish before heavy compounding.
 
Mothers Powerball and Metal Polish does a pretty decent job, with very little effort Muscleman

If your looking for perfection, IMO your cheaper to just get another set of wheels (considering all the heartache and hassle) Their dirt cheap now compared to 3(+) years ago Weightlifter
 
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