High Gloss Tires: Griots vs HD Dress

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jw

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How do these two compare.  I'm looking for something that has a really glossy shine that doesn't sling.  I've used Optibond which was pretty good.  I've Sonax which looks great when you apply it but slings pretty bad.  Was thinking of trying either the Griots high gloss or HD Dress.  Opinions?
 
I think HD Dress has a great look to it and dries quick, but then again I don't like "glossy" tires, so if that's what you're looking for it might not be for you.  Admittedly I have not applied more than one layer at a time though (due to liking the look of the first application), so I'm not sure if you'd get more gloss out of it with additional layers
 
jw said:
How do these two compare. I'm looking for something that has a really glossy shine that doesn't sling. I've used Optibond which was pretty good. I've Sonax which looks great when you apply it but slings pretty bad. Was thinking of trying either the Griots high gloss or HD Dress. Opinions?


If looking for gloss, the Meguiars endurance gel is great.

I have read loads of praises for chemical guys vrg as well for being glossy.



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I own the HD Dress product.  I can't comment on the Griot's stuff.  The HD is easy to use.  If you want major gloss, you'll probably want two applications of it.  I've yet to try that but certainly can.  Frankly, after the car has been driven with just a single application, I find the product is fading away.  After a couple days it's hard to tell anything was applied.


 


I'll second the Meg's Endurance product.  Mine is in a sprayer type bottle, I don't think's it's the gel.  Great, long-lasting product...it's really been a pleasant surprise.
 
Tom - thanks for the input. I wonder if you applied a 2nd coat then wiped it down if that would give a stronger build up and allow it to hold for longer?  I've noticed on some tires (like my wife's minivan) that any dressing I use ends up flashing off due to how smooth the sidewall texture (or lack of) is. 
 
David, I suspect you're onto something with your comment.  It does kinda look like it's evaporating away.  I will try a 2nd coat next time I use it.


 


Thanks.
 
jd:


Tire shine is a subjective thing; some like the shiny tire because it gives the appearance of a cleaned/detailed car.


Me, I like the more natural -matte finish- look; like what came off the assembly line when the car was new.


 


Anyway, your concern is with tire shine sling. I would think that if you've had good experience with Optimum's Optibond that you would stick with that, but I understand that every good detailer is looking for something better/different/less expensive. Since I cannot comment on the two tire shine products per your request because of no experience with them, I WILL suggest Meguiar's Endurance Tire Gel, IF you like shiner tires without the sling. It still needs to be wiped off to some degree,but that initial "shine" is OK without being too "plastic-like" and after a few rains/car washes, it still looks shiny. Plus it's available over-the-counter (Read from the ever-present Wal-Mart) and inexpensive (read "Cheap").


 


A side note about tire dressings is that IF its left on with a wet-look (IE, not wiped off), it will attract dirt/dust/debris. Right now in Wisconsin, the cottonwood trees start to develop this cotton-like seed "fuzz" that is gets everywhere. I HATE it when tires end up looking like grey-beards or Q-tips from the fuzz that sticks to wet tire dressing that blows around after sitting outside under or near one of these trees, (which is why I prefer a natural matte finish and wipe off the tire dressing as much as I can).
 
I've been using HD Dress for everything this past week. What I learned is that the best method to applying is first degreasing the tire with Tarminator! Spray a rag then wipe down the tire. If there is any residue left from prior tire shine, it will ruin the look of HD Dress. If this is done first, you will be able to apply it just by spraying onto the tire, wiping down with any applicator or towel, and going on your merry way.
 
Like with selants/coatings, prior residue can surely affect a protectant's performance. Especially solvent based dressings. Stuff can be like molasses. 
 
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