Tire applicators

S

swan

New member
I normally use a foam applicator but I am tired of ruining them when it comes to my own tires. My tires shred the foam. The tread overlaps onto the sidewall and just tears them up. Any suggestions what else to use? I have been using the Eagle One applicators since one will last a few times if I am gentle with it.

Here is a pic for reference. As you can see it is a pretty aggressive tire.





0e7ddee0.jpg
 
i use to use the EO1 tire swipes but not longer due as they don't last very long. it's a two piece construction so it will eventually fall apart or the foam is flimsy and shreds apart. i use these (the foam is also denser) and it's one piece and also has the little slot in the middle to keep your hands from getting dressing all over them. both ADS and DD carry them...

yhst-41771694353694_2103_37613053
 
Take a look at your local dollar store. I found a six pack of dishwashing sponges that have an inch of yellow foam (perfect density IMO) topped with a thin layer of coarse green material for heavy-duty scrubbing. They measure 2.75" X 3.75" and the stiff green material makes them easy to hold. They don't last forever, but at six for a buck it's easy to toss 'em when they die. They are also good for dressing trim and interiors.







EDIT: I have actually been waiting for a thread like this so I could share this info. :chuckle:
 
get the ones from detailedimage, I have a BUNCH of them, I wont have to rebuy any for a year!



for those EXACT tires, I just spray the dressing on the tire itself, then take the applicator and spread, wait about ten minutes and then buff off excess with a terry cloth towel! Works like a charm!
 
BIGDAVE said:
Take a look at your local dollar store. I found a six pack of dishwashing sponges that have an inch of yellow foam (perfect density IMO) topped with a thin layer of coarse green material for heavy-duty scrubbing. They measure 2.75" X 3.75" and the stiff green material makes them easy to hold. They don't last forever, but at six for a buck it's easy to toss 'em when they die. They are also good for dressing trim and interiors.







EDIT: I have actually been waiting for a thread like this so I could share this info. :chuckle:
Click to expand...



I used these exact ones! So cheap and works great!
 
I like to use my expired GS (Grout Sponges) that I no longer use for washing. Once I have removed all the old soap, I let them dry out completely. I then cut the sponge in half so that I have to equal halves. I then cut one of the halves in half again so I have a total of 3 sponges for dressing applicators. I use the large one for tires that are 60 series or larger such as SUV or truck tires. I then use the smaller sponges for 50 series tires or smaller rubber trim or parts that need to be dressed and protected. I recycle my wash old wash sponges this way, it saves me money on applicator pads and when they are old I just toss them in the trash.
 
BIGDAVE said:
Take a look at your local dollar store. I found a six pack of dishwashing sponges that have an inch of yellow foam (perfect density IMO) topped with a thin layer of coarse green material for heavy-duty scrubbing. They measure 2.75" X 3.75" and the stiff green material makes them easy to hold. They don't last forever, but at six for a buck it's easy to toss 'em when they die. They are also good for dressing trim and interiors.



EDIT: I have actually been waiting for a thread like this so I could share this info. :chuckle:
Click to expand...





I have tried those and they tear apart worse than the Eagle Ones I have been using on these tires. Those probably work good on a normal tire. These tires are like a cheese grater. :lol



toyotaguy said:
get the ones from detailedimage, I have a BUNCH of them, I wont have to rebuy any for a year!



for those EXACT tires, I just spray the dressing on the tire itself, then take the applicator and spread, wait about ten minutes and then buff off excess with a terry cloth towel! Works like a charm!
Click to expand...



Thanks. I'll give these a try next time I need to place an order. Matter of fact I just threw them in my shopping cart so I don't forget.

I hate spraying them as if you happen to miss any product these tires sling like no other. :chuckle:



EliminatorXP said:
I like to use my expired GS (Grout Sponges) that I no longer use for washing. Once I have removed all the old soap, I let them dry out completely. I then cut the sponge in half so that I have to equal halves. I then cut one of the halves in half again so I have a total of 3 sponges for dressing applicators. I use the large one for tires that are 60 series or larger such as SUV or truck tires. I then use the smaller sponges for 50 series tires or smaller rubber trim or parts that need to be dressed and protected. I recycle my wash old wash sponges this way, it saves me money on applicator pads and when they are old I just toss them in the trash.
Click to expand...



Great idea on recycling them. Wonder if I have any old ones laying around to cut up. Thanks for the tip. :2thumbs:
 
For tires like yours, I switch to a soft brush, like the salt and pepper from SM Arnold, helps get into the grooves and the big surface of the tires.
 
Fresh Look said:
For tires like yours, I switch to a soft brush, like the salt and pepper from SM Arnold, helps get into the grooves and the big surface of the tires.
Click to expand...



I've thought about using a paint brush but haven't picked up a cheap one to try. Sure not going to use one of my Purdy brand brushes on my tires. :grinno:



Where can I check out this SM Arnold brush at?
 
I work at a dealership and I ended up just buying a "hair" bristle paint brush and dip it in a 32 oz cup from QT. It works fantastic and really gets those tires in every nook and cranny. The problem with it though is that you use a lot of tire shine, but I think if you let the brush squish out before application then you probably use about the same.



Personally I never use the "spray on then wipe off" method because it always seems to end up on the paint, no matter how calm it is outside or in the garage.



Ahh and i just picked up this brush at a local hardware store for about.....6~ dollars, and it's lasted for 2 years, doing an average of 3 to 4 cars a day
 
swan said:
I've thought about using a paint brush but haven't picked up a cheap one to try. Sure not going to use one of my Purdy brand brushes on my tires. :grinno:



Where can I check out this SM Arnold brush at?
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I got mine at the 3D store in Vegas. I am sure they have them on the website. I paid like $5.00 dollars and had it for about 6 months. Hope this helps!:wavey
 
I hated dressing tires *so* much that I simply didn't do it very often...then I got one of these: Tire Dress Express Best thing I've ever used, and now I don't mind doing it at all. Gets into the areas that are easy to miss, and no, it doesn't get torn up by rough sidewalls either.
 
Accumulator said:
I hated dressing tires *so* much that I simply didn't do it very often...then I got one of these: Tire Dress Express Best thing I've ever used, and now I don't mind doing it at all. Gets into the areas that are easy to miss, and no, it doesn't get torn up by rough sidewalls either.
Click to expand...





These look like the same as a Surbuf pad. Is that what they can be compared to?

If so, those fingers wouldn't be long enough to get in the nooks and crannies on my tires. But it does seem like they would work on other tires though.
 
swan said:
These look like the same as a Surbuf pad. Is that what they can be compared to?

If so, those fingers wouldn't be long enough to get in the nooks and crannies on my tires. But it does seem like they would work on other tires though.
Click to expand...



Very similar to the Surbufs, good comparison. I think the tire wipes are a bit longer but it's been a while since I've held a SurBuf and inspected it first-hand.



I didn't think they'd get into some spots on some of my tires either, but as long as I have the pad pretty saturated (yeah, gotta wipe off excess product with an old MF), they're worked surprisingly well. I have about six-eight different types of tires to maintain here (more if you count the snowtires) and I haven't had any that were impossible.



Some of those "fancy sidewalls" do drive me nuts in this regard :rolleyes: But that thing handles 'em well.



Now watch you take my recommendation to heart, buy the thing, and find it does *not* work on your tires!
 
I use the circular terry-cloth wax applicators from AutoZone. Usually under $1 each, and they last a LONG time. I've got one that I use on the Michelin M/S tires on my wife's Suburban, and have been using that same applicator for 13 months now.
 
Accumulator said:
I hated dressing tires *so* much that I simply didn't do it very often...then I got one of these: Tire Dress Express Best thing I've ever used, and now I don't mind doing it at all. Gets into the areas that are easy to miss, and no, it doesn't get torn up by rough sidewalls either.
Click to expand...



Top of The Line is a great site.
 
mystickid said:
Accumulator,



How long have your Tire Dress Express applicators so far?
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They seem very durable, sorta surprised me. I think I'm on my third one now, but I can't say how long each one lasted. I'm kinda gentle with 'em, but I don't think you'll be disappointed.



WAxManRonnie said:
Top of The Line is a great site.
Click to expand...



Yeah, absolutely. Irene and I go back quite a ways, and she and her folks are great to do business with.
 
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