Waxing Wheels = Headache!

Lazzman

Lazzman

New member
I recently tried waxing my wheels with DP Wheel Glaze.



I was working on a 2007 Camry that had the 16", 9 spoke, factory clear coated wheels.



After the wheels where cleaned and dried, I first tried to apply the DP with the Mothers mini powerball. This was a disaster, as the mini powerball is hard to control. I switched to a foam applicator and it went a little easier.



It still took me over an hour to apply and buff two coats each wheel.



Besides a sore back the wheels came out very nice, but I am thinking there has got to be an easier way. Especially since DP wants you to apply this stuff every week.



I would love to hear suggestions on how others apply Wheel wax's? Which applicators etc... Getting in the rim nooks and crannies was a PIA, as was removing it.



For me this is one of the worst detailing tasks there is :LOLOL
 
I use the DP gel and wheel glaze package on every detail. I always use the green finger pockets to apply the wheel glaze, not really too difficult to me. Try the finger pockets, autogeek sells them.:cool:
 
lazzman said:
I recently tried waxing my wheels with DP Wheel Glaze...DP wants you to apply this stuff every week...
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I sure wouldn't bother using something that needs reapplied every week :eek:



I take the wheels off and put them up on a raised work surface. I do the areas I can with a PC/Flex but otherwise I just do them by hand with stuff that works OK that way. Yeah, the tight spots are a PIA, which is why I use something very durable (e.g., KSG, FK1000P, Collinite). I do multiple layers while I'm at it.



Then I wash them with shampoo mix for a while, and then diluted wheel cleaner. And I refresh their LSP with a spritz of FK425 after every wash.



If it's a *real* PIA I'd just skip LSPing them and use a good wheel cleaner.
 
Hi!



Green finger pockets are great for applying wheel protecting products. Wheel Wax, PB's Wheel sealant, DP glaze all are a waste of money IMO.



They do not last very long and the paste is a pain to apply. Much better off with a thin liquid, Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection i find ideal.



Just wash every week with your usual car soap or ONR or whatever you use. When you dry them have some Meguiars UQD on stand by, it will reduce build up of brake dust, and also makes it easier to wipe when you next wash the car.



Personally, and i know Accumulator has mentioned Collinite, but i do not recommend using a nuba based wax on the wheels. I find that it causes brake dust to get attracted the wheels, it doesnt clean so easy and tends to get a "dirty" grey'ish look to it (i presume brake dust gets bonded to the softening wax?). Even IW isnt that great compared to sealants.



Although i drive in city traffic and have perfomance brakes pack so i tend to dust up easily. Your car might well drive in different conditions and that might change if you wanted to apply a wax instead of a sealant.



Sometimes if they are resurfacing a road or motorway where i live, i will just switch to wheel cleaner evey week and something like Aqua Wax to keep them lightly protected. Tar dots fill the drums and the outsides gets peppered.



Dropped down from SLC to Vegas and then back up to Twin Falls ID in January and the wheels were so clean when i got there, mostly b/c i had not used the brakes. :laugh: So yeah, i guess you should protect for your conditions.



Geoff
 
Thanks for the great responses, wish I knew this before I dumped $16.99 plus shipping on the DP Glaze.
 
steelwind101 said:
Wheel Wax, PB's Wheel sealant, DP glaze all are a waste of money IMO.
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Agreed, waste of time and money although 1000p made my wheels pop. But the time you spend applying them is going to be much greater than the time it saves cleaning the wheels and none of them can stand up to anything but a mild wheel cleaner.
 
I have gotten to the point where I just use Opti-Seal or Ultima UPGP on my wheels, and a spray wax for weekly touchups.



With the WOWA products, I just mist the wheels down, no need to even wipe, hits every nook & cranny, 5-10 min job...



Prefer the Ultima UPGP myself vs Optiseal, just reordered a bottle.
 
I agree with UPGP on wheels. Looks great, really lasts and goes on quick and easy by spraying on a microfiber towel and applying with the towel. Wipe on, walk away...
 
spray wax of your choice works well for this. if you have repeated customers, id take the wheel off and apply sealant to the insides.
 
lazzman said:
I would love to hear suggestions on how others apply Wheel wax's? Which applicators etc... Getting in the rim nooks and crannies was a PIA, as was removing it.



For me this is one of the worst detailing tasks there is :LOLOL
Click to expand...



I just use lucas slick mist, spray it everywhere, and then level/wipe it off with a shop towel. Not difficult at all.
 
Thats Fresh said:
. if you have repeated customers, id take the wheel off and apply sealant to the insides.
Click to expand...



Note that many wheels have a rought finish/texture in those out-of-sight places. Some gentle polishing (be careful, the paint will be *THIN*) can make them smoother and that'll shed dirt better. Easier to LSP/etc. too.
 
The DP put a nice finish on the wheels, I can't speak for durability because it has only been 2 days, but I can say it was a pain to put it on.



Wonder if Chemical Guys Jet Seal would have been a better choice than Wheel Glaze??



Thanks for all the great info :)
 
Hi



JetSeals durabilty claims are bit off IMO, however when its on the car it seems like a very strong product. It defends it self from bugs and bird crap really well!



Lots of people do use it on the wheels, it stands up to heat well and should make for easy cleaning.



Jetseal is a straight up sealant, no cleaners. In order to get any decent durability you will need to get some paintwork cleaner on there first.



Geoff
 
Sounds good but $39.99 + shipping is real expensive.



Might be better to go with the Poor boys for $17.99 :nervous2:
 
I'm lucky I don't have intricate wheels and would never buy them. On my factory painted wheels I just use DG 105 spring and fall then AW about every washing...so easy!
 
Lots of posts for DG 105... Must be good stuff.



Sounds like Board members are shying away from the wheel wax type products.
 
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