Alloy wheels

[Chris]

Hi all

I wouldn't say I'm a "professional" detailer by anyone's standards, but I do enjoy the hobby and have done for three years or so.

I currently use Bilberry wheel cleaner on my Black Bellones. Usually this is sufficient with just a blast of the pressure washer, sometimes followed by a quick wipe down with a microfibre cloth and a few more sprays of wheel cleaner.

However as I purchased the car used, the wheels have scratches on the black paint due to poor cleaning methods. I am due to have new wheels fitted this week due to corrosion, and would like to keep them looking new.

What sort of brush/tool should I use alongside bilberry cleaner (or other, open to suggestions)? I used a brush on my previous car's black alloys but all this did was scratch them.

I also used to use Poorboys wheel sealant on my alloys, what ones would you recommend?

Thanks in advance.
Chris

[Clean Your Ride]

Hi Chris, firstly welcome and secondly throw the Poorboys in the bin.

I did an alloy protection this morning on a fellow members 100 mile old alloys.

As I arrived this morning:






After alloy decontamination, de-tar, AF Imperial wheel clean (foaming sprayhead) using a Daytona Speedmaster brush for back of alloys and a detailing brush for face, dried, polished with Megs Ultimate, sealed with Planet Polish Wheel Seal and Shine.
Wheel arches cleaned and scrubbed.
Tyres cleaned and scrubbed with Surfex HD, dried then dressed with CarPro Perl:




Bought 4 cans of this today, reduced by £9 to 99p; early observations are looking promising and was extremely easy to apply:


If you require any further advice on products or techniques then don't hesitate to holler at CliveP or myself

Andy

[lfcrule1972]

Wow Andy, just wow......

[robbo51]

I've been using Optimum Optiseal on our Alloys and latterly, Wolfs Body Wrap. Great durability from both and repels brake dust well.

[Clean Your Ride]

I've been using Optimum Optiseal on our Alloys and latterly, Wolfs Body Wrap. Great durability from both and repels brake dust well.

Hi mate

I in the past have used Zaino CS which is more or less exactly the same as the Opti Seal in that a little goes a long way and there is no need to buff. I actually do buff off the CS with Zaino Z6 Gloss Enhancer to create an awesome shine with the added protection of the sealant.

In fairness, Wolfs is maybe one of the only Companys products that I have no personal experience of but have heard and read many great reviews. The Body Wrap for example is supposed to be extremely hydrophobic. Out of interest how do you apply your sealants? I actually use white lint free cotton make up remover pads to apply my sealants.

Andy

[Chris]

Thanks very much Andy, pics look great.

Poorboys going straight in the bin first thing! It was messy stuff anyway. Any opinion on the Bilberry?

I have a couple of detailing brushes, will they not damage the alloy face? I also have a brush similar in design to the Speedmaster one you mentioned, but it definitely scratched the wheels on my previous car, perhaps I'm using it wrong?

[Clean Your Ride]

Hi Chris,

I love the Bilberry smell but rate the AutoFinesse's cleaning power better. I know Clive is a fan of AutoBrites Very Cherry but this isn't one I have had a go with (yet)

Using the Auto Finesse Imperial on my rear offside alloy:


Diluted 1:1 with deionised water using a foaming spray head:


Very foamy, obviously the spray head doing its job:


Dirt starting to shift:


Definitely shifting it now with hardly any effort:


Another good one I use especially on a first time clients alloys is CarPlans Wonder Wheels Hot Wheels (purple liquid).


This is a great product for not only shifting the dirt but also to decontaminate. The dirt and decontaminants will turn a deep red which indicates it is working. After spraying, leave for 5 minutes, give another spray then agitate with a small detailing brush, leave for a further couple of minutes then rinse with clean water. The HotWheels can be bought from Halfords for £9.99, Tescos for £6.99 or Morrisons for £4. (Going to Morrisons would be my recommendation)

This is a clients Vauxhall Corsa alloy I cleaned as part of a detail I did for him using the HotWheels:

During:




After:



If you still have ingrained dirt after the decontamination then detailers clay can be used This is a process that involves using a palm sized piece of detailing clay and a special lubricant to pick up the marks and leave like brand new:


After the wheels have been cleaned then the next process would be to protect the alloys. A great product which I personally use is Planet Polish Wheel Seal and Protect. This gives a great shine and protects the alloy from the brake dust embedding itself into the metal. The brake dust sits on top of the Wheel Seal and Protect therefore making it extremely easy to maintain and keep clean.


This is mine after being decontaminated front face and back and then protected with the Planet Polish Wheel Seal and Protect:


These are the brushes I use:


The Speedmaster is only used for cleaning the INSIDE of my alloys and does not touch the face whatsoever.

Maybe worth you posting a picture of the brush you have previously used which has caused the scratches??

Hope this little reply helps Chris?

Andy

[robbo51]

Hi mate

I in the past have used Zaino CS which is more or less exactly the same as the Opti Seal in that a little goes a long way and there is no need to buff. I actually do buff off the CS with Zaino Z6 Gloss Enhancer to create an awesome shine with the added protection of the sealant.

In fairness, Wolfs is maybe one of the only Companys products that I have no personal experience of but have heard and read many great reviews. The Body Wrap for example is supposed to be extremely hydrophobic. Out of interest how do you apply your sealants? I actually use white lint free cotton make up remover pads to apply my sealants.

Andy

Might try some Zaino
Yes..I apply with make up pads..Do the job really well

[lfcrule1972]

I have so much to learn.....

[robbo51]

I have so much to learn.....

Read this and you will learn all there is to know:
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acata...re-advice.html

[lfcrule1972]

Nice, thanks a bit of reading for me

[Clean Your Ride]

Read this and you will learn all there is to know:
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acata...re-advice.html

Do you do any correction by machine Robbo?

[robbo51]

Yes. Done quite a few.....with Rotary and DA

[Chris]

WOW thanks again for the detailed response. I will post pictures tomorrow of the brushes I've used in the past...

I have the day off tomorrow to get the new wheels fitted, can't wait to clean and seal them now ... just have to threaten the dealer not to 'clean' my car!!

Just out of interest, in terms of applying the right protection, is this likely to prevent any future corrosion?

[Clean Your Ride]

Just out of interest, in terms of applying the right protection, is this likely to prevent any future corrosion?

Most certainly Chris; what I would definitely recommend would be a couple of layers of wax (FK1000p is perfect) on and around the centre cap area to make sure the corrosion doesn't return. Just make sure the protection is added to bone dry alloys to ensure you don't seal any moisture in.

Ps enjoy your day off pal

Andy