Waxing Wheels
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Landisville PA
Waxing Wheels
I'm getting some new chrome wheels (Factory Reproductions C6 Z06 style) and I was wondering if anyone can recommend a wax or polish for the wheels? I'm figuring by waxing them prior to putting them on the car, they'll be easier to clean between removals.
I'm a Zaino fan so maybe I'll just use that? Same steps as applying to the paint on the car?
I'm a Zaino fan so maybe I'll just use that? Same steps as applying to the paint on the car?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,325
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From: You can't get there from here NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Check out the car care section here on the forum.Autogeek has some products that are supposed to be good for this too. I have painted wheels on my car, and I just used a regular cleaner wax on them, but for chrome, there's got to be some kind on polish and sealer that will work.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 52
From: Colorado Springs CO
I would use a sealant (like Klasse All-in-One) followed by a polish. Depending on where you live and how much time your car spends outside, carnuba will be a bad choice. Carnuba is pretty much a "throw away" coat on top of more durable products. If you live somewhere hot like Texas, Carnuba will burn off after a couple weeks MAX, whereas a good sealant will preserve them longer. You CAN use carnuba on top of a good sealant for extra protection, just realize that it is shorter lived. You could just add a layer of carnuba after each washing (after using a sealant, which you could do twice a year). Either way, taking care of your wheels just like you take care of the paint will make it MUCH easier to wash it and keep it clean. Take care!
Glen
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,178
Likes: 13
From: N. County/San Diego
Compared to waxes, which only protect for a short time before they wear off, consider Meguiar`s NXT polymer wax!
On my CCW`s it lasts about 6-9 months before requiring re-application.
Good luck!
On my CCW`s it lasts about 6-9 months before requiring re-application.
Good luck!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 430
Likes: 18
From: Minnesota
Someone told me to apply RainX to the inside of the rims and claimed it made the brake dust and other dirt come off rather easily with a hose. I have not tried it though so I can not say first hand if it works.
I have also seen wheels where the person clear coated the inside of the rims and sanded them so they were totally smooth. Due to the smooth nature I would think dirt would not stick so easily. Most of the rims have a rough matte texture on the inside so the grime and dirt tends to integrate into the rim and stick. Anything which makes them smoother or more slick should result in keeping them looking cleaner.
I have also seen wheels where the person clear coated the inside of the rims and sanded them so they were totally smooth. Due to the smooth nature I would think dirt would not stick so easily. Most of the rims have a rough matte texture on the inside so the grime and dirt tends to integrate into the rim and stick. Anything which makes them smoother or more slick should result in keeping them looking cleaner.
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Any good carnauba wax should hold up well on the wheels. I just used what I wax the car with on mine.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
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From: San Diego California
Yup, I agree, I use it all the time on the chrome wheels when also using it to polish the car. GREAT STUFF!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 471
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
I use american racing wheel wax. It does a great job preventing brake dust from coating. Two coats of this stuff and they look great feel slick and stay real clean. I usually put a coat on every time I wash my car/wheels.
