Wheel Cleaning Problem

[redvalkyrie]

I have a very annoying problem when cleaning my wheels. The wheels are aluminum with a clear powder coat.

Every time I wash the wheels at home or at the car wash, a white film is left over the entire wheel after the water dries. The film is somewhat sticky--like wax.

This occurs whether I hand dry the wheels or let them air dry. It also occurs whether or not I use a wheel cleaner--I've used both the DP Wheel Cleaner from Autogeek and the Griot's Wheel Cleaner.

In order to remove the film I have to use the Wheel Cleaner and a firm bristle brush to scrub the wheels and then wipe them down with a cloth. I have to do this several times in order to remove all of the film. The process takes about two hours.

This problem is very frustrating. The rest of my car cleaning goes very smoothly. I don't know whether the dust from the brake pads or the powder coat itself is somehow reacting with the water...or whether the problem is something completely different.

The problem only surfaced about six months ago. The previous six months before that were fine--no strange film.

Any help would be appreciated.

[brwill2005]

Are the wheels original equipment? How old are the wheels? What type of car is it? The clear coat on factory wheels is usually quite thin. Once it wears out, the aluminum is exposed, and you get the white film.

[redvalkyrie]

No, these are wheels I bought, cleaned, and powdercoated myself. They are only about one year old. Never driven in the rain or snow and taken care of very well. They have two layers of powdercoat; a gold coat that was baked and then followed with the clear. The aluminum is definitelty not exposed.

I'm stumped.

Thanks
JP

[BigJimZ28]

is the clear a powdercoat?

[redvalkyrie]

Yes sir, the clear is a powder coat.