Good Applicator for Opti-Bond Gel?

**Tavish** · 08-24-2015, 10:14 AM

This weekend I applied Opti-bond to my tires (undiluted) for the first time using an Eagle1 tire swipe foam applicator and it was pretty bad. It went on blotchy and wasn`t spreading well at all. I have a felling the foam is too soft because I had to press really hard to get it to work. I also found myself using too much product to get it to work. Can anyone recommend a better, maybe more rigid applicator that works well for them. Thanks!

**TuxedoTaurus** · 08-24-2015, 10:21 AM

If you have a compressor get a cheap Detail paint gun and apply.

IMHO it is the best way to apply. Then go over lightly with the tire sponge to level out.

Also a small paint brush or the carand brush works well.

Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk

**PA DETAILER** · 08-24-2015, 12:05 PM

Carrand Brush & Shine Tire Dressing Applicators - 2 Pack

**Tavish** · 08-24-2015, 01:16 PM

Thanks guys. I look forward to using it with a better applicator.

**Rsurfer** · 08-24-2015, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by Tavish

Thanks guys. I look forward to using it with a better applicator.

Sounds like you need to prep (clean) your tires better.

**Tavish** · 08-24-2015, 02:38 PM

That`s possible. I scrubbed them with 3D pink soap and a tire brush before applying the gel. It was my first time applying a gel (used to use 303 spray) with this E1 foam applicator and it was a pain on these 225/65 17s. I`ll probably get the Carrand brush since I don`t have a compressor. Also considering testing diluting it a bit to see if it spreads easier.

**GearHead_1** · 08-24-2015, 03:20 PM

If it`s any consolation, I too, feel like Gels in general are more temperamental to work with. For that reason I tend to use sprays most often. BF`s gel is one that I`ve tried that does a great job but requires more work than my go to spray product. I am interested in trying one of the new tire coatings. Whether spray or gel I like to use a brush (paint brush) to get to all the nooks and crannies, maybe I`ll spring for a pair of those dedicated tire brushes that PA Detailer referenced. If he recommends them it`s worth looking at. Best of luck.

**Chris@Optimum** · 08-25-2015, 12:04 PM

By hand two coats about 20 min apart, it is best with a foam applicator or paintbrush as you have suggested. But you can also mix one to one with water and spray through an HVL P gun

**Stokdgs** · 08-25-2015, 06:58 PM

The all around best tire product application tool is Still the Tuff Shine small orange rectangular sponge.. TUF SHINE Pro Series Applicator Sponge

It is firm and not flimsy, will absorb a little but not much, and is very easy to control around that edge where the tire bead meets the edge of the wheel...

It is very durable and will last a while before it might eventually start wearing out from rubbing it across the rough sides of some tire edges...

It is very inexpensive, I have a lot of them and when they wear out, I just toss them and get another..

Have not found a reason to try anything else, and I can try anything I want...
Dan F

**kwise1258** · 09-03-2015, 09:48 PM

Adam`s black foam tire applicator works great for me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**mshu7** · 09-04-2015, 04:25 PM

I`ve used the Griot`s Garage tire shine applicator (pictured below) for more than 5+ years. Absolutely love the way it works and creates a definitive cut-off at the tread for a very professional look. If you check out my website, all of the vehicles I have on there were treated with Opti-Bond (cut 1:1) and the GG applicator.

Love Opti-Bond just as much as the applicator. OB provides a rich, black low-gloss shine that makes the tire look new. Also doesn`t sling onto the paint or draw your attention "away" from the rest of the vehicle like a greasy/petroleum-based dressing would do.

Bad news though, it doesn`t look like GG carries it anymore!

425_0601.jpg