testing matte finish tire dressings

**imported_carclean** · 04-05-2006, 09:56 AM

I am testing several of the most recommended (on this site) matte tire dressings. I have learned a lot on this site, and thought I would Ã¢â‚¬Å“give back.Ã¢â‚¬ I put mothers reflections on two tires, AA low shine on one, and zaino z16 on another. All tires looked good. The AA had almost no shine. The tire just looked black. The other two had a slight shine, with z16 being more shinny. After a day and a half of heavy rain (heavy for Los Angeles), the mothers is completely off the tires. I can only assume that it is not waterproof. If a rain washed it off, then one or two car washes would probably take it all off. The z16 and the AA are still on the tire, with the z16 looking better. I canÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t tell for sure, because it is still cloudy. The one other possibly good product I want to test is Z1 Tiefenpfleger. I had a small sample of that which I used up on my bumper and trim (Honda CRV). It is holding up well on those parts, and the tech support guy at 1z said that it is also great for tires.

**White95Max** · 04-05-2006, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by carclean

The one other possibly good product I want to test is [1Z] Tiefenpfleger. I had a small sample of that which I used up on my bumper and trim (Honda CRV). It is holding up well on those parts, and the tech support guy at 1z said that it is also great for tires.

1Z Tiefenfleger on tires (Bridgestone Potenza RE950)

**Wasatch** · 04-05-2006, 11:55 AM

I still say Tropi-Care`s dressing will last longer than anything on the market and it is water-based. I just wish you could spray it on. I will try the 1Z later this year.

**imported_carclean** · 04-05-2006, 12:37 PM

I checked with Tropi-care, and both of their tire dressings (silicon and non-silicon) I think are both semi-gloss, if not more glossy. The non-silicon is described as the "salad oil" look. If the 1z or z16 holds up for a month, I would rather have the matte look and put that on once per month.

**DM101** · 04-05-2006, 12:44 PM

Have you tried McGuire`s Hot Shine tire spray? It`s not real shiny, and last forever.

**imported_carclean** · 04-05-2006, 03:48 PM

Great. Another product to buy! My garage is turning into a hazardous waste dump site. I have not tried that yet.

**Bill D** · 04-05-2006, 03:51 PM

Are you going to limit your dressings to PDMS based or both varities ( PDMS and dimethyl silicone) ?

Also, regarding looks, dressings may vary from tire to tire--across brands and even models.

**SpoiledMan** · 04-05-2006, 04:16 PM

Yep, you can shine a Michelin or Yokohama with spit!

**imported_carclean** · 04-05-2006, 09:38 PM

[quote name=`Bill D`]Are you going to limit your dressings to PDMS based or both varities ( PDMS and dimethyl silicone) ?

What does this mean? I am limiting my choice to dressings with a low, or very little shine. So long as it lasts for at least a few weeks (2 or more washings) I don`t care what is in the product.

**ZaneO** · 04-05-2006, 09:48 PM

Z16 is my favorite. After a few applications, it seems to keep the tire dark black for long periods...even with thorough cleanings. It seems to really soak into the rubber.

**imported_carclean** · 04-05-2006, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by ZaneO

Z16 is my favorite. After a few applications, it seems to keep the tire dark black for long periods...even with thorough cleanings. It seems to really soak into the rubber.

Zaneo- how long do you wait between applications? More frequent at first?

**n2_space** · 04-06-2006, 07:19 AM

I think #38 is a good matte dressing that seems to last pretty decently.

**n2_space** · 04-06-2006, 07:21 AM

Originally Posted by SpoiledMan

Yep, you can shine a Michelin or Yokohama with spit!

Isn`t that the truth! I noticed a huge difference in the shine when I got my new michelin hydroedges a couple weeks ago.

**ZaneO** · 04-06-2006, 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by carclean

Zaneo- how long do you wait between applications? More frequent at first?

No particular time...I just apply after a wash.

**Bill D** · 04-06-2006, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by carclean

[quote name=`Bill D`]Are you going to limit your dressings to PDMS based or both varities ( PDMS and dimethyl silicone) ?

What does this mean? I am limiting my choice to dressings with a low, or very little shine. So long as it lasts for at least a few weeks (2 or more washings) I don`t care what is in the product.

OK then, typically low to very little shine dressings are water based ( PDMS) dressings. How long they last is going to depend not only the specific product but also the type and condition ( cleanliness in particular) of the tires.