C/C wheels?

[q_tip98444]

I was looking at some aftermarket wheels online a little while ago and started wondering, is the clear coat on wheels different than the clear on the paint? I have never done a car with clear coated wheels before, but I do know that I would never put something as strong as wheel cleaner on my paint.

 

[togwt]

A car wash concentrate's pH 7.5 - 8.5 is slightly more alkaline than P21S wheel cleaners (check the pH of the wheel cleaner you are considering)



Most modem automotive wheels have a painted aluminium base with two or three clear coats applied (on the â€Ëœfrontâ€â„¢ of the wheel but not the back, these are usually just a primer paint surface) and are subjected to similar type contaminants as the paint film surface, including acid rain, airborne pollutants, alkaline water as well as road tar debris.



Once the brake dust has been removed with a 100% acid-free wheel cleaner (P21S Wheel Cleaner pH 7.2) apply a citrus based cleaner to the surface, agitate with a boars hair wheel brush and rinse off, dry thoroughly and then apply a polymer sealant for protection, this will also make future cleaning easier. A polymer is recommended as it has a higher melting temperature (350oF) compared to Carnauba wax (180oF) a wheel surface will reach a temperature in excess of 120oF due to rotor friction and in excess of 195oF when parked in the sun.



JonM

 

[forrest@mothers]

The clear on wheels is different than paint - IIRC, wheels use a plasticized urethane which is much softer than body clear.



Try pressing your fingernail on a CC'd rim - chances are it'll leave an impression.

 

[Jesstzn]

A good polymer for wheels if you don't already have one like Klasse or Zaino etc is Nu-Finish Liguid.



Readily available and about $6 per bottle.