Poorboy's Wheel Sealant

I

imported_User Name

New member
I own a 2008 Lexus IS350 which emits a TON of brake dust, primarily on the front wheels. I had tried various OTC waxes on my wheels but wasn't happy with the results.



I was hoping to get a product which would help in the "ease of cleaning" category and after doing much research, came back with PBWS (Poorboy's Wheel Sealant) as something which was highly recommended.



WheelSealant.jpg




I took my wheels off my car and proceeded to wash and clay them before I applied the PBWS. Wheels were prepped and felt silky smooth and ready for the sealant. As I started applying the PBWS I decided I would do the passenger side with it and the driver's side with NXT 2.0, just so I could compare.



As an aside... I was NOT happy with how the NXT 2.0 did on the wheels, which made me try the PBWS. What I found was a big suprise.



I followed the instructions on the tub of the Poorboy's and ultimately put on three coats (over a 6 hour period). During the same time, I put on two coats of NXT 2.0.



The PBWS was definitely more difficult to apply and definitely took longer to dry (even though I used a think coat). Removal was once again MUCH more difficult with the PBWS. While I was removing coat #2 of the PBWS, I remember thinking.... "boy this stuff better work really well, because this is a real pain".



The NXT side shined better (as well), although I did NOT buy this stuff for shine, rather for protection (so that did not phase me).



After about a weeks worth of driving and about 100-125 miles I went to wash the wheels. I was very disappointed. Neither product worked great on the wheels (as I said above), but the NXT 2.0 side was MUCH easier to clean. It wasn't easy by any stretch on the NXT side, but it came clean MUCH easier than the PBWS side. That is to say, less effort was needed to remove the brake dust on the NXT side.



Keep in mind I do not like to use harsh wheel cleaners on my wheels so I figured a wheel sealant/wax was the way to go for ease of cleaning.



In any event, I give a big thumbs down on the PBWS.
 
Brake dust is just a mean "son of a gun" to keep off of wheels. I have also been looking for a product for wheels that is easy to work with and also allows easier cleaning. I have tried PBWS, Rejex and Oprimum Spray Wax. Out of the three Oprtimum Spray Wax wins hands down. It is easy to work with (what gets easier than spray wax on the wheels), it lasts pretty well, it keeps the wheels cleaner longer, and it makes the wheels easier to clean with just car wash soap.



The next product I am going to try is FK Pink Wax or FK Ultra seal. FK's claims to fame is anti-static, which hopefullly translates to allow less brake dust to accumulate on the wheels. It still cannot beat Optimum Spray wax in application though.
 
Thanks for the review on this. FWIW, though, I've had the opposite results - application as well as durability. I use quite a bit of PBWS on different vehicles and haven't had any problems applying or removing it. I generally apply two light coats, and am pretty adamant about the "light" part....not sure if that helps explain things.



I have also used Wheel Wax, Menzerna FMJ and Four Star UPP. PBWS seems to be the most durable, and is also the least tempermental to apply - especially for application in any kind of sunlight.



With some cars - particularly ze Germans - durability is almost laughable because of the brake dust. Beyond that, wheels take so much abuse from heat and the elements that I'm not convinced anything out there can come close to the durability we're used to seeing from paint sealants and waxes. The key, IMO, is to clean the wheels frequently. If you can attack the brake dust before it has a lot of heat cycles to really do it's damage, the process is a lot faster and easier as well.
 
howareb,



I'll give it a shot (in the future), although to be honest I'm a bit of a skeptic because it is a "spray" as opposed to actually polishing into the paint. Hopefully I'm wrong.



Vroom,



I think many people share your opinion on the PBWS! I read so many positive reviews online, I figured I had to give it a shot. Unfortunately it didn't translate in such a way to me. In fact, I was very very disappointed in how it worked. Maybe my expectations were too high to begin with.



I think you are right about the simple nature of wheels and brake dust and for whatever reason on this particular car it is REALLY bad. I clean my wheels at least twice a week, but more like three times a week and ANYTIME I've come from a drive of 50 miles or more.
 
Ive had nothing but excellent results with PBWS. Though I do find Zaino Z2 to work just as good if not better, and last a bit longer.
 
NSX,



I haven't fully evaluated longevity yet as both sides still seem to have wax on them. Longevity would be great, but right now, I'd just be happy with something I felt really works.
 
I've had nothing but good experiences with PBWS as well. And 2 coats always seems to be slicker and last longer than one.



User Name, when you applied the additional layers of PBWS did you really rub it in or just sort of wipe it on. I ask b/c I sent an email to PB a while back about the ability to layer this stuff. I've noticed some cleaning ability and thought that maybe the solvents would inhibit true layering. In the reply they said that despite the solvents, if applied with a light hand, it could be layered. Maybe in your application, you removed the previous work you put in.
 
I would say I "worked it in" pretty good, but no different than my application of applying my LSP on my paint.



Is it possible I removed it after each coat? I suppose, but I didn't really put that much effort into it.



Also, after the removal of the first coat, I gave it at least an hour before I put on the second coat (maybe a bit more) and ditto between 2nd and 3rd coats.



Maybe it is just me and my expectations. I'm not sure. I mean, maybe if you saw my results you thought they were pretty good. I can't say for sure, but I am 100% certain that the NXT side comes cleaner just a bit better. No great shakes either, just better.
 
User Name said:
howareb,



I'll give it a shot (in the future), although to be honest I'm a bit of a skeptic because it is a "spray" as opposed to actually polishing into the paint. Hopefully I'm wrong.
Click to expand...





Well first you need to evaulate your goals with an LSP on wheels. Optimum Spray Wax is not any ordinary spray wax. It does promise (pretty good longevity) 5 months on paint. My success with it has been mostly on clear coated wheels (and some chrome). I do not have high expectations for any LSP on wheels, though. Sort of goes back to what "vroom vroom" was saying.



When I apply waxes/sealents on wheels I am looking to keep the brake dust buildup off for as long as possible, an ease of application, and also looking to ease my wheel cleaning step with just using car wash soap (sort of the same goals that you have).



With Optimum spray wax (that works of course) you can do your wheels much quicker, so you may not mind applying the spray wax more often, like after everytime you wash your wheels. I know in my case that is true.
 
It sounds really good and like you said, our goals seem very similar and I'm certainly willing to give it a shot, but I will likely (also) lower my expectations.
 
I also have a jar of PBWS, but it sits in the back of my detailing stash. I have used several times and on different types of wheels - the product works but it does not provide anything above and beyond what a non-specialized wax/sealant could do (at least in my experience). I ended up using Meg's GC wax as it was easier to apply since it was in liquid form. These days I use DG AW...nothing beats the wipe on/walk away ease of use.



On a side note - as mentioned above, Z2 is an excellent choice for wheels as well. I have gotten great durability and less brake dust buildup. I am not sure ppl would go for the required prep work.
 
MCA said:
I also have a jar of PBWS, but it sits in the back of my detailing stash. I have used several times and on different types of wheels - the product works but it does not provide anything above and beyond what a non-specialized wax/sealant could do (at least in my experience). I ended up using Meg's GC wax as it was easier to apply since it was in liquid form. These days I use DG AW...nothing beats the wipe on/walk away ease of use.
Click to expand...



Yes, it is currently sitting "far back" at my home as well. I like the idea of wipe on and walk away (the same way I like the spray idea), I just can't get over the notion that "easy = will not work well".



It's kind of like that "Once a year paint cleaner, polish and wax than can even fetch your morning paper with an application that takes 3 minutes". :doh
 
i've had good luck with Z-5 on my wheels. haven't tried the Z-2 on them yet maybe next time. don't think i'll be trying PBWS anytime in the soon.
 
Oh I forgot to also add that Megs quick wheel detailer works well for every day use of cleaning the wheels (if you really have OCD like me) :D
 
I too have had excellent results with PBWS on my bare aluminum wheels. I do wipe them down with mineral spirits before I apply it though. Maybe you're not getting the previous product off completely?
 
Recommended PBWS to a fellow employee, and everyday I see him he always love to mention how much he loves the PBWS!
 
User Name said:
I own a 2008 Lexus IS350 which emits a TON of brake dust, primarily on the front wheels. I had tried various OTC waxes on my wheels but wasn't happy with the results.



I was hoping to get a product which would help in the "ease of cleaning" category and after doing much research, came back with PBWS (Poorboy's Wheel Sealant) as something which was highly recommended.



WheelSealant.jpg




I took my wheels off my car and proceeded to wash and clay them before I applied the PBWS. Wheels were prepped and felt silky smooth and ready for the sealant. As I started applying the PBWS I decided I would do the passenger side with it and the driver's side with NXT 2.0, just so I could compare.



As an aside... I was NOT happy with how the NXT 2.0 did on the wheels, which made me try the PBWS. What I found was a big suprise.



I followed the instructions on the tub of the Poorboy's and ultimately put on three coats (over a 6 hour period). During the same time, I put on two coats of NXT 2.0.



The PBWS was definitely more difficult to apply and definitely took longer to dry (even though I used a think coat). Removal was once again MUCH more difficult with the PBWS. While I was removing coat #2 of the PBWS, I remember thinking.... "boy this stuff better work really well, because this is a real pain".



The NXT side shined better (as well), although I did NOT buy this stuff for shine, rather for protection (so that did not phase me).



After about a weeks worth of driving and about 100-125 miles I went to wash the wheels. I was very disappointed. Neither product worked great on the wheels (as I said above), but the NXT 2.0 side was MUCH easier to clean. It wasn't easy by any stretch on the NXT side, but it came clean MUCH easier than the PBWS side. That is to say, less effort was needed to remove the brake dust on the NXT side.



Keep in mind I do not like to use harsh wheel cleaners on my wheels so I figured a wheel sealant/wax was the way to go for ease of cleaning.



In any event, I give a big thumbs down on the PBWS.
Click to expand...



Perhaps you applied too much product? I have this stuff and don't really have any complaints about it. :nixweiss



I definitely don't have any high expectations of any LSPs that go on wheels because wheels can get very hot and can easily compromise the LSP. :(
 
I've also had pretty good luck with PBWS and think it does as well as any of the sealants I've tried: Z-CS (over Z-AIO), Z-5, and OS are three that come to mind. I found the PBWS actually quite pleasant to use, and while it isn't as easy as the WOWA sealants, it never struck me as being hard to apply or remove. I do think it looked better than any of the sealants I've tried, especially on my 5 spoke American mags.



Nothing is going to magically repel brake dust so the best you can hope for is a slick surface so it doesn't tend to stick as quickly and it's easier to clean. I have found two things have helped in keeping my wheels clean. The first is FK 425. After my wheels are sealed I apply a quick coat of FK 425 on my wheels after each wash and they seem to be easier to clean, and my front brakes on the DD are terrible for brake dust.



The second thing is the "World's Greatest Boar's Hair Wheel Brush" that I just received last week. I've been meaning to order one of these (several on-line vendors sell something similar) for about 2 years but have just put it off until I took advantage of the 15% off holiday sale some vendors were recently having. My previous cleaning regimen was using a car wash soap solution with a standard (non-BHB) long handled wheel brush. I then had to go back over the places that brush wouldn't clean with a small BHB from Griots. I hated cleaning those wheels because it took me forever. I didn't expect my new BHB wheel brush to make a lot of difference, but it sure did. The new BHB was the only brush I used on the wheels and it got them clean. The long soft 4 1/2" bristles got into areas my old wheel brush would miss so I didn't need the long process of washing the nooks and crannies with the smaller BHB. That's easily the best ~$25 I've spent in a long time.
 
Yeah brake dust sucks. I just clean my wheels often, because it seams no matter what it's going to be there. I might try some of the products you guys have mentioned and see if it makes it easier. I know it won’t completely go away but, it would be nice to do it with just a wipe or two.
 
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