Take the safe approach (glaze), or polish and seal?

[Accumulator]

.. Talk about satisfaction!

Glad to hear that :xyxthumbs

Can anyone tell me what the safest wheel tire spray would be?

Not getting such stuff on the surrounding bodywork will be a must no matter what you use, so the answer to this one is probably in sorting out your technique.



Using good sprayers (controlled pattern and output), putting your free hand between the wheel/tire and the bodywork as a barrier, jacking the vehicle up a bit to change the situation a little...there are all sorts of tricks.



I dress my tires with non-spray products (specifically, I use Zaino Z16 exclusively these days, very good stuff). I wipe it on, let it sit for a moment, then buff it off with an old MF towel.



For the wheels, I'd either use regular shampoo (mixed a little strong) for waxed/sealed wheels or Griot's or P21S Wheel Cleaner (if you don't wax/seal them). The same will work on the tires when they're not too dirty but I use Griot's Rubber Cleaner on mine when they really need cleaning; diluted for gentle work and full-strength (which isn't too strong anyhow) when I don't mind cleaning aggressively enough that I'll have to redo my tire dressing.

Also, the wheels on the car are matte black. I used a wheel wax on the two front wheels, but it was very difficult to remove. My fear is too much rubbing will cause the matte black to turn shiny. I ended up using a spray wax on the rear wheels. Do you think this will work?

Yeah, that'll work but is probably not the optimal solution; it won't last long and might retain brake dust/etc. more than a "better" product. Even just a good synthetic QD (e.g., FK146 or FK425) might be a good step up.



Or, wax/seal them; depending on their actual finish you might not mess up their finish by rubbing; some matte/satin finishes just get a (cool-looking, IMO) low level sheen to them when they're gently polished. I can't help but wonder how something like Klasse AIO topped with FK1000P would look, I bet *I* would like that, but that's just me.



If the wheel wax was hard to remove, you either didn't use it right or the wheels needed some kind of prep/cleaning first (or a combo of those two reasons). Or maybe it's just a crappy product. The sealants I use on my wheels always go on/off easily.



Hmmm..I think my recommendation is to a) find out the finish on the wheels and what is/isn't safe to do, b) use a spray product in the meantime, cleaning with Wheel Cleaner at each wash (once they're sealed you'd wash with shampoo mix). I'm sure *somebody* here has done those wheels and can tell you what's the best course of action.

 

[SuperBee364]

I dress my tires with non-spray products (specifically, I use Zaino Z16 exclusively these days, very good stuff). I wipe it on, let it sit for a moment, then buff it off with an old MF towel.

That's the only one I use, as well. I love the clean, black, satin-y look it gives. I really don't care for glossy tires at all. Z16 makes tires "disappear" into the wheel wells, like in these shots...

I do use it a bit differently, though. I put on two coats with a tire swipe, then let it dry without wiping.



Seeing these shots makes me miss my yellow 'bee.



For sealing the wheels, it's hard to beat fk 1000p.

 

[spumoni]

Thanks to all - it's amazing how much great advice I've gotten from everyone here. Finally I have some pictures to share.



I'm sure I'll have more questions soon...



Thanks again!!!!

 

[getcha]

The car looks fantastic Tony! What was your final process and product list?

 

[JSFM35X]

Al - what do you think of this approach?



Clay with either Zaino or Pinnacle - the finest I can get.



Apply Wolfgang Paintwork Polish Enhancer with a gray pad using the PC.



Apply Wolfgang 3.0 sealant using a blue pad with the PC.



Wait 12 hours for curing.



Apply Pinnacle Souveran by hand.



Of course I am going to wear diapers during this entire process.



Although this approach may not remove all the swirls, it seems to be a VERY safe approach that would be hard for me to screw up. Right?

I would add Poorboys black hole as a step before the LSP step. it will fill in anythng you cannt remove and make the car look awesome. When you move up to polishing (or get it done professionally) you can have the same effect without the filling.



Just my 2 cents.

 

[Accumulator]

Spumoni- Looking at the pic of the wheel, I don't think you'll have problems with them getting too shiny from a bit of rubbing. I wouldn't use glass cleaner on them though, stick with products *known* to be OK for use on all types of wheel finishes (Griot's or P21s Wheel Cleaners, or just shampoo mix).



Glad you're happy with how it turned out, it sure looks like a fun car.

 

[spumoni]

The car looks fantastic Tony! What was your final process and product list?

Being a novice, I ended up taking what I thought was the safest approach even if less effective. Here is my list:





Wash - Pinnacle bodywork shampoo and added DP rinseless to the wash, plus used a foam gun. Of course two grit guarded buckets



SPOT DETAIL - for some hazy areas, I used the PC with a 4 inch orange CCS pad with Wolfgang Swirl Remover. I was very impressed with the results, but again being a novice I don't have much to compare it to other than Meg's 105. By the way, can anyone tell me which is more aggressive?



Glaze - I used Pinnacle XMT finishing glaze with a BLUE pad on the PC. This was strongly recommended by the guys at Autogeek.



Wax - Pinnacle Souveran, applied by hand with a yellow foam pad.





Feel free to let me know where I can improve. Thanks!

 

[SuperBee364]

Spumoni, if you ever end up getting swirls in your paint, come back, and we'll talk polishing.

 

[getcha]

Being a novice, I ended up taking what I thought was the safest approach even if less effective. Here is my list:





Wash - Pinnacle bodywork shampoo and added DP rinseless to the wash, plus used a foam gun. Of course two grit guarded buckets



SPOT DETAIL - for some hazy areas, I used the PC with a 4 inch orange CCS pad with Wolfgang Swirl Remover. I was very impressed with the results, but again being a novice I don't have much to compare it to other than Meg's 105. By the way, can anyone tell me which is more aggressive?



Glaze - I used Pinnacle XMT finishing glaze with a BLUE pad on the PC. This was strongly recommended by the guys at Autogeek.



Wax - Pinnacle Souveran, applied by hand with a yellow foam pad.





Feel free to let me know where I can improve. Thanks!

I'm glad everything came out well, I hope you are happy with it. I know you were quite concerned too.



Some have said Pinnacle shampoo can be a little harsh on LSP and Souveran isnt the greatest with durability despite its great looks but thats no matter if you are waxing regularly. If you ever want a change of shampoos when you run out, Meguiars shampoo plus, Optimums regular shampoo and Duragloss 901 are 3 cost effective highly regarded, really nice shampoos. Poorboys slick and suds is really nice as well.



Meguiars 105 is going to be one of the most aggresive products out right now though is very nicely designed work with a variety of pads(varying its aggressive action) and application methods.

 

[scary bill]

The car looks fantastic.

:wow:









Now stop worrying and go drive.