The Sun & Tire Dressing...

Dellinger

Dellinger

New member
So, long-story-short, I guess I'm absolutely awful at the most ordinary job... tire dressing.



On one side where the sun shines... the tires look splotchy. On the other side, in the 'shade', the tires look good.



I guess, as with most all detailing products, you don't dress tires in the sun?



But how do mobile detail providers do this? Certainly one half of the vehicle is in the sun and the other part in the 'shade' (really, the vehicles silhouette is providing the shade) at some point in time, right? Or at the very least, someone has encountered this phenomena?



Process:

-Tires cleaned... 1st with Megs Wheel Brightener w/ stiff bristle brush... 2nd round with Megs Super Degreaser and MF.

-Tires dressed with Megs Hyper Dressing 3:1



Tips appreciated. Don't be bashful... I'm here to learn.



Thanks!

-Dellinger
 
Have you tried additional coats of the dressing?

It's quite possible the WB stained the rubber and left some spots.

You can try stoners terminator and a microfiber towel for deeper cleaning. Don't work it in the sun and don't leave it on the rubber for more than 20 seconds
 
That's a ton of prep for something that will wash off in the next good rainstorm. I wouldn't use WB for tire cleaning. A strong APC or Degreaser is fine, one pass is good. Use that time saved to apply two coats of HD.



How are you applying the HD?
 
I think the problem may be the sun/heat may be contributing to an uneven look because your using a "cut" dressing (with water). I know the product is meant to do that, but I've experienced this with OptiBond cut 50/50 with water (applied via spray bottle).



I would use a dressing that's ready to use, something from Poor Boys (Bold n Bright or Natural Look) works perfectly in the worse sun and heat - I've tried it. The prices aren't bad as well.



I know its costly, but if your trying to clean a tire 100% of all dressings and gunk, try Tuff Shine tire cleaner. It can be done in a single step and its better than dealing with acid. LA's Totally Awesome works well and is only a buck a bottle.
 
Swanic, you can used HD undiluted as well. Make sure you wear sunglasses though.
 
Shane- I did apply multiple coats of HD... things didn't really improve much. I let the second coat 'soak' for 30 seconds before buffing off with a MF... should I apply and immediately buff off? (Looking for a matte/satin finish.) Or let the product 'marinate' for longer then buff off?



Dan- It was a lot of prep but I'm just trying to improve my tire dressing and trying out some new products I picked up. I know the HD is short lived but in the Pac. NW, the summers are amazingly dry (not so much for the other 8-9 months of the year, lol.) I picked up the HD because I can adjust the finish and I like having that option. I have some more durable Megs All Season also to try out eventually.



I'm applying the HD with a crappy OTC tire dressing sponge thing... I'm sure you all have seen one. Do you have a favorite media or applicator for dressing tires? Open to your thoughts. The tires were on my dad's 3/4 Chevy HD truck. They have side tread and all kinds of designs on the sidewall (vertical lines) so they are more challenging than a 15" tire on my wife's accord. I tried spraying on the tire but the wind was just pushing the pattern everywhere; then I tried spraying on applicator (worked the best), and then tried a MF.



SwanicYouth- Thanks for the tips on the Tuff Shine... I'll look into it the next time I'm ordering some stuff.
 
Since you have already invested in it, I think you can fine tune your approach and make HD work.

However, if you ever want to swing by I can get you a sample of Optimum OB. It is great and my preferred application method is via air compressor and sprayer.

I would definitely be generous with the HD, perhaps even using neat. Let it 'marinate' for some time like overnight. You can always buff it down to your desired sheen at that point. If the spots are still around, let us know, we can go from there.
 
I work outside pretty much all year, only time there is an issue is if the tires are old and showing some signs of dry rot. I use Armor All, nothing expensive. And being water based, maybe that helps?
 
Dellinger said:
Dan- It was a lot of prep but I'm just trying to improve my tire dressing and trying out some new products I picked up. I know the HD is short lived but in the Pac. NW, the summers are amazingly dry (not so much for the other 8-9 months of the year, lol.) I picked up the HD because I can adjust the finish and I like having that option. I have some more durable Megs All Season also to try out eventually.



I'm applying the HD with a crappy OTC tire dressing sponge thing... I'm sure you all have seen one. Do you have a favorite media or applicator for dressing tires? Open to your thoughts. The tires were on my dad's 3/4 Chevy HD truck. They have side tread and all kinds of designs on the sidewall (vertical lines) so they are more challenging than a 15" tire on my wife's accord. I tried spraying on the tire but the wind was just pushing the pattern everywhere; then I tried spraying on applicator (worked the best), and then tried a MF.
Click to expand...



Interesting, I use the same method, cheapo eagle one tire applicators, spray them with a ton of HD and go to town. I've really never had any issues, in fact HD is probably one of the most consistent products for tires that I've used. It seems to crawl, which is perfect for ribbed tires, and self levels. Its an amazing product save for the durability which is on par with most water based products.



Maybe you should try another set of tires?
 
Dan, Shane, Scottwax... many thanks for your replies.



One thing that seem to be filtering through to me via the feedback... A.) I don't think I used enough HD... I should have really globbed it on the first time around. I was probably being kind of 'frugal' with the application since I'm not a fan of the bling, bling, dark black and shine wheel dressings (read OTC.)



Shane, thanks for the offer on the OB... if I'm down your way I'll let you know.



Scottwax, I wish I could blame it on 'older' tires but they are 2 years old and the truck is garaged all year.



Dan, a very sensible recommendation (another set of tires.) I'm gonna chalk this set up to 'learning' and when I apply it to my wife's Accord, I'll be sure to put it on thick. And speaking of next time and HD... are what dilution are you applying and are you leaving it on for a period and buffing off. You don't have to write a paragraph on your technique (although I'm open to reading it) but just a brief overview would be nice, if you have the time.



Thanks again!

-Dellinger
 
I like lots of shine, so I generally use HD 1:1 or 2HD:1 Water. I'll soak the tire swipe with about 4-5 sprays, per tire. I let the tires dry about 10-15 minutes, if I have time, I go back with the same tire swipe (but no more HD) and just go over the tires one more time.



The nice thing about HD is it seems to build on itself. The more you use it on a tire, the better it works.
 
Not sure I would use Wheel Brightener to clean tires...





I've never really noticed the issue you're describing, never apply in the sun either though. I do however notice a difference in look between the different makes of tires on each car...some simply dress better than others. I prefer a lower gloss to my tires and cut it around 3:1 - 4:1. I apply using old MF towels (ones from Costco). I fold them twice and use a new side for each tire and give them a light buff with a separate towel about 10-15 minutes later.





Rcrew said:
Since you have already invested in it, I think you can fine tune your approach and make HD work.

However, if you ever want to swing by I can get you a sample of Optimum OB. It is great and my preferred application method is via air compressor and sprayer.

I would definitely be generous with the HD, perhaps even using neat. Let it 'marinate' for some time like overnight. You can always buff it down to your desired sheen at that point. If the spots are still around, let us know, we can go from there.
Click to expand...



How are you handling the over spray of dressing on the wheels...(and paint if there is a lot of air movement)?
 
RaskyR1 said:
Not sure I would use Wheel Brightener to clean tires...





I've never really noticed the issue you're describing, never apply in the sun either though. I do however notice a difference in look between the different makes of tires on each car...some simply dress better than others. I prefer a lower gloss to my tires and cut it around 3:1 - 4:1. I apply using old MF towels (ones from Costco). I fold them twice and use a new side for each tire and give them a light buff with a separate towel about 10-15 minutes later.









How are you handling the over spray of dressing on the wheels...(and paint if there is a lot of air movement)?
Click to expand...





I have tinkered with the nozzle and pressure settings to where it puts down a super fine, even spray with a decent cut-off. After some initial overspray issues, it is no longer a problem for me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top