How to wash newly powder coated alloys

[micky.]

Just had my alloys powder coated in gun metal grey. I want to try and keep them looking minty for as long as possible. I intend to avoid harsh or acidic products, and I’ll clean them by hand rather than with with the jet washer. I’ve got an old bottle of Triplewax shampoo which is ph neutral, and a nice soft wheel brush. Any detailing experts out there got any top tips on routine weekly washing?
Also, I occasionally use a Turtle Wax wet shine foam tyre blackener. This stuff looks great. But is it safe on powder coated alloys?

 

[Larkone]

You could try one of the (expensive) ceramic coatings as a protective top coat. Google 'ceramic coating for wheels' and take your pick, lots of info on how to do it as well.

 

[DREAMER NO2]

I use this Maguires Ultimate read about this cleaner on Ebay ,, recomender by fellow member ...its harmless Or just wash them with luke warm soapy water .Dont use any brushes with hard bristles .

 

[A.J.]

I use this Maguires Ultimate read about this cleaner on Ebay ,, recomender by fellow member ...its harmless Or just wash them with luke warm soapy water .Dont use any brushes with hard bristles .

That's what I would have said, just warm soapy water and a soft bristled brush. I have had refurbs on wheels before and they never seek to last more than 2.1/2 to 3 years anyway

 

[DSK]

There are some decent products but after years of doing this and testing stuff over 1,000 miles a week snow or shine, most of the stuff is just utter hype.

These are mine after about 60,000 miles on each set through winter/snow/track days and always running ferodo Ds2500 pads at the time. No swirl marks or deterioration of the paint through arguably the most demanding of conditions on any refinished set of wheels I run. I alway wash them weekly too.

All I will say is I make my own mix of wheel cleaner, use soft bristle/microfibre brushes and mitt if needed. I always have a spray can of wheel protector handy and used at every wash. Periodically I use bilt hamber to give the wheels a knowingly good coat.


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[markben]

Agree with all here. On mine, gentle 'fan' spray with hosepipe (not direct jet nozzle), then good quality car shampoo, e.g. Autoglym (not washing up liquid - too acidic!) applied with microfibre glove (or towel). For any sharp creases & the wheel nuts / slots, around the rim edges & tyre valves etc I use a very soft, fine synthetic bristled 1 inch decorators' paintbrush (NOT those very thick, sharper bristled ones you usually see in the shops - too abrasive!) .

Finally, rinse gently with hose fan spray & dry with clean microfibre cloth. Any tar, stubborn grease spots or brake dust stains can be taken off with a little white spirit & a soft cloth nothing stronger / more abrasive. I'm always wary of proprietary alloy wheel cleaner for removing brake dust as from experience it can be a bit too fierce. If you look after your new wheels, you should never need it...?

For added protection: yes, ceramic coat or good quality car wax (e.g. Autoglym extra gloss protection). Or... I use Zymol Creame Wax - very expensive (around £50 for a small tub!) but WOW it gives a fantastic depth of shine and lasts for ages between coats. Zymol is also great on bodywork - I reckon it's as good as a ceramic treatment, and possibly easier to apply (only my opinion).

Yes, proprietary treatment for the tyres. I prefer Demon Tyres (Halfords, £4) as it's clear (not coloured) and gives a softer 'wet look' finish than the spray cans of tyre treatment which tend to leave a build-up a gooey film of silicon on the sidewalls over time. Again, only my opinion..

Hope this helps & good luck!

 

[Benz17]

Just had my alloys powder coated in gun metal grey. I want to try and keep them looking minty for as long as possible. I intend to avoid harsh or acidic products, and I’ll clean them by hand rather than with with the jet washer. I’ve got an old bottle of Triplewax shampoo which is ph neutral, and a nice soft wheel brush. Any detailing experts out there got any top tips on routine weekly washing?
Also, I occasionally use a Turtle Wax wet shine foam tyre blackener. This stuff looks great. But is it safe on powder coated alloys?

Would you be kind enough to show pictures of your powder coated alloys.

 

[micky.]

Would you be kind enough to show pictures of your powder coated alloys.

 

[micky.]

Thanks for all the replies people. I gave them a very light wash today as there were some fitter's oily fingermarks in places. I usually use a watering can if I'm not using the steam cleaner, and with the new lacquer applied, the water just bubbled off anyway, which is great. I'll get some Autoglym and give them a good wax in a few months time, and unless I get anything particularly stubborn I'll stick to the plan of a very mild ph neutral shampoo mix as and when needed.

 

[markben]

Oh, sorry I forgot: ANOTHER KEY 'Detailing' TIP on how to keep your alloys looking immaculate. DON'T Bl**dy KERB THEM!!!!!

 

[Gazwould]

Also what brake pads do you have ?

 

[JBell]

I wouldn't worry too much, Powdercoat is extremely tough and very durable, Jet washing is no problem at all

I use one of these

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07N9C7MGG/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=e9b674c1c4e9acd361980628ab78127f&content-id=amzn1.sym.e4f48e2a-4f4e-495a-a95b-34f114e19c84%3Aamzn1.sym.e4f48e2a-4f4e-495a-a95b-34f114e19c84&hsa_cr_id=9399041690802&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=c213750b-4bae-408a-b87a-68e22412d076&pd_rd_w=zZjNj&pd_rd_wg=hKGTE&qid=1661581444&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi4d_asin_1_img&sr=1-2-fd947bf3-57d2-4cc9-939d-2805f92cef28&th=1

with this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-G180124EU-Ultimate-Wheel-Cleaner/dp/B06WP6PY68/ref=pd_bxgy_sccl_1/257-6528401-7545754?pd_rd_w=MzH4a&content-id=amzn1.sym.79b812bf-5c8b-4c0c-851c-784423adaff5&pf_rd_p=79b812bf-5c8b-4c0c-851c-784423adaff5&pf_rd_r=0F5AQE25QVY435YCWF4W&pd_rd_wg=rwimx&pd_rd_r=63abe27e-7913-4531-8018-f15370eaa4e6&pd_rd_i=B06WP6PY68&psc=1

Tyres coated in this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0009IQXJ0/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0009IQXJ0&pd_rd_w=bF16v&content-id=amzn1.sym.8d91a06c-52c8-441e-afa4-963e53268566&pf_rd_p=8d91a06c-52c8-441e-afa4-963e53268566&pf_rd_r=QQSXDST5P01MW3JXX60T&pd_rd_wg=aPBgE&pd_rd_r=3e470f57-fff6-49a7-b749-af5abc6320ac&s=automotive&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUVAxRlk5TzdYM1FQJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTk3ODk0MktHQUJFOTFHWlBQTSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODQ5NjQ2Mk5IMkxMTDM4UEUyRiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Applied with one of these

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-X3090-Tyre-Dressing-Applicator/dp/B0006KZ6LW/ref=pd_bxgy_sccl_1/257-6528401-7545754?pd_rd_w=Uj5pN&content-id=amzn1.sym.79b812bf-5c8b-4c0c-851c-784423adaff5&pf_rd_p=79b812bf-5c8b-4c0c-851c-784423adaff5&pf_rd_r=FQ7C7EF4SPY5BG8882WG&pd_rd_wg=OPSAy&pd_rd_r=1ad071ce-1a0e-4c08-ad7b-232e7d8059c1&pd_rd_i=B0006KZ6LW&psc=1