Applying Tire Dressing

rott3np3anut

rott3np3anut

New member
Joined
Oct 16, 2009
Messages
127
Reaction score
0
Hey guys, I have a question about applying tire dressing. I have a bottle of Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Gel. I'm just looking for general tips in how to best apply it. I have a foam applicator I've been using with it for a while, but it never seems to look as good as the picture I see on here. Any tips/tricks would be appreciated!
 
I dilute it 1:1 in a spray bottle and apply it that way. Clean the tire really well, apply 1 coat let that sit for about an hour, then apply another coat. It will look really nice for a sustained amount of time. If your have an air compressor and a spray gun that is the best way, uses very little product and looks killer after just one application. :xyxthumbs:

2 coats after a week of driving about 185 miles

DSC03141.jpg
 
I haven't had much luck with Opti-Bond myself. However the best way I have found to apply any tire dressing is to spray it on a foam paint brush then "paint" it on the tires. You use less product, and it doesn't drip all over the place.
 
After a thorough cleaning... I apply a little at a time to my tire swipe and apply directly to wheel. The only thing that could look a little better is around the lettering I don't get it quite as perfect as I would like. The next day I usually take a paper towel and correct any excess in the lettering.
 
AeroCleanse said:
However the best way I have found to apply any tire dressing is to spray it on a foam paint brush then "paint" it on the tires. You use less product, and it doesn't drip all over the place.
Click to expand...

This is how I apply all my tire dressings. Those little foam paint brushes aren't very expensive and last through 20-30 or so applications for me.
Ed
 
I use the Cobra Flex Foam applicators, for all my tire dressings. From Spray's to gel's. Allows for a nice uniform coverage. Apply the product to the applicator and then run the applicator around the tire, spreading the product.

I find Opti-Bond works well when applied to clean tires (prior dressings removed).
 
Thanks for the replies everyone! Where can I get these foam paint brushes you guys are talking about? I looked on Autogeek but couldn't find them. Also what do you guys think is the best product for cleaning the tires before dressing? I always clean them first, but probably not well enough. Is an APC okay for that? I'm about to buy a big gallon or something of an APC, they look useful. I'm still pretty new to detailing.

Perfections, that looks awesome for a week of driving!
 
rott3np3anut said:
Thanks for the replies everyone! Where can I get these foam paint brushes you guys are talking about?
Click to expand...

I got mine from the local Truevalue hardware store, in the paint area. I'm pretty sure most home improvement places that sell paint would have them.
 
rott3np3anut said:
Where can I get these foam paint brushes you guys are talking about? I looked on Autogeek but couldn't find them.

Also what do you guys think is the best product for cleaning the tires before dressing? I always clean them first, but probably not well enough. Is an APC okay for that? I'm about to buy a big gallon or something of an APC, they look useful.
Click to expand...

WalMart has the foam brushes (in the paint area as well) for a buck,different sizes (width's).

APC is good for scrubbing down and cleaning tire's. :props:
 
Alright thanks so much everyone! I'll be placing an order soon to get some APC and other supplies, then ill head to Walmart for the brushes.
 
I use foam applicators but Bobby G uses a paint brush to apply tire gels. I need to find the thread as I asked what type of brush he used. the paint brush make a lot of sense with a gel tire dressing.
 
I think they use the foam paint brushes. You can get them at walmart for like 50 cents to $1 a piece in the paint section.
 
IOMCAMARO said:
I think they use the foam paint brushes. You can get them at walmart for like 50 cents to $1 a piece in the paint section.
Click to expand...

I have a number from Home Depot and used them for external trim for many years. Not sure if a bristle or a foam brush would actually be better with a gel.
 
Kurt_s said:
I have a number from Home Depot and used them for external trim for many years. Not sure if a bristle or a foam brush would actually be better with a gel.
Click to expand...
I use foam with Adam's VRT, but that's just me. :)
 
I found that the long bristled side of a natural bristle fingernail brush (plastic bristles are usually too stiff) is the best at getting Tire Gel spread evenly over the face and into all the lettering of the tire. I add a thin bead of Tire Gel (like toothpaste) to the brush and spread as much as possible (until there is no excess in the letters and grooves).

Almost no waste because the bristles don't really absorb much, you get a nice even thin coat without the build up around the letters (which helps against sling). Plus, I swear I get better durability with this method as well (the trick to durable Tire Gel is not using a Tire Cleaner every wash. I just pressure rinse the tires and leave 'em be, looks great, it only actually needs cleaning and reapplication when the tire loses the look you want... right?) The rims get brushed with just car wash solution, a good Wheel Wax makes that a snap.

BTW, I use Opti-Bond and DP Tire Gel :dblthumb2:

IMG_6272.jpg


Notice that the bristles are cleaner where they contact the tire. IME, applying Tire Gel to very clean and dry tires is the most important part. Spreading Tire Gel over dirty grooves and lettering won't look good for long.
 
Tire gels and dressings can be a real pain to apply especially if the tires have allot of lugs which are normally found on aggressive tires, that and white letters.

I use a standard 1 1/2" wide standard paint brush. I tried the cheep "O" ones but I really didn't care for the bristles coming loose and shedding all over my tires so I bought a medium priced one at Lowe's.

To apply I squirt some gel on the brush and start "painting". for larger surfaces I'll use a small foam pad which works very well so between the two I've got things pretty much covered.
 
A4 1.8tqm said:
I found that the long bristled side of a natural bristle fingernail brush (plastic bristles are usually too stiff) is the best at getting Tire Gel spread evenly over the face and into all the lettering of the tire. I add a thin bead of Tire Gel (like toothpaste) to the brush and spread as much as possible (until there is no excess in the letters and grooves).

Almost no waste because the bristles don't really absorb much, you get a nice even thin coat without the build up around the letters (which helps against sling). Plus, I swear I get better durability with this method as well (the trick to durable Tire Gel is not using a Tire Cleaner every wash. I just pressure rinse the tires and leave 'em be, looks great, it only actually needs cleaning and reapplication when the tire loses the look you want... right?) The rims get brushed with just car wash solution, a good Wheel Wax makes that a snap.

BTW, I use Opti-Bond and DP Tire Gel :dblthumb2:

IMG_6272.jpg


Notice that the bristles are cleaner where they contact the tire. IME, applying Tire Gel to very clean and dry tires is the most important part. Spreading Tire Gel over dirty grooves and lettering won't look good for long.
Click to expand...

Nice tip. Fingernail brush and good quality paint brush. I wonder how a cut down paint brush would work so one would have the stiffer bristles like the fingernail brush.

What are you using to clean the tire rubber before applying the gel? I've been using OPC which seems to be doing a pretty good job. What do you guys use to clean the brushes when you are finished applying the gel?
 
Different tires take the sine in different ways. Just look at Coreys (CeeDog) thread about the DP Tire Gel. My tires turned out MUCH more glossy then his.
 
Any suggestions on applying tire dressing to MT tires?

I have been using one of those cheap paint brushes for this, and it works, but it takes a while to get it done. And I hate using the aerosol ones because it gets on the wheels...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top