Applying Tire Shine Products

ajfromdablvd

ajfromdablvd

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Hello all. Im a novice at detailing cars. I use Black Magic Tire Wet Gel on my tires that comes with an applicator. The applicator ain't that good, crumbles after a few uses, and seems to require alot of product. I read somewhere that using a paintbrush to apply tire shine products was easier than using the applicator. I tried it; it works better, doesn't get on my rims, and uses way less product. Anyone else uses a paintbrush or willing to share other effective methods/products? Thanks!

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I use these, but I'm applying a much more liquid dressing, either Carpro Perl or Autoglym Instant Tyre Dressing usually. And I'm applying to off-road and SUV tyres, 65 and 60 profile, so I have plenty of sidewall to play with. I've had them a couple of years and they look rougher than the new ones in the picture, but they still work well.

I have heard that repurposed make up brushes work very well with low profile rubber and gel dressings. I'm sure there will be a few more answers coming soon, with methods that may suit your requirements.
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I've mostly switched to brushes for tire dressings. The exception being thicker products like Carpro Darkside, foam applicators are better suited there.

Lately, I've been liking the XL-sized Maxshine and Detail Factory brushes. The great thing with these is that the density of bristles reduces the need to knock back the dressing with a towel afterwards. Probably best suited to runnier dressings like diluted Perl or Duragloss 253, but they also work for thicker cream-like dressings too.

The soft synthetic version is great for high-profile truck/SUV tires.............................



The narrower boars hair version ideal for low profile tires..........................................





I also like the TRC Utility Brush for large truck tires. The bristle tips are softer than they look and are great at covering larger areas. Again, a runnier liquid is best used for this method.



 
I recently purchased this from Walmart. For $4 I thought I’d give it a shot. I’ve only used it a couple times and it’s worked great. To early to tell how it will hold up but I make sure to rinse it well after I’m done.
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Looks very similar to the Adams applicator.


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I use a cheap foam applicator fully expecting it to get a little shredded on the side wall textures. I have noticed once they are a little abused, they actually work better!

Next time I need to get a new applicator I'll be going with a brush along the lines of what others have already provided.

From a product standpoint, I think I'm going to stick with thinner, water-based tire dressings. I'm currently using Griots Ceramic Tire Dressing and used Optimum Tire Gel in the past, and I don't really like the application process for these thicker products.
 
I use the better quality paint brushes from Harbor Freight. Even use those to apply Dark Side which is significantly thicker than most water based tire dressings. Works great and easy to clean out the brushes afterwards.
 
Desertnate said:
From a product standpoint, I think I'm going to stick with thinner, water-based tire dressings. I'm currently using Griots Ceramic Tire Dressing and used Optimum Tire Gel in the past, and I don't really like the application process for these thicker products.
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Are you saying the Griot's product is thick, like Opti-Bond? I don't really consider Opti-Bond to be a gel, but it is thicker than the Optimum Tire Shine which comes in a spray bottle. Opti-Bond is the only tire dressing I've ever used that doesn't feel slimy when you get it on your hands.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
Are you saying the Griot's product is thick, like Opti-Bond? I don't really consider Opti-Bond to be a gel, but it is thicker than the Optimum Tire Shine which comes in a spray bottle. Opti-Bond is the only tire dressing I've ever used that doesn't feel slimy when you get it on your hands.
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I called it a gel since they actually use it in the full name of the product and since it was clear-ish and thicker than a liquid I felt the term fit. It is much thicker than something like Perl or Duragloss 253, but it was thinner than the Griots which is surprisingly thick.
 
ajfromdablvd said:
Hello all. Im a novice at detailing cars. I use Black Magic Tire Wet Gel on my tires that comes with an applicator. The applicator ain't that good, crumbles after a few uses, and seems to require alot of product. I read somewhere that using a paintbrush to apply tire shine products was easier than using the applicator. I tried it; it works better, doesn't get on my rims, and uses way less product. Anyone else uses a paintbrush or willing to share other effective methods/products? Thanks!

Sent from my SM-N975U using Autogeekonline mobile app
Click to expand...
I think it also depends some on the size/type of tire in questions which others have noted in their responses. A low profile, tucked-in tire has much less surface area (and is typically smooth) and greater proximity to "shiny" surfaces that you want to avoid spattering during application; paint brushes probably excel here. The 33" BFG KO2's on my Bronco have a lot of sidewall, some of it irregular, and a big gap between anything painted (so low risk of spatter). So far I've been using foam applicators similar in shape to the Adams-style pictured upthread and using Perl. I've always liked the design of the TRC utility brush also pictured upthread but am too cheap to spend the $$ until I get frustrated with my current tools. I'll also add that I'm pretty blase when it comes to the appearance of my tires; so long as they aren't brown I'm happy, so take my experience with the requisite helping of salt.
 
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