Can NOT get these wheels clean???

Wheel Brightener did it's job but you have flat paint. pores flat paint.
the dirt is embedded into the paint.
Horrible choice of paint for a rim.
You have to sand or polish the dirt out of it.
Or sand, re-paint and put some spray wax on them.
But you will never keep a pores paint on a rim clean.
 
goldendodo19 said:
Want some wheel brightener? Got half a gallon id be more than happy to send you some lol. My wheels never get that bad that I need it
Click to expand...

WOW! That's really nice man. I would never accept a free 1/2 gallon from someone, that's way more than I'd need to test it out - but extremely generous and kind! :) I was just always curious about for so long now... it would never be for my own vehicle, I always keep that pretty meticulous since even my license plates advertise the detail business, but as I'm sure you know clients wait until things are pretty nasty sometimes to hire detailers, haha!

I am really thankful for your offer, and on the occasion you ever do find time to drop some in the mail, I truly wouldn't need a drop more than maybe 8-12 ounces max. I'll probably try it on a family member's car that understands the risks and doesn't drive a new Cayenne! Haha.

So can I use it on most wheels, just make sure not to let it dwell more than 30 seconds before power-washing off - and I probably don't need to scrub much, do I? I'm really looking for something that gets that BUILT UP grime off from the inner wheel well.

Thanks! :)
 
Dynamic_Detailing said:
I've always wondered about Meg's Wheel Brightener... every single time I make a new order, I want to buy it - but then get scared. Is Wheel Brightener something I can use, but just have to make SURE it doesn't dwell on the surface for more than a certain amount of time? Some clients' cars are just NIGHTMARES, and after spending so much time on the wheels, when they aren't perfect, I've lost time/efficiency/and the "Wow Factor" when clients inspect the wheels. I've tried TRIX, Sonax Full Effect, Griots (which is the worst I've ever tried, barely turns pink and doesn't clean the inner lip), and the results have been somewhat mixed.

Thanks so much, not trying to derail the thread about the XD Wheels, just trying to expand the convo and follow up on Wheel Brightener! :)
Click to expand...

Well wheel acids are sort of taboo here on forums and online. Mostly because they can damage the finish and the people who offer education on detailing (like here on AG) want a perfect experience for all new to detailing. I have said this before and will say it again, I do not believe there is a good professional detailer that doesn't have a wheel acid at their disposal. Knowing when and how wheel acids should be used is key. You can use WB on polished aluminum rims so long as the acid doesn't dwell for longer than 45 seconds. On painted and CC rims, you can use it quite liberally and let it soak more. You may see a bit of smoke, but it's not common and really just neutralize with water. Factory rims are all CC'd so you can use it no problem, but I would not use an acid every time you wash. Acids will over prolonged time cause damage.

Me personally I find WB too weak. I use a diluted hydrochloric acid. These rims I had to clean to look brand new. I used acid on them, had all four done in 15 mins. And yes, that's road tar. Using pH neutral, balanced product would have been a joke.

So overall, don't be afraid to try it, but know when to use it!

View attachment 20628View attachment 20629
 
goldendodo19 said:
Want some wheel brightener? Got half a gallon id be more than happy to send you some lol. My wheels never get that bad that I need it
Click to expand...

If you don't end up sending it, i'd be more than happy to buy a small amount off of you to try it out. Thanks. Sorry, not trying to highjack the thread. :dblthumb2:
 
Dynamic_Detailing said:
I've always wondered about Meg's Wheel Brightener... every single time I make a new order, I want to buy it - but then get scared. Is Wheel Brightener something I can use, but just have to make SURE it doesn't dwell on the surface for more than a certain amount of time? Some clients' cars are just NIGHTMARES, and after spending so much time on the wheels, when they aren't perfect, I've lost time/efficiency/and the "Wow Factor" when clients inspect the wheels. I've tried TRIX, Sonax Full Effect, Griots (which is the worst I've ever tried, barely turns pink and doesn't clean the inner lip), and the results have been somewhat mixed.

Thanks so much, not trying to derail the thread about the XD Wheels, just trying to expand the convo and follow up on Wheel Brightener! :)
Click to expand...

Here is my process on very dirty wheels with Meg's WB.

Always wear PPE
Hose down wheel with cold water
Spray WB diluted 4 to 1 on wheel
Agitate immediately with various brushes
Hose off wheel immediately and evaluate
Clean go to next wheel, still dirty,second attempt
Spray wheel with WB
Immediately agitate with Sears Cordless and foam wheel cone attachment
Hose off immediately
Clean go to next wheel, still dirty, third attempt
Spray Meg's WB at full strength
Agitate with brushes and drill
Hose off immediately
Clean go to next wheel, still dirty, fourth attempt
Sears cordless with drill attachment for 4 inch pad and Meg's 105/205
Clean go to next wheel, still dirty, have a beer and evaluate. Usually starts to look much better after a beer, move on.

Works every time!
 
Ya I hate those wheels once you get then clean seal them so you won't have to deal with them again.
 
Andr3wilson said:
Me personally I find WB too weak. I use a diluted hydrochloric acid. These rims I had to clean to look brand new. I used acid on them, had all four done in 15 mins. And yes, that's road tar. Using pH neutral, balanced product would have been a joke.

So overall, don't be afraid to try it, but know when to use it!
Click to expand...

Such an awesome answer, thank you so much for that. I believe, for my purposes and the way you have described it, Meg's Wheel Brightener would suit my needs perfectly. There's only a few clients who have wheels that don't come clean ENOUGH with Sonax Full Effect or TRIX - it's just, those products can add up (especially $$ TRIX), not to mention an acid-based cleaner would enhance efficiency.

I really appreciate your direction and guidance - can't believe I've been detailing for 12 years now without learning how to implement an acid-based wheel cleaner. Now, "all" I have to do is figure out how to determine wheel types and coatings. Haha - but with what you shared, no matter what type of wheel (alloy, chrome, clear coated) as long as it doesn't sit for longer than 30 seconds, I'll be good to go.

I'll have to remove the wheels from the car of course, to avoid any paint damage, and I wonder if I literally just spray it and let it sit, or if I can use one of my wheel brushes to speed up the process and cleanse better?

PS: Those wheels were SICK! Do you have any afters?
 
Meticulous-Detail said:
Here is my process on very dirty wheels with Meg's WB.

Always wear PPE
Hose down wheel with cold water
Spray WB diluted 4 to 1 on wheel
Agitate immediately with various brushes
Hose off wheel immediately and evaluate
Clean go to next wheel, still dirty,second attempt
Spray wheel with WB
Immediately agitate with Sears Cordless and foam wheel cone attachment
Hose off immediately
Clean go to next wheel, still dirty, third attempt
Spray Meg's WB at full strength
Agitate with brushes and drill
Hose off immediately
Clean go to next wheel, still dirty, fourth attempt
Sears cordless with drill attachment for 4 inch pad and Meg's 105/205
Clean go to next wheel, still dirty, have a beer and evaluate. Usually starts to look much better after a beer, move on.

Works every time!
Click to expand...

THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH Meticulous Detail! :)

Haha, I hope I wouldn't have to use a strong acid-based wheel cleaner four times! Whew. A gallon diluted 4-1 would last a long time too, which is awesome. It's also good to have one of my questions answered, about being able to use brushes on the wheels - and it also seems like you can use Wheel Brightener on all wheels and types, as long as like you said you spray, agitate, and wash IMMEDIATELY off - so no longer than 30 seconds no matter what. In truth though, I'm just looking to save some money and time (aren't we all), and I just can't keep spending $100 per 4 liter container of TRIX.
 
Have you gone to ceramic pads?

To be sure, I'd go after a specific spot instead of the whole wheel. Let your cleaner dwell for awhile while scrubbing then wash, if no change then move to someting more aggresive like and acid. Again, doing a small test spot first.

I'm having problems with my 5.0 brembo wheels and am thinking of going the acid route as no amount of cleaner or clay bar makes the slightest difference.
 
Some before and afters with Megs WB
482280_145893265578371_1213383314_n.jpg

580461_145893372245027_312117342_n.jpg

734604_145893292245035_2032229306_n.jpg

314436_145893355578362_1015339079_n.jpg

734091_145893318911699_1496492931_n.jpg

601085_145893385578359_931526555_n.jpg

600173_145893338911697_1589993177_n.jpg
 
I am going to go go out on a limb and possiblly show my noob self as a budding detail guy.:eek: Have you tried WD40? I mean it, if your taking off the wheels, try soaking some of it for a few min, agitating it, then rince off with a degreaser. I have found that WD takes a lot of stuff off you dont think it will. I use it to remove chain lube off my Triumphs chrome rims and it just wipes away. Used it on my old Dodge Ram stock rims and got rid of the brake dust. I spray it on a MF cloth, and then hit the wheels. If its bad, I do take off the wheels so as not to get WD on the brakes. (not a good combo!) Like I said, then you just wash with your favorite APC or Degreaser.
 
I know i should keep out of everyone's conversion but your wheels have a matte like surface as if the have matte plasti dip so my suggestion if you don't want to go the acid route then try BDP its a wheel cleaner from dip your car dot com that suppose to clean your wheels
heres there link https://www.dipyourcar.com/home.php?cat=37
and a demonstration video [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzHf-xTO40Y]How to Clean Plasti Dipped Wheels - Brake Dust Pro - YouTube[/video]
 
Very interesting! Have you tried it?
 
Where do you pickup Meg's WB? I'm pretty sure I've got some severe staining on my wheels. I suppose I need to pick up a cone buffer as well! I think I need a lesson in dilution because I never know what folks mean when they say 4:1/1:1/1:2. I get that it means for every 4 parts of WB add 1 part of water. I guess for every one ounce of water I multiply that by 4 for the WB. So if i have a 24oz spray bottle that means 19oz of WB and 5oz of water?

I'm just a weekend warrior so I try to stick to products that are easily available.
 
nissenc1337 said:
Where do you pickup Meg's WB? I'm pretty sure I've got some severe staining on my wheels. I suppose I need to pick up a cone buffer as well! I think I need a lesson in dilution because I never know what folks mean when they say 4:1/1:1/1:2. I get that it means for every 4 parts of WB add 1 part of water. I guess for every one ounce of water I multiply that by 4 for the WB. So if i have a 24oz spray bottle that means 19oz of WB and 5oz of water?

I'm just a weekend warrior so I try to stick to products that are easily available.
Click to expand...

You can buy WB on AG Meguiars Wheel Brightener is a professional grade wheel cleaner for factory coated wheels! Meguiars wheel cleaner and brightener makes coated wheels .
I have all the Meg's professional bottles which makes it very easy to figure out dilution ratios.

You have the ratios backwards, it's 4 parts water 1 part WB.

Another suggestion, go to Walmart and pick up Megs All Wheel and Tire Cleaner. This is my go to for dirty wheels and tires. I say Walmart because they are the cheapest.

After the wheels are clean, do a light polish and then top with a coating or a sealant/wax like DG501/Collonite 476's or 845.
 
nissenc1337 said:
Where do you pickup Meg's WB? I'm pretty sure I've got some severe staining on my wheels. I suppose I need to pick up a cone buffer as well! I think I need a lesson in dilution because I never know what folks mean when they say 4:1/1:1/1:2. I get that it means for every 4 parts of WB add 1 part of water. I guess for every one ounce of water I multiply that by 4 for the WB. So if i have a 24oz spray bottle that means 19oz of WB and 5oz of water?

I'm just a weekend warrior so I try to stick to products that are easily available.
Click to expand...

AG sells it. Just buy the meguiars bottle made for wheel brightener. That way you have a nice bottle with a cool label and it already has the dilution ratios on it. You just fill up the bottle with water up to the line and then add the wheel brightener until it gets to the fill line. Couldn't be easier. All the meguiars detailer line bottles are like that.
 
Andr3wilson said:
Me personally I find WB too weak.
I use a diluted hydrochloric acid.
So overall, don't be afraid to try it, but know when to use it!
Dynamic_Detailing said:
Such an awesome answer, thank you so much for that. I believe, for my purposes and the way you have described it, Meg's Wheel Brightener would suit my needs perfectly. There's only a few clients who have wheels that don't come clean ENOUGH with Sonax Full Effect or TRIX - it's just, those products can add up (especially $$ TRIX), not to mention an acid-based cleaner would enhance efficiency.

I really appreciate your direction and guidance - can't believe I've been detailing for 12 years now without learning how to implement an acid-based wheel cleaner. Now, "all" I have to do is figure out how to determine wheel types and coatings. Haha - but with what you shared, no matter what type of wheel (alloy, chrome, clear coated) as long as it doesn't sit for longer than 30 seconds, I'll be good to go.

I'll have to remove the wheels from the car of course, to avoid any paint damage, and I wonder if I literally just spray it and let it sit, or if I can use one of my wheel brushes to speed up the process and cleanse better?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Besides: Now, "all" I have to do is figure out how to determine wheel types and coatings...
You also must know your acids!!!

-HF acid has been discussed quite thoroughly here on AGO's detailing forum....
as well as many other forums and sites that are not detailed oriented.

-The Professional Detailers that use acid wheel cleaners, especially those that are HF, know the following is always to be revered:
(Thanks Meticulous-Detail)

Meticulous-Detail said:
Here is my process on very dirty wheels with Meg's WB.

Always wear PPE
Click to expand...

Just a well meant cautionary heads-up.

:)

Bob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top