How to fix semi gloss wheels?

[RhetoricMixes]

I have a friend that called me the other day and needless to say i couldnt give him much advice. He took his car through the drive through car wash and they added their "spray wax" to the whole vehicle and while the rest of the car is fine his wheels now look stained with a white residue that wont come off. I told him to try a wheel cleaner first (some kind of meguiars) and that didnt work so I told him to pick up some of Griot's wheel cleaner at his nearest advanced auto. That made it look a bit better but this is what he's left with. We havent tried degreaser or any polishes but then again i wasnt sure where to start since it appears to be a semi gloss finish.

 

[BWG707]

I'm not a pro-detailer but I would try a paint cleaner. Maybe something like Klasse AIO.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

The appearance of the wheel in the picture makes it look like it's anodized black aluminum.

If they are truly a flat or matte black paint then there's not a lot of products designed to be used on this type of coating and nothing for anodized wheels.

Tell your friend to contact the wheel manufacture and find out exactly what the black surface is, paint or anodizing.

While he has them on the phone tell him to ask them what they recommend for normal care and maintenance. Find out what the manufacture recommends because they're supposed to be the experts on their products.

If nothing else, you can probably rub them down with some type of oil-based product, even a "Trim Detailer" and this should restore a uniform, even appearance that has a dark, satin look. That is wipe on, work in and then wipe the excess off. Just a guess mind you.

This is why I always love my old school slotted mags. They are SOLID aluminum. There's no coating to stain or wear-off, or chip off or ever have to replace. If they oxidize it's no problem because I can easily re-polish them.

I would choose any uncoated, solid aluminum wheel with smooth surface, not machined for a wheel if for no other reason because "I" can work on them. Most wheel once something goes wrong it will be more cost effective and labor saving to simply purchase a new wheel or set of wheels.

Taking a custom wheel and trying to find a wheel shop that will undo the damage and restore to like new will end up costing about as much as simply buying new wheels.

Go for solid aluminum in the future if you have a choice...


Old School Aluminum Slotted Mag Wheels - Extreme Makeover


Before - White Rust

After - Smooth, shiny aluminum that's easy to maintain

They look good too...

Old School Slotted Mags were very popular and can usually be found on Craigslist or eBay


:xyxthumbs:

 

[RhetoricMixes]

Thank you very much Mike for the advice! I did tell him to contact the manufacturer for the info since i have not seen the damage personally, only in pictures. I do have some trim restorer since i use Chemical Guy's G6 Hyper Coat for all my tires and trim pieces, i'll try that if thats what the manufacturer recommends we'll see what happens.

 

[darkstar752]

My first step would be to try CarPro Eraser. Gentle and it does a great job of removing oils and wax residues. If that doesn't work, you're looking at a stained rim rather than some spray wax.

 

[stibuki]

I would agree with Mike. Had a similar experience in the 90's with some satin black nerf bars on my SUV. After numerous attempts to clean them with only minimal success I gave up and treated them with some Armorall I had laying around collecting dust. Looked much better and surprisingly after a few washes and applications they started looking much better. There are better and longer lasting choices than Armorall now!

 

[RhetoricMixes]

Looks like vinegar didnt work one bit, diluted and full strength applications. He did say he picked up some Armor All wipes and he said that seemed to remove some of the residue. I guess we'll have to see whether or not it holds up or is just hiding the imperfection.

 

[david11g35]

That sucks! Those are Forgiato wheels. Those are a pretty penny.

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