Meguiars D140 Wheel Brightener Dangers?

[mg6045]

Agreed, I will have to purchase me some gloves for this product! Another question related to this. I am buying a lot of gallon jugs of products and only the Meg's products come with labeled spray bottles. Any recommended spray bottles?

any spraybottle and a sharpie to label them

 

[T0RCH3D]

i'm not a fan of this product. I would not want somebody using it on my factory wheels. If they did, I would want them to remove the wheels. Because nowadays most manufactures use brake rotors that are meant to look pretty and nice. and the center peice of the rotor is uncoated metal. same goes for some of the hardware on the brake caliper. and so on and so on. If you wheel brightener on those uncoated parts, they will turn all dull or hazy and it will mess up the finish.

My though process goes like this. If its not safe for the clear coat on the cars paint, I would not use it on the clearcoat on my wheels. If your customer has wheels like BBS or aftermarket, you have to remember that the clearcoat on aftermarket wheels is not as durable as the clearcoat on OEM wheels. So if using an acid based product (that WILL etch if left to dwell to long) you need to be really carefull. A lof of people will fantastic cars , for some stupid reason like to skimp on there aftermarket wheels. For example, I see a lot of BMW's and Audi's with 1000 dollar sets of VMR wheels. The finish on those wheels is horrible and the winter alone can start the clearcoat peeling. If you use a harsh wheel cleaner on them, even if you dont see immediate damage, your not doing anything to help matters.

If I hired a detailer, I would be MUCH more comfterable with them using a popular APC rather than the acid based wheel cleaner.

This is just my opinion. I know many people will disagree.

My only advice would be to discuss the precautions with your customer beforehand. And let them know what products you want to use on there wheels, especially when using something as potent as WB.

I understand your idea behind this, I would only use the WB on customer's cars or even my vehicles for that matter if it was only completely necessary. After reading this thread, I have received plenty of warning and plenty of good reviews. I have not received any reviews of anyone's wheels being damaged as a result of this. I will use with care and only if OPC cannot finish the job to my standards. I appreciate the warning and your input though, you made valid points with the calipers, rotors and brake components and it has been noted on my end for something to look after. Also, great idea with informing clients beforehand.

any spraybottle and a sharpie to label them

Well duh, I am talking good spray bottles. I heard the Meg's bottles don't come with the sprayers on AG. I personally think the Home Depot sprayers are horrible. I am leaning toward Rubbermaid 32 Heavy-Duty Bottles at Super Walmart and Target. Seems best bang for the buck but I want to hear other opinions. Keep in mind these sprayers need to hold up to harsh chemicals like Iron-X, WB, etc.

 

[Vegas Transplant]

i'm not a fan of this product. I would not want somebody using it on my factory wheels. If they did, I would want them to remove the wheels. Because nowadays most manufactures use brake rotors that are meant to look pretty and nice. and the center peice of the rotor is uncoated metal. same goes for some of the hardware on the brake caliper. and so on and so on. If you wheel brightener on those uncoated parts, they will turn all dull or hazy and it will mess up the finish.

My though process goes like this. If its not safe for the clear coat on the cars paint, I would not use it on the clearcoat on my wheels. If your customer has wheels like BBS or aftermarket, you have to remember that the clearcoat on aftermarket wheels is not as durable as the clearcoat on OEM wheels. So if using an acid based product (that WILL etch if left to dwell to long) you need to be really carefull. A lof of people will fantastic cars , for some stupid reason like to skimp on there aftermarket wheels. For example, I see a lot of BMW's and Audi's with 1000 dollar sets of VMR wheels. The finish on those wheels is horrible and the winter alone can start the clearcoat peeling. If you use a harsh wheel cleaner on them, even if you dont see immediate damage, your not doing anything to help matters.

If I hired a detailer, I would be MUCH more comfterable with them using a popular APC rather than the acid based wheel cleaner.

This is just my opinion. I know many people will disagree.

My only advice would be to discuss the precautions with your customer beforehand. And let them know what products you want to use on there wheels, especially when using something as potent as WB.

I agree whole heartedly, and that is why I come to AGO - to step up my game. If I ask a forum member that is respected in the community...I usually follow that advice.
I always inform the customer of the pros and cons...and the vast majority will leave the decision to me. https://autogeekonline.net/posts/678082/ and the rest usually do without and are happy with the results.

I also have noticed that a number of detailers here will not use these type products and charge accordingly for time spent on elbow grease,APC and even Zep Orange and other safe processes to get proper results.

@SVstang46

Since this will be a product that you may not use weekly, I second forum member grambow's suggestion of a pump sprayer.
This product will eat the spring in trigger sprayers after several uses (maybe days). Most that use spray bottles will rinse out the trigger with clean water immediately after use to prolong trigger life.

 

[swanicyouth]

I just used a similar product (I believe) to this: the Meg's OTC Chrome Wheel Cleaner. It is a strong acidic or basic solution that will burn your skin if you have any small cuts. However, it's cleaning potential is
tremendous. I would feel completely comfortable using these on any wheels, that is any wheels that were not MINE. I say this because they will make your wheels look great,
but every manufacturer of quality wheels recommends NOT to use strong acid or base solutions to clean them. In my opinion multiple uses can contribute to clear coat failure on the wheels. Car paint is clear coated, and I wouldn't use it to clean that either. But if your only using it once to get the wheels clean, and than maintaining them with other products, it's probably fine.

Before Meg's Chrome Wheel Cleaner( but after cleaning with APC+):

After Meg's Chrome Wheel Cleaner:

 

[FUNX650]

I plan on getting Meg's Wheel Brightener here in the next few weeks.

there are also warnings

@SVTstang46...
I'm sure you'll follow the advice given by the AGO members regarding this Meg's wheel cleaner (D140); but, you need to pay very close attention to what this Man has posted below!!

IMO the "dangers" of this wheel cleaner are primarily to the human body. Make sure you have the appropriate PPE and neutralizing agents.

From Meg's D140 MSDS:
Ammonium Biflouride (HF acid)
CAS#1341-49-7

'Neutralizers' to have handy/"on stand-by":
-Local EMT's phone number(s)
-Calcium Gluconate (2.5-5%)
-Calcium Gluconate Gel (2.5%)
-Iced Benzalkonium Chloride Soaks (0.13%)
-Copious amounts of Milk/Water
-Milk of Magnesia/Mylanta

If interested...One of the best resources for HF acid information is Honeywell"s web site...(They produce it for numerous worldwide industries.)

http://www.honeywell.com/sites/serv...t?docid=DB49512F4-4D4F-7ADE-D038-44F6DF1771F9

And...As it was stated so dramatically on the old police TV show... Hill Street Blues: "Be careful out there!!"




Bob

 

[Vegas Transplant]

This is a picture of a car (looks like alum. alloy painted/coated) that was scheduled for winter prep last fall and reneged.
Was rescheduled last month so I jumped the gun and took before pics at the time of estimate... reneged again. Wife's car...his other Benz and Porsch are on maintenance plan.

Have no clue but the car is maintained by the local swirl-o-matic. Whatever the product was (thinking maybe a wheel acid or Red Hot degreaser) I assume it was left on to dwell to long, and, or was applied to a recently driven hot wheel.

 

[T0RCH3D]

I agree whole heartedly, and that is why I come to AGO - to step up my game. If I ask a forum member that is respected in the community...I usually follow that advice.
I always inform the customer of the pros and cons...and the vast majority will leave the decision to me. https://autogeekonline.net/posts/678082/ and the rest usually do without and are happy with the results.

I also have noticed that a number of detailers here will not use these type products and charge accordingly for time spent on elbow grease,APC and even Zep Orange and other safe processes to get proper results.

@SVstang46

Since this will be a product that you may not use weekly, I second forum member grambow's suggestion of a pump sprayer.
This product will eat the spring in trigger sprayers after several uses (maybe days). Most that use spray bottles will rinse out the trigger with clean water immediately after use to prolong trigger life.

Wow, always learning new things on here! I bought 5 Rubbermaid Heavy Duty 32 oz. sprayers today, one of which I plan on using with Meg's WB. I do plan on cleaning the sprayers regularly, but I guess it would be a bad idea to keep the WB in the spray bottle on shelf between uses? Or would it be fine.

I just used a similar product (I believe) to this: the Meg's OTC Chrome Wheel Cleaner. It is a strong acidic or basic solution that will burn your skin if you have any small cuts. However, it's cleaning potential is
tremendous. I would feel completely comfortable using these on any wheels, that is any wheels that were not MINE. I say this because they will make your wheels look great,
but every manufacturer of quality wheels recommends NOT to use strong acid or base solutions to clean them. In my opinion multiple uses can contribute to clear coat failure on the wheels. Car paint is clear coated, and I wouldn't use it to clean that either. But if your only using it once to get the wheels clean, and than maintaining them with other products, it's probably fine.

Before Meg's Chrome Wheel Cleaner( but after cleaning with APC+):

After Meg's Chrome Wheel Cleaner:

Great before and after pics! This is the only reason I still want this product. I know first hand how stubborn wheel surfaces are, and I thought this would be my best bet.

@SVTstang46...
I'm sure you'll follow the advice given by the AGO members regarding this Meg's wheel cleaner (D140); but, you need to pay very close attention to what this Man has posted below!!



From Meg's D140 MSDS:
Ammonium Biflouride (HF acid)
CAS#1341-49-7

'Neutralizers' to have handy/"on stand-by":
-Local EMT's phone number(s)
-Calcium Gluconate (2.5-5%)
-Calcium Gluconate Gel (2.5%)
-Iced Benzalkonium Chloride Soaks (0.13%)
-Copious amounts of Milk/Water
-Milk of Magnesia/Mylanta

If interested...One of the best resources for HF acid information is Honeywell"s web site...(They produce it for numerous worldwide industries.)

http://www.honeywell.com/sites/serv...t?docid=DB49512F4-4D4F-7ADE-D038-44F6DF1771F9

And...As it was stated so dramatically on the old police TV show... Hill Street Blues: "Be careful out there!!"




Bob

Thanks for the heads up and the useful information. Man has this thread gotten me very intrigued by good results, but at the same time a little scared sh*tless of the product. I have a feeling I may purchase a gasmask and hazmat suit for use during application. Or at least handle it like a live bomb!

This is a picture of a car (looks like alum. alloy painted/coated) that was scheduled for winter prep last fall and reneged.
Was rescheduled last month so I jumped the gun and took before pics at the time of estimate... reneged again. Wife's car...his other Benz and Porsch are on maintenance plan.

Have no clue but the car is maintained by the local swirl-o-matic. Whatever the product was (thinking maybe a wheel acid or Red Hot degreaser) I assume it was left on to dwell to long, and, or was applied to a recently driven hot wheel.

Wow, looks like baked on product from the steaking in the center of the wheel. Wouldn't come off?

 

[mg6045]

my bad on the spray bottle post.

To be honest I LOVE the megs bottles. Autogeek sells them without the sprayer. I use the universal unlabeled bottle. and I buy the black sprayers separately for them.

32 oz. Meguiars Generic Spray Bottle

Black Low Profile Sprayer

The sprayer shown in the picture is not the one that ships. The one that ships is the sprayer that is used on all the Wolfgang and Pinnacle bottles.

Take a look at how inexpensive they are when purchased in bulk of 2 or more ! I personally think these are the best deal on the market and the bottle is very durable.

 

[T0RCH3D]

Seems like the same bottle Rubbermaid bottle uses! Which is a plus, they are pretty heavy duty compared to some. Autozone is next in line behind Rubbermaid

 

[Vegas Transplant]

Wow, always learning new things on here! I bought 5 Rubbermaid Heavy Duty 32 oz. sprayers today, one of which I plan on using with Meg's WB. I do plan on cleaning the sprayers regularly, but I guess it would be a bad idea to keep the WB in the spray bottle on shelf between uses? Or would it be fine.
I think that it will be fine. Just remember to run water through the trigger before putting on shelf.
I have even removed the tube from trigger if transporting in vehicle.



Great before and after pics! This is the only reason I still want this product. I know first hand how stubborn wheel surfaces are, and I thought this would be my best bet.



Thanks for the heads up and the useful information. Man has this thread gotten me very intrigued by good results, but at the same time a little scared sh*tless of the product. I have a feeling I may purchase a gasmask and hazmat suit for use during application. Or at least handle it like a live bomb!



Wow, looks like baked on product from the steaking in the center of the wheel. Wouldn't come off?

I never got to detail the vehicle, it's a before pic of the dirty wheel that has been previously maintained at a swirl-o-matic...reneged on 2 separate appointments.

That looks like the product damaged the wheel coating. I didn't see it when I gave estimate on the walkaround either because the wheel is so dirty or I wasn't paying close enough attention.

But it does look like the F150 wheel burn I commited several years ago on a too hot wheel. And, NO, it does not come off.

I only noticed this pic as I was deleting and resizing pictures in my album after reading Mike P.'s thoughts about forum netiquette/resizing.

 

[allenk4]

I found WB in a 32oz size.

Comes in a sprayer bottle w sprayer.

I wonder why AutoGeek doesn't sell this smaller size; especially since recommended dilution is 4:1

 

[Setec Astronomy]

I found WB in a 32oz size.

Comes in a sprayer bottle w sprayer.

I wonder why AutoGeek doesn't sell this smaller size; especially since recommended dilution is 4:1

Because Meguiar's doesn't sell it in a smaller size. The supplier(s?) that sells it in the quart bottle is rebottling from the gallon into a secondary bottle.

 

[sweatthedetails]

The Megs 32oz bottles can be bought online and they have the proper 4-1 dilution lines on them.

After reading through this thread i wonder how many of these folks have really used this product. Yes its acidic, but they would have to pry my bottle out of my cold dead hand.

I have been detailing 4 years now and i average 50-70 car a year. I use this on every car i detail. If there is a question of unprotected aluminum on a after market wheel i will do a test spot.

I have never had any issues with this product and i always use the 4-1 dilution. It is a huge time save and great money maker. I would say that 90% of the wheels i do are touch free just using this with my pressure washer.

The only time that i put it on unprotected aluminum just required me do a little hand polishing to remove the whitish grey the metal had turned, then good as new.

It will make your disk brakes a funny color and they will be a little crunch when you first apply the brakes, then good to go.

Buy It and Never Look Back!