New Gloss Black Powder Coated Wheels - How to best protect

[72fordgts]

I just got my trucks wheels back after getting them powder coated gloss black and the new tires installed. They are going to go on the truck in the next couple of weeks. What is the best way to protect the finish on these wheels? I am pretty good at detailing my vehicle, but an amateur and way out of date by the standards here. In the past I have waxed the wheels with Collonite, but it doesn't seem to last. I did some searching and it seems that a ceramic coat might be the best option? And that some sprays might also work well, like Wet Coat? I was looking at CarPro DLux Plastic&Wheel Coating or Gyeon Rim sealant, but have no idea how involved it is to use these types of products.

I know gloss black is susceptible to scratching and being a truck it will see dirt roads, and some harsher conditions. Winter conditions will be limited as I do have a set of winter tires and wheels, but sometimes these rims might get exposed to some early/late snow in the end of the seasons. Regardless, I do like to keep my truck looking nice! Any advice on keeping my rims in nice shape would be greatly appreciate.

 

[evo77]

Our Durango has full gloss black wheels (OEM and aftermarket replica SRT) that I interchange between summer/winter. I'm quite tired of them as they are difficult to maintain. They are very sensitive to abrasion so they mar easily. And they tend to easily show dirt/grime quickly in between washes.

Ceramic coatings will make maintenance easier for sure. For short term protection you can use spray-n-rinse sealants. You don't have to buy expensive boutique products. Run to your local Walmart and buy a jug of Armor-all Ceramic Car Wash and pour it undiluted into a spray bottle. Spray, leave on surface for 15 seconds or so, then rinse off. Trust me when I say this works the EXACT same way. It works even better if you lightly rub it into the surface with a wash mitt before rinsing. Been doing this for a few years now and its the most cost effective spray-n-rinse ceramic sealant on the market hands down.

Here are my number one tips:

1. Maintain regularly. This means wash them every 7-10 days. Religiously.

2. Use good practices that minimize the chance for marring so that your powder coat finish can remain looking new as long as possible. Avoid brushes with bristles of any kind for the faces or barrels. Only microfiber should be touching the wheels.

3. Use very lubricious soaps/cleaners.

 

[72fordgts]

Our Durango has full gloss black wheels (OEM and aftermarket replica SRT) that I interchange between summer/winter. I'm quite tired of them as they are difficult to maintain. They are very sensitive to abrasion so they mar easily. And they tend to easily show dirt/grime quickly in between washes.

Ceramic coatings will make maintenance easier for sure. For short term protection you can use spray-n-rinse sealants. You don't have to buy expensive boutique products. Run to your local Walmart and buy a jug of Armor-all Ceramic Car Wash and pour it undiluted into a spray bottle. Spray, leave on surface for 15 seconds or so, then rinse off. Trust me when I say this works the EXACT same way. It works even better if you lightly rub it into the surface with a wash mitt before rinsing. Been doing this for a few years now and its the most cost effective spray-n-rinse ceramic sealant on the market hands down.

Here are my number one tips:

1. Maintain regularly. This means wash them every 7-10 days. Religiously.

2. Use good practices that minimize the chance for marring so that your powder coat finish can remain looking new as long as possible. Avoid brushes with bristles of any kind for the faces or barrels. Only microfiber should be touching the wheels.

3. Use very lubricious soaps/cleaners.

Great advice. Thank you. I know I will hate maintaining these wheels, but I absolutely love the look of them.

I might get that CarPro Wheel Coating since the wheels are brand new now and do that process once a year. Then I can maintain through the year with a wet coat - I like the idea of the Armor All ceramic. How hard is that CarPro Wheel Cermics coating to apply? I have never used a product like that before, so I am a complete novice.

 

[evo77]

How hard is that CarPro Wheel Cermics coating to apply? I have never used a product like that before, so I am a complete novice.

Not hard at all as long as you follow the instructions. You can find numerous youtube videos demonstrating how to apply.

If your wheels have a lot of spokes and/or crevices on the face, then it can be a little tedious and annoying to get it applied on all the surfaces and wiped off.

 

[The Guz]

I would recommend just using Cquartz UK. It does much better than DLUX as a wheel coating.

If you’re looking for a dedicated wheel coating, I would choose Armour Detail Supply wheel coating instead of DLUX. Better overall performance.