Teach Me About Coatings...For Wheels!

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galaxy

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So I have never expanded out and tried any coatings before. I've read a little bit, but thought I'd just start anew and ask...

Got some new Niche wheels for the car. They are the grey/anthracite color. I'm super happy with them, but they are a tad bit more "satin" finish than I expected. I tried a coat of Blackfire Wet Diamond (because I had it) and a coat of Mother's Carnuba paste to A, protect, and B, see what it would do for the finish. It made a very slight difference in shading if you know what you're looking for, but nothing mind boggling. Very clean looking. The carnuba on a wheel probably isn't the best way to go for avoiding attracting wheel dust though. So I thought about coatings. I've never messed with them. Have no doubts it's the way to go for protection for the wheel, but what can I expect from the finish/appearance? Trust me, I'm not hoping for a result that it looks like it's been clear coated. I'm realistic about it. Just curious what to expect. And can you guys make a recommendation on a coating (if this is the way to go) that would offer some great gloss to the finish and be user friendly on all the nooks and crannies of a wheel? Thanks folks.
 
I applied the PBL Diamond Wheel coating to my matte finished wheels with little to no change in the finish (shine). Just added the protection that was needed. Very easy to apply. Matte finish wheels are a bear to keep clean.

Pinnacle Black Label Diamond Wheel Coating

i think the only way your going to get extra gloss is to get them clearcoated to your liking.
 
I would have thought matte finish wheels would be easier to keep clean?!?! I've seen/detailed gloss wheels and they show dust and brake dust like nobody's business.
 
Ebg18t said:
I applied the PBL Diamond Wheel coating to my matte finished wheels with little to no change in the finish (shine). Just added the protection that was needed. Very easy to apply. Matte finish wheels are a bear to keep clean.

Pinnacle Black Label Diamond Wheel Coating

i think the only way your going to get extra gloss is to get them clearcoated to your liking.
Click to expand...

Same here. I just did my matte bronze winter wheels with Gloss Coat and didn't notice any amp in gloss.
 
A ceramic coating would basically add a slight sheen on that finish. If you're looking for gloss, clear coat as other have stated.
 
I guess that would be an additional question to my original...is one going to add more of that sheen than another?
 
Ebg18t said:
I applied the PBL Diamond Wheel coating to my matte finished wheels with little to no change in the finish (shine). Just added the protection that was needed. Very easy to apply. Matte finish wheels are a bear to keep clean.

Pinnacle Black Label Diamond Wheel Coating

i think the only way your going to get extra gloss is to get them clearcoated to your liking.
Click to expand...

In an effort to just try something, I think I'm gonna go this route. I had asked in the Pinnacle section between this vs the "surface coating", which would be better or offer more of a sheen, but no response.

Also, since I have a layer of carnuba on my wheels at the moment, I know that's just going to attract dust and crap. Don't know if I'll get time or temperature to do a coating this season...would a covering of D156 or DoDo Juice Supernatural Acrylic Spritz cover the carnuba and take away some/most of its static-ness??
 
Use a wheel cleaner and remove the old wax.

M37 wheel coating is like the pbl, but cheaper if you want something to try. If going pbl, I got the surface coat so I could do the whole car.

I also haven't noticed the wheel coatings repelling brake dust. Maybe they do to a degree, but you still get a build up. Coatings do make the wheels very easy to wash.
 
custmsprty said:
I love this stuff, super easy to use and very affordable and it's on sale!

SONAX Rim Shield is a high tech polymer coating that shields your wheels against brake dust and road grime
Click to expand...

What is your technique with this product to keep over spray off brakes, tires, and body panels? I like the idea of the product, but the aerosol delivery method makes me hesitant to try it out.

How often have you used it? Any insight into how many applications can be applied with one can?
 
Not to down any of the wheel coatings, but if you want a cheap and easy way to achieve long term resistance to dirt with minimal maintenance, try Finish Kare 1000p sealant. Even on notorious German Cars, this stuff just flat lasts.

Bill
 
I think the question is how to improved the shine.

So far no answers on powder coated surfaces.

Powder coated wheels do not need protection.

I've seen videos where the guy used a hammer to try to make a mark in it, and failed.

Suprised nobody has delt with this on this forum.
 
galaxy said:
So I have never expanded out and tried any coatings before. I've read a little bit, but thought I'd just start anew and ask...

Got some new Niche wheels for the car. They are the grey/anthracite color. I'm super happy with them, but they are a tad bit more "satin" finish than I expected. I tried a coat of Blackfire Wet Diamond (because I had it) and a coat of Mother's Carnuba paste to A, protect, and B, see what it would do for the finish. It made a very slight difference in shading if you know what you're looking for, but nothing mind boggling. Very clean looking. The carnuba on a wheel probably isn't the best way to go for avoiding attracting wheel dust though. So I thought about coatings. I've never messed with them. Have no doubts it's the way to go for protection for the wheel, but what can I expect from the finish/appearance? Trust me, I'm not hoping for a result that it looks like it's been clear coated. I'm realistic about it. Just curious what to expect. And can you guys make a recommendation on a coating (if this is the way to go) that would offer some great gloss to the finish and be user friendly on all the nooks and crannies of a wheel? Thanks folks.
Click to expand...

Nice choice in wheels. These are my Niche on the Audi. I use McKee's 37 Wheel coating on them. OEM Pads are dusty so there's still build up but not nearly as much now. They are loads easier to clean though. I've polished and coated my winter wheels which are the stock 19" peelers.

 
I'll add my endorsement of McKee's. I've used it on my F-150 and I'll be using it on my wife's new explorer sport this weekend. It was applied to the truck back in spring, and the wheels still clean up with a little water and a quick wipe. I do quite a bit of towing and driving on gravel roads so they see their fair share of dirt and grime. Water beads nice and when they're clean the wheels really shine. The price is right for me and it seems to give nice protection.
 
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