Tire Dressing applicator - what's a good material

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ShineMyCar

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For those that are using in Tire Spray product, what's an ideal material of the applicator.

After I clean a tire, I am experimenting with various spray products. I'm not happy with the spray and set method, it seems to waste too much product and sling a little. I'd like to use an applicator to apply product more evenly and efficiently.

I stopped by Autozone to pick up an applicator. They only had one choice it was a soft porous foam pad on a handle advertised as tire gel applictor. The material didn't look like something that would work well with spray finish I was trying out, so I chose not to grab it.

For those who use liquid based tire sealant & an applicator, what is your applicator material of choice. Should I go back and get the Autozone applicator or look for something else.

Thanks
 
I haven't found an applicator that I like well enough to suggest. I have started using Megs Hyper Dressing 4:1 applied with a small air brush. I use very little product, it is very precise and fills in all the tread around the edge of the tire. Plus, I can use the same method for the wheel wells.
 
I have found that foam applicators work best, as stated above.
 
Foam pads break down easy. Ive gotten these microfiber pads from walmart that are holding up pretty good.
 
If you want the best applicator at the best price, go to (Dollar General) and buy the 6 pack of sponges for $1.00. I have tried several things and these win hands down.

You can spend more if you want but more money does not ALWAYS mean better quality. For the OP, go buy a pack of these and if they don't work for you, I'll send you your dollar back.
 
These specific sponges are called Grip Sponges. They can be purchased online as well. No I don't have a financial interest in Dollar General. I'm just trying to help my fellow detailers.
 
Nicholas@Autowerx said:
I haven't found an applicator that I like well enough to suggest. I have started using Megs Hyper Dressing 4:1 applied with a small air brush. I use very little product, it is very precise and fills in all the tread around the edge of the tire. Plus, I can use the same method for the wheel wells.
Click to expand...

Please tell me more.




Sent from my iPhone using AG Online
 
I use a paint brush 3" . Just pour dressing into suitable container , dip brush , press against side of container to get rid of excess dressing from brush back into container and apply . Simple . No slimy contaminated hands , no run off or sling.
 
I've been using 1 1/2" paint brush then wipe with a terrycloth towel to even everything out.
 
Jomax said:
Please tell me more.
Click to expand...

I will have to get some pics together of my setup tomorrow. I just used it again today (only the second time I have used this airbrush method) and I absolutely LOVE the way it turns out.
 
Nicholas@Autowerx said:
I haven't found an applicator that I like well enough to suggest. I have started using Megs Hyper Dressing 4:1 applied with a small air brush. I use very little product, it is very precise and fills in all the tread around the edge of the tire. Plus, I can use the same method for the wheel wells.
Click to expand...

I pretty much agree with this 100%. There are a few different applicators I like but each work better depending on the face of the tire such as a smooth side wall or a very ribbed sidewall. I would just suggest looking in the wheel section of AG and pick out a few to try! :)

Sent from my DROID Pro using Tapatalk 2
 
Went to DG and bought 2 packages of the "grip sponges", they work really good if you hold them "upside down" use the sponge side for the tire, if you use the green scrub side they work TERRRRRRIBLE.
 
BobbyG said:
I've been using 1 1/2" paint brush then wipe with a terrycloth towel to even everything out.
Click to expand...

Yup, that's it! Paint brush is the way to go, followed by an old MF.

The air-brush idea seems attractive, but I don't have an air compressor.
 
Nicholas@Autowerx said:
I haven't found an applicator that I like well enough to suggest. I have started using Megs Hyper Dressing 4:1 applied with a small air brush. I use very little product, it is very precise and fills in all the tread around the edge of the tire. Plus, I can use the same method for the wheel wells.
Click to expand...

Jomax said:
Please tell me more.
Click to expand...

Here you go buddy!

Cheapo Harbor Freight air compressor.
2012-09-22_09_56_20.jpg


Cheapo Harbor Freight air brush.
2012-09-22_09_55_26.jpg


Meg's Hyper Dressing 4:1 after a little over a week (dirty).
2012-09-22_09_55_53.jpg


Wheel & tire from a very neglected van (before).
2012-09-21_11_33_18.jpg


Cleaned with Meg's Wheel Brightener 4:1 and dressed with Meg's Hyper Dressing 4:1 applied via air brush.
2012-09-21_15_27_03.jpg


Notice there is no product dripping at the bottom of the tire. This was after about 30 mins after applying. No wipe off is necessary. I used about 2oz total for all four tires and wheel wells.
2012-09-21_15_27_12.jpg
 
You'll laugh but I use a tile sponge from HomeDepot. It's big so it's easy to handle and if I have to clean a truck it covers more real estate. The other thing is the sponge is pretty dense. Seems to keep a little product in it longer. If you have some 30 series (super low profile) you just use the edge. Just my $.02
 
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