Tire Dressing applicator - what's a good material

I use an applicator that I found at Pep Boys.
Looks like this:( not sure if it's THIS one or one like it)
http://www.detailsupplyonline.com/images/contoured_tire_applicator.jpg

I have never had an issues with them wearing out. I don't run a detailing shop though. Just a hobbyist. I probably use it maybe a dozen times a year.

I picked one of these up. Eagle One sells em as a 2 pack.

So far, works great. I'm storing it in a zip bag ( to keep it primed ) and tracking to see how long it lasts before the foam breaksdown. Seems like the pad was thirsty to prime. But once primed, just 1 or 2 pump spray to get to a new tire coating.

Thanks
 
Here you go buddy!

Cheapo Harbor Freight air compressor.
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Cheapo Harbor Freight air brush.
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Meg's Hyper Dressing 4:1 after a little over a week (dirty).
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Wheel & tire from a very neglected van (before).
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Cleaned with Meg's Wheel Brightener 4:1 and dressed with Meg's Hyper Dressing 4:1 applied via air brush.
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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.
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Amazing!! I'll be going to HF soon for that air brush! I though Meg's hyper dressing 4:1 left a matte finish?(so they say on the site). Anything that has a matte finish that is water based? Being I go on a dirt often, I want something that looks good but doesn't attract dirt.




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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.

You are right. I thought it was obvious which side to use or I would have been more specific as how to use it. I'm glad it worked for you. That's all I use now. Works great and so inexpensive.
 
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 bought the same set up, down to using hyper dressing 4:1. It works AMAZING!!!!!! This is the only way to dress tires!!




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How long does that Hyper Dressing last in the real world?

I'm using Tire Wet right now and I'm pretty happy with the product. It's shiny and durable through some washes or rain. Really easy to keep a maintenance shine on the tires with 1 spray and wipe.

The Hyper Dressing looks interesting to me. But not sure about durability of a water based tire dressing.
 
How long does that Hyper Dressing last in the real world? The Hyper Dressing looks interesting to me. But not sure about durability of a water based tire dressing.

IME HD doesn't last long and attracts dust, the main thing i use it for is wheel wells at 3:1...
 
IME HD doesn't last long and attracts dust, the main thing i use it for is wheel wells at 3:1...

Really what doesn't attract dust?? I use it at 4:1 and it's a matte finish. Dust doesn't really stick.


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I bought the same set up, down to using hyper dressing 4:1. It works AMAZING!!!!!! This is the only way to dress tires!!

That's awesome man. I'm glad you like the setup! I was just playing around one day and thought "hmm... I bet this would work way better out of an air brush..." :props:
 
I use an applicator that I found at Pep Boys.
Looks like this:( not sure if it's THIS one or one like it)
http://www.detailsupplyonline.com/images/contoured_tire_applicator.jpg

I have never had an issues with them wearing out. I don't run a detailing shop though. Just a hobbyist. I probably use it maybe a dozen times a year.

I use these too. I cut them in half long ways for low profile tires, so it's exactly as long as the tire. It keeps the applicator cleaner, as your not dressing the actual wheel or the dirty tire tread.

Also, to apply dressings to small areas, seals, etc... I have a Home Depot Grout Sponge. I just cut off a small square with a razor blade, about the side of two thumbs. When I'm done with it, I just throw the piece out. These sponges are like a dollar each, so two of them last a long time. That way you always have a clean applicator to apply stuff to seals, small plastic areas, or interior areas.
 
You are right. I thought it was obvious which side to use or I would have been more specific as how to use it. I'm glad it worked for you. That's all I use now. Works great and so inexpensive.

Well at 6 for $1 I figured I would try the scrub side first and if it didnt work I wasted what $.16??

I do feel dumb for not just assuming that you use the sponge side. LOL
 
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.

You are right. You have to use the sponge side and it works great!
 
Had to go out lastnight and try the paint brush method... kinda like it. Put the endurance into a small container. It actually worked well but seems like u need to go over it alot, or maybe thats my OCD.
 
I also use the paint sprayer method. Gets into the lettering and groves of the tire with ease. Much faster IMO as well.
 
I also use the paint sprayer method. Gets into the lettering and groves of the tire with ease. Much faster IMO as well.

+1...takes some time to get the sprayer dialed in but once you do much faster, looks much better IMO and last much longer
 
Really what doesn't attract dust?? I use it at 4:1 and it's a matte finish. Dust doesn't really stick.

3-4:1 works well for me in the wells, but is too flat for tires and when i used it at either 1-2:1 for tires there was sling and dust attraction. some have good luck with it there (like yourself) but i don't care for it on wheels and there are other gels/dressings i much prefer. to each his or her own...
 
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