Wax or not to wax? Chrome wheels

05blackf150

05blackf150

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I just bought some new chrome wheels for my truck. I have been researching the internet on how to maintain and protect them. I am confused. It has been unanimous that cleaning should be done with soap and water. As for protection, I have been reading conflicting advice. I have read about every wheel sealant. Pb's, DP, Wheelwax. I've also read that Klasse works well too. All of these I'm sure will help protect against brake dust, salt, etc. On the other hand, I've read that chrome needs to breathe and waxing will ruin the finish. I've added a couple links to the articles I've read. I've also emailed every company and detailer I can find. (no responses yet) Zymol.com recommends.... A simple and very effective way to protect chrome is to use non-silicone, water based Carnauba sap dressings like Zymöl Detail™ or Field Glaze. Has anyone used these products? Are there any onther Non-silicone, water based carnauba sap dressings that someone could recommed? Thank you in advance for your help.

http://www.familycar.com/carcare/OldManWinter.htm
16. THE SHINING: Never wax chrome. Chrome needs oxygen to keep its appearance. Wax traps moisture and can cause unsightly bluing and pitting. Clean chrome with a good pre-wax cleaner and leave it alone.

http://www.zymol.com/chrome_pro.htm
DO NOT POLISH CHROME UNLESS IT IS YOUR VOCATION. CHROME IS EASILY DAMAGED BY ABRASIVES AND AMMONIATED SOLVENTS.
DO NOT WAX CHROME. WAX WILL TRAP MOISTURE IN THE POROUS CHROME SURFACE AND CAUSE THE SUBSTRATE TO CORRODE.
 
I use Klasse AIO and love the results on my chorme wheels. They look very reflective and shiny, and AIO has great durbailty so far. I don't even have any water spots on my after all the rain and crap my truck has been through. Repels dirt/grime pretty well too.
 
Surfer said:
I use Klasse AIO and love the results on my chorme wheels. They look very reflective and shiny, and AIO has great durbailty so far. I don't even have any water spots on my after all the rain and crap my truck has been through. Repels dirt/grime pretty well too.
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Is this product Non-silicone, water based carnauba sap?
Will it allow the chrome to breathe? Thanks
 
Klasse AIO is a chemical cleaner that leaves behind some acrylic protection. But seems to fit this qoute in your post "Clean chrome with a good pre-wax cleaner and leave it alone."
 
I never heard that Chrome needs to breathe .... seems like hogwash. I have had more than 10 sets of custom wheels, most chrome, and never had an issue with them. I clean them, polish them with chrome cleaner, and have coated with all three products you mentioned. Wax cannot handle the heat wheels see, so I stuck with the sealants. (Poorboys , DP)

I can tell you after having high-polished uncoated, I will NEVER get them again. Back to chrome .... the biggest issue with chrome is it can pit if not cleaned properly as brake dust is highly caustic. Also road debris can chip chrome and it then takes on smaller rust spots. Thats why I always used the sealants, in hope a little extra protection would help.
 
killrwheels@autogeek said:
I never heard that Chrome needs to breathe .... seems like hogwash. I have had more than 10 sets of custom wheels, most chrome, and never had an issue with them. I clean them, polish them with chrome cleaner, and have coated with all three products you mentioned. Wax cannot handle the heat wheels see, so I stuck with the sealants. (Poorboys , DP)

I can tell you after having high-polished uncoated, I will NEVER get them again. Back to chrome .... the biggest issue with chrome is it can pit if not cleaned properly as brake dust is highly caustic. Also road debris can chip chrome and it then takes on smaller rust spots. Thats why I always used the sealants, in hope a little extra protection would help.
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Do you recommend DP WG, or Poorboys WS? My chrome wheels are new.
Also, I've read in the forums that Klasse SG works well. I have not tried any of these products yet. I just ordered Klasse AIO and SG. Will the Klasse be good protection or should I get one of the wheel sealants as well? Thank you.
 
chrome

Well, I know that Zymol is correct from my experience in testing coatings such as chrome for the auto industry. However, I have never performed a corrosion test with the purpose of detecting this difference. Also, most chrome wheels are clear coated, so they don't get oxygen to them anyway.

I'll find a scrap piece of chrome somewhere and put it in the 240 hr salt spray corrosion test with wax / seal / bare to see the difference.

This test will take me a little time, as I need to locate a suitable test piece. I may stop by a junkyard this week to get a sample, as I don't work with a company that does chrome plating anymore.
 
what about a product like Prime Acrylic? An AIO with acrylic for added durability
 
danjosborn said:
Well, I know that Zymol is correct from my experience in testing coatings such as chrome for the auto industry. However, I have never performed a corrosion test with the purpose of detecting this difference. Also, most chrome wheels are clear coated, so they don't get oxygen to them anyway.

I'll find a scrap piece of chrome somewhere and put it in the 240 hr salt spray corrosion test with wax / seal / bare to see the difference.

This test will take me a little time, as I need to locate a suitable test piece. I may stop by a junkyard this week to get a sample, as I don't work with a company that does chrome plating anymore.
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The results of your test should be interesting and I'm sure appreciated by many on this board!
 
danjosborn said:
Well, I know that Zymol is correct from my experience in testing coatings such as chrome for the auto industry. However, I have never performed a corrosion test with the purpose of detecting this difference. Also, most chrome wheels are clear coated, so they don't get oxygen to them anyway.

I'll find a scrap piece of chrome somewhere and put it in the 240 hr salt spray corrosion test with wax / seal / bare to see the difference.

This test will take me a little time, as I need to locate a suitable test piece. I may stop by a junkyard this week to get a sample, as I don't work with a company that does chrome plating anymore.
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Oh man, that would be great!!! I can't wait to see the results. I have been driving myself crazy trying to get the right information. I'd say half of the companies I have emailed say it's ok to use a sealant and the other half says not to use a sealant. It will be great to find out the results of your test.:cheers:
 
be sure when you get your tires rotted and balanced that they do not put the weights on the outside facew of the rim they can put the weights on the inside only

putting weights on the outsides will cause corrosion and no wax or polish will fix that
 
weights

Good point about the weights. Use caution though. If your car came with "clip on" weights which damage the paint then you need to remember to touch up the places where the old weights were removed or it will corrode. Also, balance weights are usually required on both sides of the wheel. This is a functional issue, not something they have a choice with, and the shop may not be able to correctly balance the wheel and tire if you only let them put the weights on the inside. This could result in bad vibration.

The only way around this problem is to use adhesive weights on the inboard section of the rim where you can't see them, meaning that their balancer must be set up for this. Most custom shops do this with every set of wheels, so they'll be used to it. Just call and ask BEFORE going to any shop. Once you're there, its too late if they can't do it.
 
test piece

I think I'll buy a couple of those cheap sockets sold at the auto store and coat each one with something different. They would make good test pieces I think.

Send me small samples of what you want tested and I'll do the test and take photos of the results. My products to use for this are limited right now. PM me and I'll send you my address.
 
chrome test

All,

I found a perfect sample. It is a newly plated sample so it will be perfect.

I will try some Wolfgang sealer on it. If anyone would like me to try a specific product, send me a small sample and I'll put each product on a spoke and run it through the corrosion test. PM me if you are interested.

I'll take photos each 24 hrs to see the changes.

Dan
 
danjosborn said:
All,

I found a perfect sample. It is a newly plated sample so it will be perfect.

I will try some Wolfgang sealer on it. If anyone would like me to try a specific product, send me a small sample and I'll put each product on a spoke and run it through the corrosion test. PM me if you are interested.

I'll take photos each 24 hrs to see the changes.

Dan
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Wolfgang is perfect. That is what I use on my truck. Thanks!!
 
I have been using DP Wheel Glaze on some of my chrome wheels and it seems to do a pretty good job protecting them. The wheels seem to stay cleaner and the brake dust comes off easy. It is a cleaner and protective wax.
 
After you clean and protect the chrome wheels, all it takes is soap and water to clean. So no hard chemical after first cleaning. Here are some products I've used and like. AIO, DG#101, DG#105 and DG/AW. Here is a pic that I've used DP wheel gel cleaner and then polishes with #105, I think I even top it with AW. I get this SUV bi-weekly and so far just soap and water cleans it right up. Also top with AW.
00Expy010.jpg
 
I use DP's Wheel Wax on my customer's wheels. On my own, I use DP's Surface Spray Shield. It's like using a Quick Detailer. Sooooo easy. It's lasted for 3 months. Brakes dust comes right off with my pressure washer. I then wash with my left over wash water.

This stuff was so easy to use I was worried about it's durability. I use it now on my truck and I'm getting tons of beading after 4+ months.
 
05blackf150 said:
Do you recommend DP WG, or Poorboys WS? My chrome wheels are new.
Also, I've read in the forums that Klasse SG works well. I have not tried any of these products yet. I just ordered Klasse AIO and SG. Will the Klasse be good protection or should I get one of the wheel sealants as well? Thank you.
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I just put DP on mine last week, but verdict is still out. Altho', you know, they do still look quite good!!! smells like grape and a little goes a long way.
gotta wash her again today.
hope that helps, a little!!!:)
Lauren
 
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