Hi,

I'm looking to give my alloys a protective coating,from general dirt and brake dust. I have some poor boys wheel sealant but don't rate it that highly tbh.

Could anybody recommend a better product?

I have read a thread somewhere about a G technique product and a carbon collective product, that you get in a small bottle and it forms a protective film over the wheels and you can rinse the dirt/ brake dust off with water.

Where is the best place to buy from? And which product is the better one?

Thanks Lee.

Don't know 'which is best' but I'm happy with this one. Think there's a discount available too if you look in chrisRS's thread in the styling and care section on discounts.

http://www.bearswaxfactory.co.uk/carbon-collective-platinum-wheels-748-p.asp

you'll need to clean the wheels with ironx, tardis then 50%Ipa to make sure they are really clean first and get some makup pads from sainsburys to apply it- I used 1 per wheel per application (they recommend 2 a couple of hours apart). Wipe it on very thinly, then lightly wipe any excess off with a mf cloth. The wheels then only need snowfoaming and/or shampooing to get them clean.

HTH

I use Auto Finesse Mint Rims

I used Gtechniq C5. Very good been on my summer wheels went on, still protecting and making washing a doddle.

Expect it to last a year or two at least, especially as the wheels are off over winter.

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/gtechniq-c5-wheel-armour/prod_878.html

Never used any other product like this before so cannot compare.

You have 2 choice really but its worth being realistic - brake dust and road muck sticks to wheels so you're unlikely to ever have a solution that just allows easy rinsing of all muck. With a very powerful pressure washer and fresh quality sealant I've had virtually clean wheels when they've not been too filthy, but if you want really clean then you always need a wash! The point is though that a mild shampoo will get it all off rather than needing harsh wheel cleaners regularly. The wax/coatings stop the brake dust bonding to the wheel much more effectively.

 

1. durable wax/sealant - favourites are FK1000p, anything Collinite, Zaino, BH Finis, or any other long lasting wax you like, ideally something with high temperature resistance which is why FK1000p does so well as its original use was a mould release wax. These will last about 6-12 weeks depending on use and care but are fairly easy to maintain and apply

 

2. a semi-permanent coating - loads of options here like Gtechniq, Nanolex, Optimum OC and various others. These bond to the wheel and typically provide 1-2 years of protection. They do require perfect prep to achieve this though and of course you dont want to lock in any muck under a semi-perm coating. Good if you have good wheels to start with, lots of patience and the products to do the perfect prep before applying. Some need 12-24hrs to fully cure after application and some can be tricky to apply as they can dry fast and leave smears etc if you dont get it on evenly. Probably not a type of product if you arent experienced at using small quantities of product and applying evenly etc eg not for the ham fisted!

 

Everyone has different opinions but having used both options for years, I'd recommend FK1000p as the best for option 1 (and it is super cheap and even available in small sample pots that will do wheels for a couple of years) or Optimum Opti Coat (which will last 2+ years but is fiddly to use) and just put Optimum OC on both my new cars again.

 

Both still need regular cleaning but both options make it much easier!

Thanks guys for your input on this.

I've decided to have a go with the carbon collective platinum wheels.

Bought from bears wax too as recommended above.

Will report back with my findings

How you getting on Lee? I'm very pleased with the coating on my wheels, looking at buying their Oracle coating now

Hi Dan,

Yeah it does seem good stuff, iv given the wheels two coats prior to fitting. Surprised how much I have left too tbh as I have half a bottle left. A little seems to go a long way.

The true test will be next time I come to clean the car, as the wheels will be dirty then. So I can test how the wheels repel the brake dust and dirt.

Ill have a look at the oracle coating too