Crazy Bimmer

If a wheel is high polished, then does that mean theres no clear coat? I have Iforged evolutions and have no idea how to make them shine.

They are used and the finish is kinda dull. I tried to use Mothers billet metal polish, but it turns my rag black. Does that mean its clearcoated or not? Should i not use that product then?

help

Joe5.0

Its supposed to turn black, that means its ok to use the polish. They will never shine like chrome, and its gonna be an endless struggle to keep stains off them. Good luck, I'll never buy a polished aluminum wheel for the street tires again.

NiteQwill

Polished wheels are hard to care for because they generally are prone to pitting. Use a polish and clean like normal. They do not have a clear coat like machined wheels.

TOGWT

Aluminium Wheel Polishing:
Uncoated (to test apply a mild polish, if the applicator turns black there is no clear coat or paint finish) if the wheels are clear coated see Cleaning Wheels and Tyres

Methodology:
·Ensure wheels and rotors are cool before applying cold water as this may cause the rotors warp. Hose off as much initial grime as you can. Rinse up into the wheel well to wash away road kill, mud and other debris.
·Use detailing clay to remove any imbedded contaminants
·Note- Clay is not recommended on wheels that do not have a factory clear coat or powder coat finish
·Remove road tar with a solvent
·Remove surface brake dust with a 100% acid-free and neutral pH wheel cleaner (P21S Wheel Cleaner) Agitate with a soft boar’s hair wheel brush and rinse with low-pressure clean water
·Magnesium or aluminium wheels can be polished with a water-soluble polish (Happich Semichrome Polish)
·For difficult to reach places use a felt polishing buffer on an electric drill (Dremal or Groit's Felt Polishing Cone Set)
·Apply a polymer sealant for long lasting protection (Zoopseal or Klasse All-In-One)

Polish Buffers-
Mushroom shaped buffers (with a ¼-inch mandrel) allow you to access tight spaces; these buffing wheels have fine-weave cotton, mushroom-shape that works faster than conventional felt bobs and also lasts longer. The 1/4" smooth shaft resists slipping in your drill chuck while its plastic ferrule prevents scratching the recessed areas of your work piece. The Facer Buffs are used for getting into tighter areas, 1, and 2 or 3-inch sizes available. (Eastwood's Mushroom Buff)

Aluminium Wheel Polishing
JonM

Crazy Bimmer

I used the mothers powerball on it. Took most of the blemishes out.

Dfreder2

lemme look at them. I can tell you if they are clear powder coated or not.

Most metallic, non powder coated finishes will start blemishing like a bitch if they have no barrier coat to protect them from the sun/salt/weather.

Wheels are expensive. It makes no sense whatsoever to bear that huge expense and not provide them with any protection.

Joe5.0

Yeah, I will never buy another non-clear coated polished aluminum wheel again. I keep mine clean as hell, and they already have stains from just rain water where it collects on the lip. The chrome spokes look perfect and the lips look like shit.

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

I am definitely gonna try Zoop Seal when my wheels come in.

Crazy Bimmer

what wheels and where you buying the zoop seal from?

I heard bad ass things about it on autopia

Crazy Bimmer

I been wiping them down daily. I can see how this will get old quick

CLpower

call Iforged, i don't think they have a clear coat though

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Had my RHs refinished. The lip is now polished aluminum, not anodized.

www.zoopseal.com

large_x7

I used Zoop Seal on some polished engine bay parts on my RX-7. Pretty good stuff. I would definitely use that one polished wheels, preferrably before they have tires on them. I got my kit through Jegs.

Crazy Bimmer

wow these wheels suck on keeping them clean

CLpower

yep, i feel your pain bro


I don't think I'll ever buy non-painted or non-clear coated wheels again

Crazy Bimmer

they look fine if you arent close to it. But im anal and when I look at them i can see alll the spots! I swear i haev taken the powerball to them weekly now.


I guess i will read more about zoopseal because klasse AIO aint working.

JPritch

These "polished" wheels that appear to be a biatch to care for...are they the same as the "polished" finish you find on many high end Japanese wheels like Work, etc...?

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Nope, those are anodized aluminum. Can take much more of a beating.

ShopTalker

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

And before anyone chimes in, yes the original finish on the 3-piece Harts are anodized, but mine were refinished and now they are polished.

Mr Hyde

How do you like the powerball Jesal?? Been thinking about getting one to hit the large areas on my DPE's, and stock rims.

Havent read many rave reviews about zoopseal on autopia, but 2 products I have heard alot about lately, which are getting great reviews are ichelins Brake Dust Repellent http://www.petroferm.com/michelin/bdr.htm , and PoorBoys Wheel Sealant. Flitz actually gets great reviews as well. Shines things up nice, and leaves a nice protective coating as well.

FYI; my trafficstars had a clearcoat on them, and while the DPE's require more maintenance, and TLC, all things considered equal, they definitley have more shine to them than the the trafficstars did.