Ty
05-04-2009, 12:11 AM
A sound understanding of the proper technique and the correct process will produce excellent results even with a mediocre product. A quality product used without the proper surface preparation or application technique will never obtain a satisfactory result. Using the proper methodology (surface preparation, using a quality product, along with the correct application technique) will ensure an excellent result.
Skill Level / Experience
Some methods described may be beyond the capabilities of the average detailer or enthusiast; in this case we strongly encourage the reader to consult a professional detailer or body shop concerning the matters discussed herein.
Liability
The writer assumes no responsibility, expressed or implied, due to misuse or misinterpretation of the information or methods used, or for any vehicle damage or injury that may occur due to the suggestions and information offered.
Product Quality and Technique
Proceed with this in mind; the products you use constitute a very small factor in the equation. Methodology and technique constitute 95%; the reasoning behind the choice of quality products is to eliminate any limiting factors, thus enabling you to place emphasis on
technique used.
Keeping Wheel Surfaces Clean
It is important to keep wheel surfaces clean, as well as improving the overall look of the vehicle leaving them dirty can have many adverse effects; the black powder coating on the surface of your wheel has four components; a static friction charge (caused by the pads contact with the rotors) that attracts dirt, road tar and other contaminants kicked up by both your vehicle and others. Friction heats the pads and callipers to extremely high temperatures, and causes tiny particles of hot metal to wear off and sent flying in different directions.
Many of these hot metal particles land on your rim and literally fuse themselves to the surface. Finally there is brake pad adhesive, modern brake pads are complex compounds of metals, synthetic materials and adhesives (the binder system) which is designed to wear away under friction like the rest of the pad. The adhesives used in brake pads can be very difficult to remove and they are also corrosive and will etch the wheel surface, the metal particles from the pads and rotors will become a conduit for rust compromising the paint surface of your wheel
Wheel cleaning is not that difficult, especially if you use the correct tools, they have to work safely but effectively. Wheel cleaners that contain acid are the most dangerous, there are wheel acids that are safe if used with care and the directions are followed precisely. Accidents and expensive wheel replacements can always be avoided if you do some research and are smart about your choices. Always check the products MSDS and its pH value before you use it. It is always preferable that you use a 100% acid-free product with a pH of 7.5 – 8.0
Acid Dilution
The dilution of an acid doesn’t make it safer as the addition of a molecule of water to a chemical compound, without forming any other products is known as hydration (i.e. dilution causes the pH to decrease i.e. more acidic) But since pH is not a very good indicator of the strength of the acid in every system, this approach won't always produce the desired results.
Cleaning Clear Coated Wheels:
•Ensure wheels and rotors are cool before applying cold water as this may cause them to 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 embedded contaminants
•Use a solvent based cleaner to remove any road tar
•Apply a solution of P21S Total Auto Wash to wheel-wells and tyres, and let soak in, agitate with a long-handled boar’s haired brush before rinsing
•Spray P21S Wheel Cleaner (Gel or Liquid) this cleaner is 100% acid-free and will not damage any type of wheel finish. (Gel for badly soiled and regular for normal soil) onto wheel rims and lat soak in (for badly soiled surfaces us P21S-Red (422)
Before finally removing cleaner, agitate with a soft brush and then rinse off (See Wheel Brushes)
•Rinse wheel surface thoroughly with clean water (to avoid splashing paint surface rise by pouring a bucket of water over each wheel from the top down •Remove any surface imperfections with a suitable clear coat polish (Dependant upon extent of damage)
•Dry wheels with a towel, apply a polymer sealant (ZoopSeal) to the surface of the wheels, it will protect the finish from brake dust and the elements and also make them easier to keep clean.
•Wax has a low melting point and will not withstand the sustained temperature
Polished Aluminium Lips - they can be either a clear coated, anodized, or bare polished aluminium in which case different types of polishes are needed for each. Bare (uncoated) aluminium, using a metal polish will turn the cloth black. Use Mothers Mag and Aluminium Polish and Mother’s Powerball –
Note - Bare aluminium will oxidise (turn a yellowish colour) if a highly acidic or alkaline product is used.
Cleaning Chrome Wheels
Use a product that doesn’t contain harsh solvents, petroleum distillates or ammonia A metal cleaner in the form of a pleasant-smelling, non-toxic soap (P21S Polishing Soap - is not intended for use on painted, clear coated or anodized surfaces) it is a solid, clay-based (Kaolin) cleaner that applies with its own sponge. Simply wet the sponge with water, wipe it across the Polishing Soap, and squeeze the sponge to create lather and begin polishing and then rinse with clean water.
Note- some ‘high polished’ chrome wheels (including those that come stock on Corvette C6) have a clear coat applied; if so don’t use a polish on them.
Once the brake dust / soil has been removed apply a polymer sealant for protection, this will also make future cleaning easier. A polymer is recommended as it has a higher melting temperature (350oF) compared to Carnauba wax (180oF) a wheel surface will reach a temperature in excess of 120oF due to rotor friction and in excess of 195oF when parked in the sun.
Alternate products-
Happich SeamiChrome Polish - Plating Kits Electroplating Kits Aluminum Anodizing Kits Powder Coating Systems Metal Polishing And Buffing Supplies - Caswell Inc.
Chrome Polish and hot environment polish - Metal polish for aluminum, silver, brass, chrome, stainless steel, copper and bronze from English Custom Polishing.
P21S Finish Restorer –AutoGeek.com Automotive Super Site
Menzerna Gel 7.5 Wheel & Tire Cleaner- pH-Neutral (7.5) a detergent-based cleaner with surfactants, wetting agents and emulsifiers (for cutting road oils) which quickly cleans both tires and wheels yet is as gentle to the surface as drinking water! This cleaner contains no acids, petroleum solvents, butyl or butyl ethers of any kind, neither acidic or alkaline it cleans tires and all types of wheels including billet aluminium, plated, polished, anodized, powder coat, painted and clear coated. - Classic Motoring Accessories - Car Buffers, Car Waxes, Car Polishes, Auto Detailing Supplies, Car Covers, Car Accessories
Alternative products –P21S Gel or Liquid Wheel Surface Cleaner (Green) originally developed in 1976 by a German chemist, a water-based, (non-acid) detergent that provides terrific cleaning and guarantees not to damage painted, clear-coated, or anodized wheels - Performance Motorcare Products Ltd P21S
Skill Level / Experience
Some methods described may be beyond the capabilities of the average detailer or enthusiast; in this case we strongly encourage the reader to consult a professional detailer or body shop concerning the matters discussed herein.
Liability
The writer assumes no responsibility, expressed or implied, due to misuse or misinterpretation of the information or methods used, or for any vehicle damage or injury that may occur due to the suggestions and information offered.
Product Quality and Technique
Proceed with this in mind; the products you use constitute a very small factor in the equation. Methodology and technique constitute 95%; the reasoning behind the choice of quality products is to eliminate any limiting factors, thus enabling you to place emphasis on
technique used.
Keeping Wheel Surfaces Clean
It is important to keep wheel surfaces clean, as well as improving the overall look of the vehicle leaving them dirty can have many adverse effects; the black powder coating on the surface of your wheel has four components; a static friction charge (caused by the pads contact with the rotors) that attracts dirt, road tar and other contaminants kicked up by both your vehicle and others. Friction heats the pads and callipers to extremely high temperatures, and causes tiny particles of hot metal to wear off and sent flying in different directions.
Many of these hot metal particles land on your rim and literally fuse themselves to the surface. Finally there is brake pad adhesive, modern brake pads are complex compounds of metals, synthetic materials and adhesives (the binder system) which is designed to wear away under friction like the rest of the pad. The adhesives used in brake pads can be very difficult to remove and they are also corrosive and will etch the wheel surface, the metal particles from the pads and rotors will become a conduit for rust compromising the paint surface of your wheel
Wheel cleaning is not that difficult, especially if you use the correct tools, they have to work safely but effectively. Wheel cleaners that contain acid are the most dangerous, there are wheel acids that are safe if used with care and the directions are followed precisely. Accidents and expensive wheel replacements can always be avoided if you do some research and are smart about your choices. Always check the products MSDS and its pH value before you use it. It is always preferable that you use a 100% acid-free product with a pH of 7.5 – 8.0
Acid Dilution
The dilution of an acid doesn’t make it safer as the addition of a molecule of water to a chemical compound, without forming any other products is known as hydration (i.e. dilution causes the pH to decrease i.e. more acidic) But since pH is not a very good indicator of the strength of the acid in every system, this approach won't always produce the desired results.
Cleaning Clear Coated Wheels:
•Ensure wheels and rotors are cool before applying cold water as this may cause them to 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 embedded contaminants
•Use a solvent based cleaner to remove any road tar
•Apply a solution of P21S Total Auto Wash to wheel-wells and tyres, and let soak in, agitate with a long-handled boar’s haired brush before rinsing
•Spray P21S Wheel Cleaner (Gel or Liquid) this cleaner is 100% acid-free and will not damage any type of wheel finish. (Gel for badly soiled and regular for normal soil) onto wheel rims and lat soak in (for badly soiled surfaces us P21S-Red (422)
Before finally removing cleaner, agitate with a soft brush and then rinse off (See Wheel Brushes)
•Rinse wheel surface thoroughly with clean water (to avoid splashing paint surface rise by pouring a bucket of water over each wheel from the top down •Remove any surface imperfections with a suitable clear coat polish (Dependant upon extent of damage)
•Dry wheels with a towel, apply a polymer sealant (ZoopSeal) to the surface of the wheels, it will protect the finish from brake dust and the elements and also make them easier to keep clean.
•Wax has a low melting point and will not withstand the sustained temperature
Polished Aluminium Lips - they can be either a clear coated, anodized, or bare polished aluminium in which case different types of polishes are needed for each. Bare (uncoated) aluminium, using a metal polish will turn the cloth black. Use Mothers Mag and Aluminium Polish and Mother’s Powerball –
Note - Bare aluminium will oxidise (turn a yellowish colour) if a highly acidic or alkaline product is used.
Cleaning Chrome Wheels
Use a product that doesn’t contain harsh solvents, petroleum distillates or ammonia A metal cleaner in the form of a pleasant-smelling, non-toxic soap (P21S Polishing Soap - is not intended for use on painted, clear coated or anodized surfaces) it is a solid, clay-based (Kaolin) cleaner that applies with its own sponge. Simply wet the sponge with water, wipe it across the Polishing Soap, and squeeze the sponge to create lather and begin polishing and then rinse with clean water.
Note- some ‘high polished’ chrome wheels (including those that come stock on Corvette C6) have a clear coat applied; if so don’t use a polish on them.
Once the brake dust / soil has been removed apply a polymer sealant for protection, this will also make future cleaning easier. A polymer is recommended as it has a higher melting temperature (350oF) compared to Carnauba wax (180oF) a wheel surface will reach a temperature in excess of 120oF due to rotor friction and in excess of 195oF when parked in the sun.
Alternate products-
Happich SeamiChrome Polish - Plating Kits Electroplating Kits Aluminum Anodizing Kits Powder Coating Systems Metal Polishing And Buffing Supplies - Caswell Inc.
Chrome Polish and hot environment polish - Metal polish for aluminum, silver, brass, chrome, stainless steel, copper and bronze from English Custom Polishing.
P21S Finish Restorer –AutoGeek.com Automotive Super Site
Menzerna Gel 7.5 Wheel & Tire Cleaner- pH-Neutral (7.5) a detergent-based cleaner with surfactants, wetting agents and emulsifiers (for cutting road oils) which quickly cleans both tires and wheels yet is as gentle to the surface as drinking water! This cleaner contains no acids, petroleum solvents, butyl or butyl ethers of any kind, neither acidic or alkaline it cleans tires and all types of wheels including billet aluminium, plated, polished, anodized, powder coat, painted and clear coated. - Classic Motoring Accessories - Car Buffers, Car Waxes, Car Polishes, Auto Detailing Supplies, Car Covers, Car Accessories
Alternative products –P21S Gel or Liquid Wheel Surface Cleaner (Green) originally developed in 1976 by a German chemist, a water-based, (non-acid) detergent that provides terrific cleaning and guarantees not to damage painted, clear-coated, or anodized wheels - Performance Motorcare Products Ltd P21S