Your favorite way to polish tires

[007-Z4]

Hi,

I like the matte look with some shine! I am looking for something new to try, the Zaino tire shine I now use is just ok.

What works the best, Your trade secret? 8)

Bob

 

[sixspeed]

I've tried quite a few, and I find the Zaino gives the best finish (a kind of new-look, deep satin finish - not the greasy finish of some tyre shines). It seems to last pretty well too!

 

[20ducks]

I use Zaino for the best results. Whatever one decides on, use one that is water based (like Zaino).

 

[Caddyshk]

Zaino is the best I've used - must remember to reorder, just about out.

 

[Shipkiller]

I use Zaino for the best results. Whatever one decides on, use one that is water based (like Zaino).

Why 'water based'?

 

[20ducks]

I use Zaino for the best results. Whatever one decides on, use one that is water based (like Zaino).

Why 'water based'?

The following comes from a detailing forum I frequent:

Good Silicone / Not so good Silicone:
Water based dressings, usually a milky-white liquid, (Polydimethylsiloxane (PDS) that doesn’t contain petroleum distillate; silicone oils, waxes, or solvents that can harm rubber and/or vinyl over time. Water-based dressings use a combination of natural oils and polymers to offer a non-greasy, satin finish. Some of these products also contain ultra violet radiation (UVR) blocking agents to help keep tires from cracking, fading and hardening. Most, if not all water-based dressings are biodegradable (i.e. Zaino Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss™) whereas silicone is not.

Silicone-based dressings, usually a clear greasy liquid, (Dimethal (DMS) that contain petroleum solvents as a cleaning agent, they remove the elasticity from vinyl, rubber and paint; causing them to evaporate out of the substrate, leaving behind a dry inflexible surface. The difference between water and solvent based is in the carrier system used. Solvent based products use a hydrocarbon silicone to suspend the product. When you apply it, the solvent evaporates leaving the dressing's active ingredients (Silicone oil) behind; this type of silicone is also not biodegradable. Most high gloss products are based upon DMS silicone oil.

__________________

 

[Shipkiller]

I thought it was just the opposite for elasticity on the tires.

I have seen more tires get sidewall cracking using products like 'Armorall', 'SonofaGun' etc. and they wash off very easily. I stopped using those types of products and started using a Silicone based products 10 or 15 years ago on my vehicles.

Maybe I was just lucky.. and now maybe I need to get some Zaino Z-16....

 

[20ducks]

To me personally, the "Armoral, et al" problem of accelerated rubber/vinyl deterioration is an urban myth. I've never seen nor know of anyone (within the same obsessive compulsive detailing circles I am involve in) that has experienced this phenomenon. That isn't to say it didn't happen some time back, I just don't think it was as extensive as some have made it out to be.

If you want the dripping black tires look then use the silicone based products. I don't care for that look. I like the less greasy, slightly shinier satin look that Zaino Z16 gives. Whatever you use, prep your tires with Westley's Tire Cleaner first. It is sold at WalMart. This stuff is the best for tire prep.

Have fun.

 

[Shipkiller]

I have two gallons of Westleys Tire Cleaner (Bleach White).

The BW does NOT touch my wheels, only the tires....

 

[bristol bloke]

hi i am a valeter here in the uk and i use ,,,,,,, finish b y auto smart it works realy makes tyres look brand new

 

[bristol bloke]

hi all i use somthing called finish by auto smart ,i valet turcks 4 a living

 

[Herminator]

i valet turcks 4 a living

Do they like it? :lol:

 

[PaulN]

I thought it was just the opposite for elasticity on the tires.

I have seen more tires get sidewall cracking using products like 'Armorall', 'SonofaGun' etc. and they wash off very easily. I stopped using those types of products and started using a Silicone based products 10 or 15 years ago on my vehicles.

Maybe I was just lucky.. and now maybe I need to get some Zaino Z-16....

Me too......

The only problem is over time the silicone based products can leave a little product on the tyres, Im currently looking at a good tyre cleaner, got some Megs Super Degreaser.

Cheers

PaulN

 

[20ducks]

This is what I use. I've been using it for years. To get tires genuinely clean and prepped for a tire dressing this is the stuff to use. See if it is available where you are and try some. You will be amazed on what it removes from the tires.

http://westleys.com/

 

[GAZA62]

Have tried many over the years foams gels and silicone sprays and some are better than others while sat on the drive but driving in the rain none have survived.

The two i use at the mo are

Back to Black spray for when i am away with the Z and want to give her a quick spruce up.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_158664_langId_-1_categoryId_123059

CG New Look Trim Gel for regular use

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/chemical-guys-new-look-trim-gel/prod_143.html

 

[20ducks]

Just curious, is Westley's available in the UK?

 

[GAZA62]

Just curious, is Westley's available in the UK?

Never heard of it before.