Tire wet/shine/protectant
 

I'm looking for a tire protectant that is easy to apply (probably a foam or gel form that I won't get overspray with), protects the tire, and has a high gloss look to it. I read in another thread that Armor all tire foam is good all around but has more of a medium gloss. I'm looking for a high gloss that will POP when you see it.

blah, dont use armorall. :shakes head:

use this and this

(target sells ones that have a gray handle) these are by far the best applicators:

Carrand 92143 Cleanmates Tire Gel and Dressing Applicators : Amazon.com : Automotive

i spray into the foam applicator, then apply to the tire. i dont like really shiny so i use just enough to get the nice dark semi-gloss, but use more and you can get the glazed donut look.

Meguiar's Hot Shine High Gloss Tire Spray. 24 oz. : Amazon.com : Automotive

btw, you need a clean tire surface to get good application of dressing.

i use this or this to clean the sidewall real well to first remove release lube and the mounting lube tire stores use to mount the tires.

motor spray/nitro cleaner like this... there are others out there. spray into rag (not paper towels) and rub the surface gently till fresh rubber.

Amazon.com: HPI Racing 74116 Nitro Car Cleaner, CA Compliant: Toys & Games

Goof Off FG659 Heavy Duty Spot Remover and Degreaser, Trigger Spray 22-Ounce - Amazon.com

I tried this stuff and am very happy with it.

Adams Super VRT tire Dressing..
nice sleek shine, and protects..

Agree. This stuff is amazing, along with every other product they have. Does not sling off nor does it look super over the top glossy. Grab some All Purpose Cleaner and use on tires as you wash them for prep before the VRT.

Our Super VRT satisfies all of your requirements except for being super glossy.

That high gloss comes from silicone, which is inherently slippery. Slippery = sling all over your fenders/doors. Super VRT is water based and water repellent so it holds up to washing and weather. Also contains SPF35 as a sun protectant.

Our customers who seek a higher gloss shine than the Super VRT gives double up and give it s second coat after the first one dries. That will increase the gloss and likely get it looking more how you want it to.

Eagle One or Black Magic (GEL). Put on with tire foam applicator. Let sit for like 10 min. Wipe excess with terry cloth so there won’t be any over spray/sling. Lasts for days. Leaves your tires looking JET BLACK AND WET.

If it matters at all, you can get "pop" even with medium gloss products. At least for me, wheels/tires are the main thing that distinguish a car that has been washed with a car that has been WASHED. But it doesn't take all that much to get better than the former which always just leaves the tire looking dull and normal whether just washed or driven for 2 months without.

So really, anything should help.

I prefer medium to low gloss, to be honest, and it still looks good. It doesn't look all that amazing minutes after application or even all that great up close, but approach from a distance and you can tell some extra love was applied.

I'd strongly suggest going with a product like Adam's Super VRT or Zaino Z-16 over any silicone based gel.

The gels will look great while you're standing still (if you're into that wet look) but they're going to sling all over the sides of your car when you get moving. Complete nightmare.

I have a bottle of the VRT but did not try it yet. I have the Optimum on my Z that I applied over a month ago. No sling at all and it's water based, no VOX. I was a bit skeptical at first but I am impressed with the results. I'd be interested to compare the two perhaps next weekend I'll hit my Mazda with both and compare.

For the uninitiated. What does this stuff do other than make your tires look a bit better. Some people say protect, but from what? UV? Is it really an issue? Honestly curious not trying to put anyone out.

I'd venture a guess and say the vast majority use them for looks. It does make the tires pop in appearance but some don't like the gloss look. I like the gloss look on the tires but not at the expense of a greasy texture and sling. Some brands will help with protecting the rubber from UV rays similar to a sunblock for skin and hazing of trim pieces.

I use Black Magic Gel applied with supplied foam pad. Key is not to over apply and have it all over your rims and fenders. So far 1 1/2 weeks in and they are still shiny with just one application :)

ive not had much good luck with the thick gels due to slinging even if i used smaller amounts and rubbed it all in the best i can... it's hard to get an even application.

so this is why i use the thinner liquid i posted above as i can get a more even application.

i only need to spray a little bit (one trigger pull) onto the foam applicator to do the entire wheel. :)

I've tried them all.. This is by far the best stuff I've ever used.

Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss: Zaino Store

Just to chime in here, I have been using Duragloss 321 for the past few months. A single layer will give a subtle matte finish, and a second layer will give a subtle sheen. However, it doesn't provide any ultraviolet (UV) protection so I may look into other options.

To the moderators: if that link is against forum rules, feel free to remove it. Thanks.

tires dont last long enough on these cars to worry about uv protection..Lol....anyway, I like griots tire dressing. My $.02

Adams VRT hands down IMO but depends on the look you are going for I guess. Easy application and no worries about slinging the product all over your car.

Ive tried all the typical over the shelf types you can pick up at walmart (i love buying random ones every week and testing them) and found Meguiars Endurance Tire Gel to be the best that lasts the longest. I use it every single time now.

^^ thats one of the many i tried that slings.

i use the insane shine from meg that is much thinner and stays put.

i use the insane shine from meg that is much thinner and stays put.[/QUOTE]

:iagree:

Chemical guys all purpose cleaner and Chemical guys silk shine. I like the satin look, not glossy.

Some will talk about moisturizing the rubber to preserve it, but to be honest, tires aren't going to last on our Z's long enough for any of these reasons to be a factor. It's purely for the look.

As long as it doesn't sling on my car or look TOO wet, I love it.

Chemical guys tire gel is my favorite and I've used many

Sent from my Nexus 7

I use Griot's as well, modest shine, lasts a good while.

I use to use Adams VRT however chemical guys is the same stuff if not better Chemical Guys VRP. If your looking for high shine Chemical Guys Tire Gel is amazing. I use both personally and recommend both.

it does help prevent blooming prematurely, so it does help while owning the tires i guess. :D

longitivity wise, you're right. i'd get dry rotting from the threads before any cracks on the sidewalls.

OMG WARNING. do NOT use that brand new black magic tire shine that comes in an aerosol can!!!!!! it claims to last for months opposed to normal gel/spray types. IT DOES, but theres a problem. it puts like...... a rubberized clear coat **** on your tires thats very very thick and starts to turn a nasty brown after a while which make the tires look worse...... then comes the fun part. Its a 2+ hour job of scrubbing to get the **** off. and it also randomly blobs off the tires over time making them look like garbage. 100% avoid this. I use armorall extreme tire shine gel and it doesnt sling, lasts a long time, looks great and comes right off when you wash the car.

try this (per tirerack's recommendation)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...L._SL1000_.jpg

my recommendation. :tup:

gets release lube off and gunk for good.

http://www2.gpmd.com/image/t/taec1052.jpg

dont need it anymore, but if I ever make a similar stupid mistake I will keep this in mind.

+1 for armorall extreme tire shine gel. Had no expectations when i bought it but said "what the heck!" good shine, easy on, easy off when washing, stays put and lasts long enough to never see my tires dull. Dont have to apply a lot to make the tires shine which is good so the product lasts a while too.

I've always used Stoner's tire shine. Cheap and available in every auto parts store. Doesn't sling if you apply it in reasonable quantities.

X2 on the Meguiars Hot Shine High Gloss Pump Spray

Spray onto a dense foam sponge - then apply

Awesome shine, long lasting and no sling.


http://washford.scene7.com/is/image/...017?$PDP_MAIN$

Meguires hot-shine over aerospace 303 does the trick for me. Very happy with these two together.

My mistake, the product i mentioned wasnt made by black magic. Its turtle wax black tire coat spray. BE WARNED AND STAY AWAY. Or, buy it, use it, and i can laugh at ur dumb *** for not listening. Its like..... a thick clear rubberized clear coating you can put on. It is shiny, and it looks great......until a few weeks later when it starts to literally molt off your tire and turn a slight tint of brownish orange. "I will just take it off" you think to yourself. HA ******* good luck. It took me 2 hours, WITH an abrasive alcohol based solvent and thick plastic bristle brush to get it off, and it made a huge mess. Just warning.

I use the tire gel in the small orange bottle, i think its made by armorall "extreme shine gel" or something. Works amazing, lasts a long time and doesnt sling.

It must be armor all since its the one i use and it DOES work amazing!

careful not to let that armorall dry on your rims "accident" it creates some kind of weird film thats a little bit of a pain in the *** to get off. you cant see it, but when you go to clean your rims and you wipe over it, thats when it shows up because you can see the abrasion from wiping it. takes some annoying scrubbing to get off.

^^^what i have been using. I like it, shiny but not too shiny.