I mostly use Griots supplies on my car. Any suggestions for the best armorall type product for my 360 tires? Thanks !
I use Zaino's tire dressing, not as "slick" with all the silicone splashing every where and provides a good new tire look. Robert
There are a few decent gels out there that do not splash onto the side of the car. The key is to not use too much or no matter what you use it will be all over the side of the car.
I like Meguars tire shine and also just tried Turtle Wax tire shine (Green can). The Turtle Wax one does not last long as Meguars, but its nice. neither provide the "wet look spuer shine". I just want my tires to look black and clean and above two did the trick ...
The best thing for getting a good shine on tires is (like anything in detailing) cleaning the rubber before applying a dressing. Most tire dressings are petroleum based because they will stick (often sling) to the dirty tires they are often applied to (the average consumer will not take the time to clean the tires). Water based dressings (like Zaino Z16 mentioned earlier) will not stick to dirt, so you have to clean the tire first (Zaino is not a consumer brand like you would find in autozone so it can be more focused). The truth is that regardless of the type of dressing the end result will be a direct result of how well the tires are truly cleaned before application. All to often brake dust is covered in petroleum, then more dust sticks in the petroleum, then more petroleum is added, etc, etc, and you end up with a thick layer of dirt trapped in goo. Then the tires turn brown (from the sludge) and people get made. To clean the tire means to remove all of the dirt, road grime, brake, dust, and to do this means removing previous layers of dressing that the dirt is mixed with. Use a good tire cleaner (don't use a bleach based cleaner) and a stiff wire brush (I like Eimann Fabrik Tire Cleaner) and scrub the tire thoroughly, then rinse completely clean. Next apply the dressing by applying it to an applicator (again I like Eimann Fabrik Black Sapphire Tire Gel) and apply a thin even coat the side wall. I will use a Q-tip to apply dressing into the tire if it has a sharp seam by the tire bead/rim interface. Regardless of the type of dressing used, always apply thin, and allow to dry. Most dressings can be layered for more shine. Apply the desired amount of coats for the shine you want (wait an hour between coats), then after the last coat sets, give the tires with final buff with a cloth to remove excess and prevent product slinging.
Worked my way through college by detailing cars...20 years later I take pleasure in doing my own...Black Magic Tire Wet applied (with a curved applicator - put the product on the applicator to avoid messing up the wheels) a day or so before you drive - allows time for the product to sink in...additional coats as you wish...without question the best I've used...
Great tire dressing applicator: http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+care/wheels+%26+tires/wheel+tire+cleaning+tools/dressing+applicator+and+3+pads.do
I use Eagle One wet tyre shine, wipe on with a curved aplicator after washing the tyres, works great and doesnt fling off
No joke but I have heard that people used to use motor oil as tire dressing. They are suppose to provide the clean look without being overly glossy, and from what I understand, that's what dealerships used to do. Has anyone else heard of this practice ? I plan on trying this out but I guess I can already hear the jokes coming, "What's weight should I use ?"
Todd put it best for an explanation of why dressings sling, the key is water based and cleaning the tires before you dress them. Silicone is also a culprit(armour all)to cause the browning you see on the tire along with the built up dirt and the suns uv rays. Two products I use that leave the tire dressed properly is Gloss-it Signature and P&S natural tire dressing, the natural dreesing leaves a matte finish and the gloss-it has a customized look that you can leave glossy or apply then go back over the tire with a moistened microfiber towel and wipe lightly for the matte look (fyi)
Zaino was my favorite until I tried Stoner's new "More Shine". Comes in an aerosol spray can. Just spray it on for a matte finish or another coat for more shine. No runs. No wiping. No dirty hands or rags, very fast, and doesn't sling as much. Stays on forever. Don't know how it affects rubber, my tires never lasts long enough to matter anyway.
