how to clean powder coated wheels
You have been successful in giving the paint on your automobile a glossy appearance, but have you forgotten to clean the wheels on your vehicle? Wheels for cars come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Cleaning costs for chrome wheels are significantly higher than those for powder-coated wheels.
If your car has wheels that are powder coated, you are in luck because this post will discuss how to clean powder coated wheels. If your vehicle has powder coated wheels, you are in luck because this article will discuss how to clean powder coated wheels.
Powdered wheels have a greater propensity to collect a great deal of dirt and filth as the vehicle in which they are mounted is driven. In this scenario, giving the wheels of your automobile a regular cleaning will give the impression that the vehicle is brand new. This process is not particularly difficult; in fact, it is one of the simpler ones to deal with. Check out the direction that we’ve laid out for you.
When riding on wheels with powder coating, the sensation of going through the countryside may not be pleasant. You are taking a look at the muddy wheels, and you are wondering what your options are for getting them cleaned. No need to be concerned.
When it comes to powder-coated wheels, cleaning is not nearly as difficult as it would appear at first glance. You can make your wheels seem as good as new with some water, soap, and a brush. All you need to do is clean them. You should invest in a wheel cleaner if the stains are particularly tenacious, since this will make the process of removing the gummy gunk much simpler.
What Is A Powder Coated Wheel?
A powder-coated wheel has had an electronically bonding powder sprayed on it, and the powder will now adhere to the wheel. Electrostatic attraction is the mechanism that allows the powder coating to adhere to the surface.
After the powder has been sprayed over the wheel and formed into a homogeneous coating, the wheel is then placed in a hot oven to bake the coating into the surface of the wheel. After the component has cooled, electrostatic spray-on powder coatings should be applied. This second layer of electronically charged powder is a clear coat, and it is applied on top of the first layer.
The finished product is a painted surface on the wheel that is simple to maintain because it has been baked in the oven and then allowed to cool.
Powder coating through electrostatic attraction is not like other methods of wheel painting in that it does not involve the use of potentially harmful cleaning agents.
Do I Need To Clean Powder Coated Wheels
The necessity to clean wheels is universal; powder-coated wheels are not an exception to this rule. After a messy excursion, it is strongly recommended that you clean and protect the matte finish on your wheels using methods that are less abrasive. Since dirt and grime are more noticeable on powder-coated wheels, regular cleaning will be necessary in order to maintain their appearance.
In order to prevent dirt and sand from sticking to the surface of powder-coated wheels, regular cleaning is required, especially for off-road vehicles. The tried-and-true method of cleaning vehicle wheels with soap, detergent, and water continues to yield the finest results.
One of the reasons why the powder-coated wheels need to be cleaned on a regular basis is because they collect brake grime and salt particles. The friction that occurs between the brake pads and the rotor causes the dust to build on the carbon fibers, which are both sticky and corrosive.
If the brake rust is not removed, the clear finish will be eaten away, revealing the powdered coating underneath.
Utilize cleaning detergents designed specifically for wheels in the event that they are covered in a thick layer of sticky mud. Be careful not to leave any of the cleansers on the surface of the wheel, as doing so could cause the clear coat to erode and could eat away at the powder coating.
What is the most effective method for cleaning wheels that have a powder coating?
Wheels with a powder coating can be cleaned using a variety of different methods. While others will provide you with the best outcomes for your wheel, some have effects that are detrimental to the coating.
The objective is to achieve a brilliantly clean wheel while without damaging the coating in any way. Maintaining your wheels with a routine washing and polishing routine will bring back their like-new appearance.
Cleaning Guide
With the help of this instruction, you’ll be able to clean your wheels more effectively. For those of you who want to do things on your own, this advice will help you prevent damaging your wheels.
Before you move on to any of the other components of your vehicle, you should begin by cleaning the wheels and tires.
What Is Required of You
Make sure your auto garage is stocked with the necessary items so that you can clean and polish your wheels effectively. Using some of this tools can make cleaning much simpler and will save you a lot of time.
- Soap
- Water
- Sponge
- Soft brush
- Wheel cleaners
- Microfiber towel
- Detailing spray
- Sealants
1. Use Water, Soap, And A Soft Brush
The application of soap and running water is the first step in any kind of cleaning activity. You might want to think about scrubbing the sticky dirt gently with a soft brush in order to remove the dirt. Dust, muck, and any other foreign materials are removed at this stage, which is the beginning of the procedure.
If the wheel has already been cleaned at this point, you can use a towel made of microfiber to remove any remaining leftover water from it. If the dirt is difficult to remove with the soft brush because it is sticky, proceed to the next method of employing wheel cleaning agents, which is the following step in the process.
2. Use Of Wheel Cleaning Detergents
Don’t give up if the mixture of soap and water doesn’t give you the gleaming, shiny wheel surface you were hoping for. Wheel cleaners are specially prepared to perform their tasks to the highest possible standard. In a matter of seconds, the cleaner will eliminate brake dust along with any other sticky dirt.
After giving the wheels a general cleaning with water and soap to remove the exterior layer of grime, add the wheel cleaner of your choice and let it sit for 15 minutes before removing it. Take care not to keep the cleaner on your wheel for an extended period of time because doing so may cause the clear coat to corrode.
After 15 minutes:
- To remove the mud and the brake dust from the wheel, scrub it with some water and a gentle brush.
- It is important to keep the wheel wet in order to prevent scratches from the brush.
- It is important to thoroughly clean the wheel fender wells as well as the lug nuts, as brake dust may collect in those areas.
Continue carrying out the procedure for each of the wheels. Thoroughly rinsing the wheels will eliminate any remaining debris that may be on them.
The following products are among the most effective wheel cleaners that we can recommend. Because these cleaners are not acidic, they are safe to use on the shine coat of your wheel. You should be able to locate them in the outflow of any wheel cleaner’s stall.
- Griot’s Garage Wheel Cleaner
- Pinnacle Clear Coat Safe Wheel Cleaner
- Wolfgang Wheel Cleaner.
3. Dry The Wheels
This is the last and most important step in the process. To dry the wheel, you can use a towel or cloth made of microfiber.
When the wheel is dried, the wet spots, which may potentially accumulate dust and filth if they were left, are removed. The towel made of microfiber comes highly recommended due to the fact that it has a smooth finish and does not shed any thread bits, unlike many other types of towels and clothes.
4. Apply A Detailing Spray Or Sealant
When applied properly, these wheel sealants and waxes provide a protective layer that sits atop the clear coat. The sealant prevents dirt and brake dust from adhering to the wheel, which results in an increased level of shine.
Because dirt is eliminated along with the waxing process, wheels that have a powder coat and wheel wax make it simple to clean the wheels. Allow the wheel to thoroughly dry out before storing it for best protection.
Instructions
- If you properly follow these instructions, you will obtain the results that you want with your wheel.
- Use a hosepipe to remove the loose dirt from the area. Avoid strong pressure jet pipes.
- To make a cleaning solution, combine soap, detergent, and hot water in a bucket. When applying the clear coat, the water temperature should be kept at a comfortable level.
- To carefully clean the wheels, first dip your sponge into the water and soap mixture, and then use the sponge to wipe them down.
- If the dirt is sticky, you should let the cleaning solution sit on the surface for some time, after which you should remove it carefully using a soft brush.
- Wheel cleaners should be used for a period of 15 minutes if the filth is still resistant to being removed. You may clean the wheel by using a brush and some flowing water.
- When drying the wheels, use a towel made of microfiber.
- To prevent dirt and brake dust from adhering to the freshly cleaned wheels, detail sprays should be applied.
Note:
Never allow your wheels to be washed or cleaned with steam while they are still hot. Doing so will cause the powdered coating to get damaged, and it will also cause the soapy solution to adhere to the hot wheels.
Scrubbing the wheels with a stiff brush could cause the clear finish to flake off, so you should try to avoid doing that.
How To Shine Powder Coated Wheels
How Often Should You Clean Your Wheels
You should try to clean your wheels once or twice every week at the very least. The greater the length of time that your wheels are allowed to remain dirty, the greater the damage. Do not allow the brake to corrode and do not let mud get on your new wheels.
Conclusion
Wheel care, including cleaning and maintenance, plays a significant role in determining how long your wheels will last. Polishing your wheels on a regular basis will prevent you from having to buy new wheels as frequently, which will save you money. When done correctly, cleaning powder-coated wheels is a simple and straightforward process. It is possible for you to clean it on your own if you have the appropriate tools.
Wheel cleaners require you to take extreme caution in order to prevent the clear finish from being damaged. Always use cleaners that are not acidic. After reading this article, you will have a good understanding of how to clean wheels with a powder coating. Now you know how to clean wheels that have a powder coating.