I have the 18" "chrome" (actually polished) rims... whats is everyone using to clean/polish them? I thought I read they were clear coated so I have been careful to not use mothers chrome polish on them but rather use wheel safe cleaner to get the dirt/brake dust off and then used a little liquid wax but they are really getting to the point where they need a good cleaning and polishing... suggestions from you car show guys as I know you have a few tricks up your sleeves for those mirror like finishes that you can shave in!!
Are you saying the polish is degrading a bit? If that's the case then they are not clear coated. If they are oem wheels they are coated.. aftermarket likely are not.
OEM wheels... the 5 blade non-fan style in 18" (reminds me of the old krager wheels)... I am getting a little pitting and the shine is lacking.
They are painted and coated, just use some wax to bring them to shine again. it takes a little bit of elbow grease, but they look nice after they are finished. I used to do this on my old ride. It makes cleaning brake dust easier too after you wax.
Treat them no different than you would the paint on your car - try and keep them clean and have a coat of wax every once and a while... never use abrasives, that WILL dull them quick (mess up the clear coat)
I use simple green to clean and then wax once in a while with some spray detailer to clean them up intermittently or just before shows. I agree though I have some swirls on mine, imagine I'll use some polish and tidy it up this spring.
Yeap, I have the swirls and I have a little white crap... looks like glue but no idea where it came from that I am trying to get off.
Careful using simple green, that stuff is really potent. It might strip the coating off those wheels. To start, I would just get some dish soap (with degreaser) and cut whatever crap is on the wheels off, then take some regular car wax (whatever you use). I bought some really hard wax and just take one of those powerballs to buff it and clean it up.
