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Car enthusiast.. Clean Matte rims

Posted on 11/10/14 at 6:59 pm
Posted by Real Pirate
NE LA
Member since Apr 2013
1879 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 6:59 pm
Anyone have experience or knowledge on the best way to clean matte black rims?

I've read that certain products are bad for them, but I can't seem to find a good answer on what's best to use.

These rims specifically. XD Heist.



TIA.

Posted by soccerfüt
Location: A Series of Tubes
Member since May 2013
72738 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 6:59 pm to
Wipe them on a Welcome Mat.
Posted by Real Pirate
NE LA
Member since Apr 2013
1879 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:03 pm to
I can't afford a welcome mat. Already spent this month's welfare on the 20s.
Posted by marchballer
The Greatest Country on Earth
Member since Aug 2008
4121 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:09 pm to
I'd like suggestions. Thinking bout putting rims like these on my Tacoma.
Posted by jordan21210
Member since Apr 2009
14122 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:10 pm to
Soap and water. Wheel cleaning chemicals may ruin the finish, as will any polish or wax.

ETA: If they are a true matte paint finish.
This post was edited on 11/10/14 at 7:11 pm
Posted by soccerfüt
Location: A Series of Tubes
Member since May 2013
72738 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:11 pm to
What does the manufacturer's website recommend? (or other matte rim producers' websites) I don't care enough to research this issue as I will never have matte rims.
Posted by lsu480
Downtown Scottsdale
Member since Oct 2007
92902 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:12 pm to
Shouldn't your car wash know how to do this?
Posted by Real Pirate
NE LA
Member since Apr 2013
1879 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:12 pm to
I've never had matte rims. Online they claim to be "easy to clean" . They lie. I've had them for about 4 weeks and now they have a dirt haze that is a PITA to clean off. I don't want to use anything too strong. I love the way they look though. Especially with some good tire shine on the rubber.
Posted by Real Pirate
NE LA
Member since Apr 2013
1879 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:13 pm to
They just say easy to clean off. No specifics on what's best to use.


quote:

Shouldn't your car wash know how to do this?




It's an automatic where they prep your vehicle, you drive through the automatic, then 3 or 4 guys hand dry it quickly.

They don't take the time to clean the rims very well.
This post was edited on 11/10/14 at 7:15 pm
Posted by jordan21210
Member since Apr 2009
14122 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:13 pm to
Straight from KMC's website...

quote:

Wheels require regular care to maintain their factory appearance. Clean them regularly. Most household cleaning agents are too harsh and must be avoided. Mild dish soap and water is all you need to properly clean your wheels. Note that warranty claims on finish will be voided if improper maintenance or improper cleaning agents are used.


Tech Sheet

PDF Tech Sheet: LINK
This post was edited on 11/10/14 at 7:14 pm
Posted by Real Pirate
NE LA
Member since Apr 2013
1879 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:16 pm to
Sorry, I should have added that I spent 2 hours yesterday with a bucket of soapy water and a sponge. I got them pretty clean, but nothing like new. There's still a haze that I can't seem to clean off.
Posted by jordan21210
Member since Apr 2009
14122 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:20 pm to
quote:

Sorry, I should have added that I spent 2 hours yesterday with a bucket of soapy water and a sponge. I got them pretty clean, but nothing like new. There's still a haze that I can't seem to clean off.



If there is a haze and you've run it through an automatic wash, then there is a good chance either the wash, or the people who dry the vehicle, used some sort of chemical on the rims which may have faded the finish. That's the only thing I can think of. You could maybe try clay barring them

I had the same thing happen to some powdercoated rims I used to have. Used a wheel cleaner that was not pH neutral and it faded the finish.

Make a username on autogeek.net and post pictures of your rims/truck and detail as to what happened and ask how to correct it. They are very knowledgeable there.
This post was edited on 11/10/14 at 7:22 pm
Posted by Real Pirate
NE LA
Member since Apr 2013
1879 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:27 pm to
I'm pretty sure the finish isn't messed up. I can get it off with a microfiber towel and bug and tar remover (I tried it on a test spot on the inside of the rim).

I know that I don't need to use that on the face of the wheel, I just wanted to see if it was possible to get it off or if the finish was ruined.

I am thinking about ordering a power ball that you use in a drill to polish the rims, but I'm not sure how abrasive they are.


Thanks for the help , I'll head over to auto geek here shortly.
Posted by NewIberiaHaircut
Lafayette
Member since May 2013
12313 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:34 pm to
I have never had matte black wheels but I have used P21S on multiple types of wheel finishes and it always works great.

quote:

P21S Wheel Cleaners are the famous German-made factory approved way to remove corrosive brake dust from alloy wheels. Safe, pH controlled, non-acid, non-lye based formulas are guaranteed not to attack any type of road wheel, braking system or other automotive surfac

A 100% acid-free wheel cleaner that's safe for all types of wheels.





LINK

If the grime is really stuck on there then you might want to try the gel version. It's more powerful then the standard.

LINK
Posted by Tigers smash Bama
Da ghetto
Member since Aug 2014
164 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:35 pm to
WD-40... Bruh
Posted by jordan21210
Member since Apr 2009
14122 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:36 pm to
It just depends on the finish of the rim. If they are painted and clear coated, then you can polish them with a light abrasive polish and it should get the haze out. But if it's a true matte finish or powdercoated finish then certain chemicals will haze them even worse. Definitely check on autogeek, they'll get you fixed
Posted by Thug On A Rug
Member since Jun 2014
295 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:37 pm to
This is the definition of trash. I wish nothing but the worst for your rims.
Posted by Real Pirate
NE LA
Member since Apr 2013
1879 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:42 pm to
quote:

Thug On A Rug


quote:


This is the definition of trash. 


I'll take that as a compliment. Sorry you lack style, money, or both.
Posted by Thug On A Rug
Member since Jun 2014
295 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:45 pm to
Yeah, I wouldn't drive your "stylish" vehicle near me. Trying to keep a classy look to the neighborhood. There's a reason those aren't standard on Mercedes, Audis, Acuras, etc....
Posted by pivey14
In Your Head
Member since Mar 2012
15446 posts
Posted on 11/10/14 at 7:47 pm to
(no message)
This post was edited on 11/10/14 at 7:48 pm
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