AFTERCARE GUIDE
A factory-grade, oven-cured powder coat is incredibly tough—far more durable than standard wet spray paint or diamond cut lacquer.
A factory-grade, oven-cured powder coat is incredibly tough, far more durable than standard wet spray paint or diamond cut lacquer. It is highly resistant to stone chips and general road wear. However, its longevity can still be compromised by poor maintenance. The biggest threat to your refurbished wheels isn’t the road; it’s the aggressive, highly acidic chemicals used at cheap hand-car washes. Over time, these acids will etch into the powder coat, dulling the gloss finish and eventually causing the polymer to degrade. Maintaining that deep, glossy finish requires understanding the chemistry of modern wheel cleaning.
Cheap, fast, and destructive. They use hydrofluoric or sulphuric acid to burn through dirt. Avoid these entirely, as they will permanently dull your powder coat.
Traffic Film Removers are heavy degreasers. While safer than acid, prolonged use of strong alkaline chemicals will strip away any protective waxes and dull the finish.
The safest option for regular cleaning. A good quality car shampoo provides lubrication to safely lift dirt without chemically attacking the wheel finish.
The modern standard. These pH-neutral chemicals react specifically with the iron particles in brake dust, dissolving them safely without damaging the paint.
Diluted citrus-based cleaners are excellent for breaking down greasy road film and light dirt before you touch the wheel with a mitt.
Safe to use on cured powder coat for removing stubborn black tar spots, provided they are washed off thoroughly afterwards.
Consistently rated as the best wheel cleaner on the market. It is a pH-neutral fallout remover that bleeds purple as it dissolves brake dust. Safe for all finishes.
Another excellent, professional-grade iron fallout remover. Highly effective at deep-cleaning neglected wheels without relying on acids.
A superb, cost-effective cleaner for regular weekly maintenance. It cuts through road grime gently and won't strip your wheel wax.
A fast-acting fallout remover that is safe on powder coat, clear coats, and plastics. Excellent for heavy brake dust accumulation.
A thick, high-lubricity shampoo designed specifically for wheels. Use this in a bucket with a microfibre mitt for your weekly wash.
Product is only half the equation. Throw away stiff nylon brushes and invest in soft, boars-hair detailing brushes and microfibre wash mitts.
For wheels that have been recently powder-coated, the maintenance routine should be simple. If you wash the car weekly, you rarely need dedicated wheel cleaners. Start by rinsing the wheel with a pressure washer. Spray a diluted citrus pre-wash and let it dwell for two minutes to soften the grime. Rinse again. Then, use a dedicated wheel bucket filled with standard car shampoo and a soft microfibre mitt to wash the face and the inner barrel. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfibre towel. Every 3 to 4 months, use an iron fallout remover to deep-clean any embedded brake dust, and reapply a coat of synthetic wheel wax to keep the surface slick and easy to clean.
No. Dishwashing liquids are designed to strip heavy grease and contain high levels of salt. They will strip any protective wax off your wheels and accelerate oxidisation.
The active ingredient that reacts with the iron in brake dust (usually sodium thioglycolate) contains sulphur, which naturally smells like rotten eggs. The smell is normal and indicates the product is working.
Stiff nylon brushes (often sold in auto parts stores) will inflict micro-scratches into your glossy powder coat. Always use soft microfibre wands (like the ‘Wheel Woolies’ brand) to clean the inner barrels safely.
Do not try to scrape them off. Use a dedicated automotive tar and glue remover. Spray it onto a microfibre cloth, hold it against the tar spot for 30 seconds to dissolve it, and gently wipe it away.
Want to make wheel cleaning effortless? Contact us to add a professional ceramic coating to your powder coat refurbishment.
