Applying Tire Dressing

[rott3np3anut]

Hey guys, I have a question about applying tire dressing. I have a bottle of Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Gel. I'm just looking for general tips in how to best apply it. I have a foam applicator I've been using with it for a while, but it never seems to look as good as the picture I see on here. Any tips/tricks would be appreciated!

[Perfections]

I dilute it 1:1 in a spray bottle and apply it that way. Clean the tire really well, apply 1 coat let that sit for about an hour, then apply another coat. It will look really nice for a sustained amount of time. If your have an air compressor and a spray gun that is the best way, uses very little product and looks killer after just one application. :xyxthumbs:

2 coats after a week of driving about 185 miles

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj72/mojosuperhero/DSC03141.jpg

[AeroCleanse]

I haven't had much luck with Opti-Bond myself. However the best way I have found to apply any tire dressing is to spray it on a foam paint brush then "paint" it on the tires. You use less product, and it doesn't drip all over the place.

[CEE DOG]

After a thorough cleaning... I apply a little at a time to my tire swipe and apply directly to wheel. The only thing that could look a little better is around the lettering I don't get it quite as perfect as I would like. The next day I usually take a paper towel and correct any excess in the lettering.

[FastZR1]

However the best way I have found to apply any tire dressing is to spray it on a foam paint brush then "paint" it on the tires. You use less product, and it doesn't drip all over the place.

This is how I apply all my tire dressings. Those little foam paint brushes aren't very expensive and last through 20-30 or so applications for me.
Ed

[Mike T]

I use the Cobra Flex Foam applicators, for all my tire dressings. From Spray's to gel's. Allows for a nice uniform coverage. Apply the product to the applicator and then run the applicator around the tire, spreading the product.

I find Opti-Bond works well when applied to clean tires (prior dressings removed).

[rott3np3anut]

Thanks for the replies everyone! Where can I get these foam paint brushes you guys are talking about? I looked on Autogeek but couldn't find them. Also what do you guys think is the best product for cleaning the tires before dressing? I always clean them first, but probably not well enough. Is an APC okay for that? I'm about to buy a big gallon or something of an APC, they look useful. I'm still pretty new to detailing.

Perfections, that looks awesome for a week of driving!

[AeroCleanse]

Thanks for the replies everyone! Where can I get these foam paint brushes you guys are talking about?

I got mine from the local Truevalue hardware store, in the paint area. I'm pretty sure most home improvement places that sell paint would have them.

[IID]

Where can I get these foam paint brushes you guys are talking about? I looked on Autogeek but couldn't find them.

Also what do you guys think is the best product for cleaning the tires before dressing? I always clean them first, but probably not well enough. Is an APC okay for that? I'm about to buy a big gallon or something of an APC, they look useful.

WalMart has the foam brushes (in the paint area as well) for a buck,different sizes (width's).

APC is good for scrubbing down and cleaning tire's. :props:

[rott3np3anut]

Alright thanks so much everyone! I'll be placing an order soon to get some APC and other supplies, then ill head to Walmart for the brushes.

[Kurt_s]

I use foam applicators but Bobby G uses a paint brush to apply tire gels. I need to find the thread as I asked what type of brush he used. the paint brush make a lot of sense with a gel tire dressing.

[IOMCAMARO]

I think they use the foam paint brushes. You can get them at walmart for like 50 cents to $1 a piece in the paint section.

[Kurt_s]

I think they use the foam paint brushes. You can get them at walmart for like 50 cents to $1 a piece in the paint section.

I have a number from Home Depot and used them for external trim for many years. Not sure if a bristle or a foam brush would actually be better with a gel.

[IOMCAMARO]

I have a number from Home Depot and used them for external trim for many years. Not sure if a bristle or a foam brush would actually be better with a gel.
I use foam with Adam's VRT, but that's just me. :)

[A4 1.8tqm]

I found that the long bristled side of a natural bristle fingernail brush (plastic bristles are usually too stiff) is the best at getting Tire Gel spread evenly over the face and into all the lettering of the tire. I add a thin bead of Tire Gel (like toothpaste) to the brush and spread as much as possible (until there is no excess in the letters and grooves).

Almost no waste because the bristles don't really absorb much, you get a nice even thin coat without the build up around the letters (which helps against sling). Plus, I swear I get better durability with this method as well (the trick to durable Tire Gel is not using a Tire Cleaner every wash. I just pressure rinse the tires and leave 'em be, looks great, it only actually needs cleaning and reapplication when the tire loses the look you want... right?) The rims get brushed with just car wash solution, a good Wheel Wax makes that a snap.

BTW, I use Opti-Bond and DP Tire Gel :dblthumb2:

http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii437/dave22234/Car%20products/IMG_6272.jpg

Notice that the bristles are cleaner where they contact the tire. IME, applying Tire Gel to very clean and dry tires is the most important part. Spreading Tire Gel over dirty grooves and lettering won't look good for long.