Polished/uncoated Aluminum lip. How to protect/shine?

[Matador]

Hey guys,

I've used the search function and got a lot of good info, but most of it was for FULLY polished/exposed aluminum wheels.

I am getting my wheels back from the wheel shop with just 'polished' lip.

These are for a Mercedes and as you may or may not know, Mercedes/Euro cars tend to dust to hell! How can I protect the wheels from brake dust? I read that it's basically a lost cause trying to really coat the wheels and it's just maybe better to just clean them often.

Will just polishing the lips take off any brake dust? And what tool works best to just use on the 'lip'?

Edit: I have a GG 3inch. Could that be used on the lip to 'polish' the aluminum when the wheel gets dirty? Or am I better off with a drill and a 'buff ball' or something?

I got these pics from the shop earlier this week. Excited for when he's finished. :)

http://imageshack.us/a/img910/3930/GWftIN.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img905/5808/fKHWJf.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img908/9235/fnwRFV.jpg

[WAXOFF]

i don't know where you live but I wouldn't let salt get on that lip without some kind of clearcoat over it.

[Detail-Impressions]

I would put a coating of your choice on the entire wheel. Coating would make cleaning the wheel ez. Most likely last a couple years or more.

This is just my way of looking at it, easy to apply and then just wash them off.....

[Matador]

What kind of coating are we talking about?

I have Menzerna power lock I use on all of my cars paint that I work on.

These wheels won't touch salt. Only used during 'nice' seasons. Have my beater wheels for that. :p

[Detail-Impressions]

here's A/G has many brands to choose from sir.

Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armor (http://www.autogeek.net/gtech-wheel-coating.html)

Pinnacle Black Label Diamond Wheel Coating (http://www.autogeek.net/pinnacle-wheel-coating.html)

CQuartz DLux Plastic & Wheel Coating (http://www.autogeek.net/cquartz-dlux.html)

Optimum Paint Coating (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-coat.html)

[Matador]

Thanks!

Will these coatings almost work like a clear coat? Or will a 'cleaning' with water/Griot's wheel cleaner take it off?

Edit: Hmm....the Black Label Diamond Wheel coating sounds interesting....

[ScottB]

I had uncoated Iforged wheels on my Vette. Being uncoated, they are essentially in a state of decay or tarnish based upon the environment. I used many sealants and waxes and so very limited protection. I needed to repolish and protect on a reasonable basis. Then .... I tried G-technics Wheel Armor. WOW !! Even a year later (now I admit it was a garage queen) the coating was still working and notable. Best part, I was no longer afraid to wash the car and wet the wheels. The last year I didn't see any degradation of the high polished wheels and didn't need to polish again and again.

I highly suggest the product ....

[oldmodman]

I have been using a product for protecting aluminum.

It has gone through several names over the years.

Originally it was called Zoop Seal and is now sold under the Shine Seal name.

When I first used it it was 1979. I was preparing a Turbo Kawasaki for competition at Bonneville. And since I was going to have to used spoke wheels since no "Mag" wheels were being made in a wide enough size I applied Zoop to a pair of Akront polished aluminum wheels.
They stayed shiny through five trips to the salt flats. And nothing corroded aluminum faster than wet salt being blasted against a surface at 220 mph.
I am sure it was the Zoop that was working since the aluminum engine case were dull and corroded after each trip to Bonneville.

Can't include a link since AG isn't a seller of the product.

Here are two pics of some rally nice TF wheels before and after application.

Before and after

[Matador]

Niiiiice.

Thanks for the info, ya'll! Much appreciated.

Will let you know what I decide wtih pics in the next coming weeks. Cheers and happy holidays!

[asianisafish]

My dad has the same exact wheels I think on his c43 amg, very nice wheels

As for your question they will always get hazy from oxidation from what I know. Sometimes a wax will help keep it shinier longer or easier to polish. I've also heard putting a very light coating of motor oil will work, no idea as I haven't tested that haha.

[Matador]

I forgot to add--I have the Griot's Garage 3 inch DA. Which pad could I use just on the lip? Is that the safest option to bring shine out of the wheels? Or am I just better off doing it by hand?

I have some CG Heavy Metal Polish. Is this enough to use to keep it 'shined' prior to me coating the lips?