My 1st legit wheel cleaning disaster…

[Eldorado2k]

Had an unfortunate situation occur on the most recent vehicle I detailed. The entire SUV showed up pretty dirty so without even thinking I assumed the wheels were equally dirty so I went with Brown Royal @full strength. Something I’ve done on countless other wheels without an issue.



I sprayed the entire wheel and within about 45 seconds it started to foam and turn orange in color, something I’ve never seen it do before. I’ve never seen this product foam like this.



I quickly grabbed the pressure washer gun to rinse it off and this is what it looked like afterwards.



This vehicle seems to have been sitting outdoors parked for some time based on its condition and expired tags, I guess what I’m trying to say is the finish on the wheels wasn’t exactly strong enough to handle that aggressive of a cleaning but I never expected this to happen. It’s just terrible. It’s like it took the top coat of paint right off. 2 wheels on the drivers side, same result.

1st time this has ever happened. Non acid wheel cleaner just in case you’re wondering.

Here’s the 2nd wheel.

[opie]

Yikes!

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[SNP209]

In the 1st pic it looks like the finish was already deteriorating. It was only a matter of time before the entire wheel was like that.

[DanaDetailingPros]

I'm assuming from what you are describing, That the wheels were originally black. From the first picture I would've thought they were mat silver. If this was the case, could you just remove all the black? If the customer expected them to come out in black I would explain the finish was going to come off if you used Windex!
If he really wants black then tell him you will use a rim color restorer and Plastdip them.

[Eldorado2k]

I'm assuming from what you are describing, That the wheels were originally black. From the first picture I would've thought they were mat silver. If this was the case, could you just remove all the black? If the customer expected them to come out in black I would explain the finish was going to come off if you used Windex!
If he really wants black then tell him you will use a rim color restorer and Plastdip them.

They were originally like the 1st picture, silver. The black was under the silver.

[DanaDetailingPros]

Gotcha! How did it go down with the customer?

[Eldorado2k]

Gotcha! How did it go down with the customer?

Honestly, I haven’t seen or heard from the customer. He sent 2 of his employees to come pick up the vehicle. 1 of the guys took a hard look at the wheels before he jumped in but didn’t say anything. [awkward moment]lol.

I’m laughing but it’s not funny man it was really bothering me yesterday… The thing about this vehicle is the owner wanted me to detail it because he said he had a potential buyer coming to purchase it and needed it ready asap. I hope it sold!

[Setec Astronomy]

Oh, this was from a used-car dealer?

[Eldorado2k]

Oh, this was from a used-car dealer?

No, he’s just a guy who sells cars as a side hustle.

[Desertnate]

That's pretty wild. Based on how this played out, I'd say the finish was toast before they truck every came into your possession.

Did you touch/feel the wheels when they were dry before cleaning? From what you describe I wouldn't be shocked if the finish came off on your finger with just a swipe.