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.

2 coats after a week of driving about 185 miles

[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.

[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.