Cleaning Matte-Finish Wheels - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

WheelmanSS · 05-06-2013, 10:08 AM

Hey yo,

I know this has been discussed a bit, and there are some pretty common guidelines to adhere to, but I would like to put together a guide for us Matte-Finish wheel owners for proper care and cleaning, as well as point out the Do's and Don'ts.

Personally, I have been used the strict "soap and water" only cleaning process, for my first go-round but I am a bit unsatisfied. I used my adams shampoo and a soft-pad, but I still have some brake dust remnants creeping out.

My Forgestar guide says for serious cleaning, use a 50/50 mix of simple green and water. However, I know there are a few horror stories out there of simple green causing some issues.

Can we establish a list of any confirmed safe spray cleaners?

Also, many have had good luck with Adam's VRT for a post-cleaning dressing. Finish-related ideas are also helpful.

If we can get some good content going, I would love to put together a guide. So lets have at it. "Before and After" pics are certainly helpful.

Thanks

JimE · 05-09-2013, 07:58 PM

Same as any other wheel.

Adam's has a wheel cleaner that works well.

JimE · 05-09-2013, 07:58 PM

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285170

Jeffm · 05-09-2013, 08:42 PM

I use both green wheel and deep wheel cleaner on mine

WheelmanSS · 05-09-2013, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimE

Same as any other wheel.

That is definitely not correct, as many people who have thought this and used conventional wheel cleaning methods have faded or discolored their wheels.

I have read that Adams Deep Wheel cleaner works, but would love to see it in action, some before and after pics.

I use Adams Green Wheel Cleaner for my normal finished wheels, but not on matte yet. Some people have said they have had good luck with it, but I don't know if it has been specifically formulated with powdercoated finishes in mind.

jackyl22 · 05-10-2013, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimE

Same as any other wheel.

Adam's has a wheel cleaner that works well.

Def not the same ... I use stuff from a local business Superior Automotive. It works great no fading or damage. They call it " wheel cleaner " lol and it smells like rotten eggs!

jordan 572 · 05-10-2013, 08:06 AM

Make sure the wheel isn't hot, I use deep wheel cleaner and it works great. You can use green wheel cleaner also. If there not real dirty just use some car soap, They made sure that the new dwc won't harm your matte wheels. Just don't apply it hot or let it dry. If for some reason you feel the need to use apc be careful, dilute it and rinse it off ASAP. Obviously there are other company's other than adams, but that is what I prefer.

Lil' Nasty · 05-10-2013, 08:24 AM

If not sure, just use soap and water

JimE · 05-10-2013, 08:36 PM

A little common sense applies. And yes, the process is the same. Find a cleaner that works for your wheel type and clean. The wheels should also not be in the sun or hot from (the sun) or use.

EVERY wheel cleaner i've used has a warning on the label to test on a small section before applying the whole wheel. That applies to ALL wheels, not just matte finish.

The Adam's wheel cleaner I linked is highly recommended. I have some, but haven't tested/used it myself yet.

Bamaguy · 05-12-2013, 09:26 PM

Iron-X, P-21S or Sonax work good on removing brake dust and other contaminates. I have used all three on my Forgeline SP3P matte finished rims with great results.

05-06-2013, 10:08 AM	#1
WheelmanSS Logic is dead Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,804	Cleaning Matte-Finish Wheels Hey yo, I know this has been discussed a bit, and there are some pretty common guidelines to adhere to, but I would like to put together a guide for us Matte-Finish wheel owners for proper care and cleaning, as well as point out the Do's and Don'ts. Personally, I have been used the strict "soap and water" only cleaning process, for my first go-round but I am a bit unsatisfied. I used my adams shampoo and a soft-pad, but I still have some brake dust remnants creeping out. My Forgestar guide says for serious cleaning, use a 50/50 mix of simple green and water. However, I know there are a few horror stories out there of simple green causing some issues. Can we establish a list of any confirmed safe spray cleaners? Also, many have had good luck with Adam's VRT for a post-cleaning dressing. Finish-related ideas are also helpful. If we can get some good content going, I would love to put together a guide. So lets have at it. "Before and After" pics are certainly helpful. Thanks __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS (LS3) 573 RWHP 498 RWTQ - Vortech V3 Supercharger - Kooks Stepped Headers, Magnaflow 16580 - Suspension by Pfadt, Hotchkis. 2007 Trailblazer SS- Sold 2001 Trans Am WS6 431 RWHP 408 RWTQ - Sold 1994 Camaro Z28 - Sold

05-09-2013, 08:42 PM	#4
Jeffm ICANHAZ Drives: 2013 CRT 1SS/RS Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Skiatook, Ok Posts: 983 View My Garage	I use both green wheel and deep wheel cleaner on mine __________________ http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=254430 Build Thread

05-10-2013, 08:24 AM	#8
Lil' Nasty [COTW 4/13/15] Drives: Supercharged LLT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 5,957	If not sure, just use soap and water __________________ LiL' Nasty's Build Journal

05-09-2013, 07:58 PM	#2
JimE Drives: 2013 2SS/RS/1LE Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 3,087	Same as any other wheel. Adam's has a wheel cleaner that works well.

05-10-2013, 08:06 AM	#7
jordan 572 Drives: none Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: MN Posts: 1,720 View My Garage	Make sure the wheel isn't hot, I use deep wheel cleaner and it works great. You can use green wheel cleaner also. If there not real dirty just use some car soap, They made sure that the new dwc won't harm your matte wheels. Just don't apply it hot or let it dry. If for some reason you feel the need to use apc be careful, dilute it and rinse it off ASAP. Obviously there are other company's other than adams, but that is what I prefer.

05-10-2013, 08:36 PM	#9
JimE Drives: 2013 2SS/RS/1LE Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 3,087	A little common sense applies. And yes, the process is the same. Find a cleaner that works for your wheel type and clean. The wheels should also not be in the sun or hot from (the sun) or use. EVERY wheel cleaner i've used has a warning on the label to test on a small section before applying the whole wheel. That applies to ALL wheels, not just matte finish. The Adam's wheel cleaner I linked is highly recommended. I have some, but haven't tested/used it myself yet.

05-12-2013, 09:26 PM	#10
Bamaguy Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Alabama Posts: 41 View My Garage	Iron-X, P-21S or Sonax work good on removing brake dust and other contaminates. I have used all three on my Forgeline SP3P matte finished rims with great results.