How do I clean my matte black wheels?

[Hopp5027]

I've got a set of 22" matte black Giovanna Dalar's and I'm not sure what is the best way to clean them. I'm pretty sure they've just got a powdercoated finish as the paint very easily scratches off. I wouldn't mind if there was something I could use that would make them glossy. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[Calais]

Re: How do I clean my matte black wheels?

I've got a set of 22" matte black Giovanna Dalar's and I'm not sure what is the best way to clean them. I'm pretty sure they've just got a powdercoated finish as the paint very easily scratches off. I wouldn't mind if there was something I could use that would make them glossy. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

I would advise you to just wash it with regular wash soap and a dedicated wash mitt/sponge. Matte finishes can be very finicky, you do not want to use anything that could possibly be abrasive or overly aggressive.

[roushstage2]

Re: How do I clean my matte black wheels?

If it scratches off easily, it is either not powdercoated or it was a very poor job. You said the paint flakes off. Powdercoat generally chips because it is so hard. Just stick with soap and water to clean them.

[Josh9131]

Re: How do I clean my matte black wheels?

I have powdercoated step bars on my truck. As others have said the best thing to do is wash and dry and enjoy. I dont know of any product that will make them glossy without removing some of the finish. I waxed mine once or twice with cleaner wax and it left the applicator pad black. They did however have bit more sheen. Anyway I dont recommend it.

[Hopp5027]

Re: How do I clean my matte black wheels?

I've tried washing them with a mitt and Mr. Clean auto soap... and then dried them with a microfibre cloth. The problem is they just don't look clean. The wheels have less than 10,000kms on them and I'd like to clean them to make them look new again without them looking streaky. I'm thinking I just might have to get them painted glossy black so they will easier to clean.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: How do I clean my matte black wheels?

Unfortunately you may be stuck with them as is, unless you have them resurfaced. Being a matte finish to begin with, even if painted with a matte paint, anything you would normally use on a painted wheel to clean them up would start putting a shine to them, but most likely not in a very uniform way.

Normally with a painted wheel you would wash with a product like Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner and then you could and then maybe follow up with a paint cleaner like SwirlX or Ultimate Compound, etc. But with a matte finish the application of a paint cleaner would start to shine the surface and you'd probably end up with a very non-uniform appearance.

We are troubled by the fact that the paint is starting to chip or peel. That would seem to indicate that the finish was some how compromised, possibly through the removal/installation of wheel weights during a balance, and it just progressed from there.

You may want to contact the wheel manufacturer and see what they say about just what this finish is, and how to best care for it.

[xcfw]

Re: How do I clean my matte black wheels?

Could they be clear coated??

[roushstage2]

Re: How do I clean my matte black wheels?

If they were painted (what it sounds like to me), they wouldn't be if the color coat was coming off. I've just never heard of powdercoating just wiping off.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: How do I clean my matte black wheels?

Could they be clear coated??

It's possible. Your best bet is to contact the wheel manufacturer - they'll know for sure how they were finished.