Techniques for tire dressing application?

Do any of you guys have a special technique you use to avoid the normal problems associated with dressing tires? I prefer to use a spray rather than a gel and often get overspray on both my wheels and paint. I always have to complete a vehicle and rim wipedown after this step and would like to find a more efficient way of accomplishing this.

 

My recent attempt at using an all-purpose MF from Costco to apply CG VRP was not very successful. I've had the best results with the cheap foam applicators from Harbor Freight. Meg's Hot Tire Shine aerosol can has an adjustable spray pattern that works well enough when it's not windy out.

 

If you are doing a spray for your time dressing do it before you wash the car. That way you remove any dressing from the paint and wheels when washing.

This may not work terrific if the dressing is also water based, however since it'll likely diminish any glossiness provided by the dressing when you re-wet the car.

 

Whether I'm using a gel or a spray, I always use a foam applicator. Works great, and you get an even application every single time.

Right now, I am really liking Adam's VRP. I also have Optimum Opti-bond, but it's not as user friendly.

 

After they are clean and DRY, I spritz them pretty liberally with Armor All Original (water based) with a fine misting sprayer, let it sit for a minute, then come back with one of those black foam applicators with the blue plastic handle and rub in the dressing.

I used to have to dress tires 2-4 times when I would just spray on the applicator and wipe with a normal circular applicator, now I only have to dress 2x max even on dry tires,the applicator you use makes a pretty big difference in results, IMO.

 

I really like Opti-Bond and have no problems with it. Can you elaborate on it's unfriendliness?

 

I typically just stick to using the Eagle One tire applicators and that has worked out pretty well.

However for larger tires like on SUV's and trucks, I use the Turtle Wax tire applicator which is rather large and dresses those tires really well.

 

I usually spray a light amount of tire dressing around the tire (light enough that it won't overspray ... non-aerosol) and then spray a foam applicator and then proceed to spread it evenly around the tire.

 

I appreciate everybodys' input; it appears I use similar techniques to the ones mentioned, however I never manage to completely avoid overspray on the wheels and finish. Anyone use a protector (wood or plastic cutout) to shield the wheels during application? If so, does this work pretty well?

 

I use a body brush with a short handle... one with green bristles. Spray the dressing on the brush then apply to the tires

Green Flagged Body Brush - Short Handle - DA1540

I actually have 2 brushes... one i use for Meg's HD and one for my silicone based dressing

 

I have heard a paint brush can apply the dressings pretty fast while saving on the amount of product used.

I use a foam applicator. Great with Optimum Opti bond Tire Gel or Adam's VRT.

 

Heh, those were the brushes I used when I was in Canada and Monterey detailing the Subarus and VW's, respectively. It's a great way to apply tire dressing but I feel it doesn't have as much control (it's probably just me lacking control) as the tire applicators.

 

I always use a curved foam applicator. Apply product (Adams VRT for me) to the foam pad and the appply to the tire. I let it soak, and then either go for a second coat or wipe it down with an old towel to achieve a nice finish. This depends on how 'dry' the tire is.

This way you don't get any overspray on the car or the wheel.

Only way to fly IMHO.

Oh, and I use the curved foam applicators from CG.

 

been using a swissvax wheel brush that looks like a paint brush.. i LOVE it for applying Swissvax Pneu. i never spray directly onto the tire!!

 

I find spraying onto the tire faster but it uses more product. Tried the brush method but I think I like foam applicator best.

Tried Pneu but think something like VRT / foam applicator is quicker to apply.

Pneu is a fine product though....

 

Apply your dressing while the final wax coat is still curing on the paint. Any dressing overspray will remain on top the wax. coat your tires once before you dry the vehicle, this will allow the dressing to penitrate the rubber, and you can easily remove when you dry. Wax the vehicle. Before you remove the wax, coat the tires one more time, spray the dressing on the applicator, and wipe the tire clean, so you dont have a sling issue. Take the wax off as normal. No silicone issues will follow. This is especially nessary on dark colored cars as to avoid any unnessary work. This is if you prefer to coat the tire as I do. The applicator pad works well, but dosent penetrate the the ribs, nooks,and cranies of the tire. the applicator pad only insures that everything is evenly distributed. After allowing to soak I will use an applicator pad to smooth my end result.

 

Actually the Eagle One tire applicator does penetrate the ribs, nooks, and crannies when used correctly. Maybe it's just other applicator pads that don't do this so well. :shead:

 

If I am dressing car tires, I will put whatever dressing I like onto the sponge and then wipe onto the tire. The following pics show how I apply dressing onto truck tires as they are not smooth around the edges and require a different approach.

Holding the sponge about an inch back from the edge of the tire, I can safely spray my tire dressing onto the edge of the tire, filling around all the knobbies, and not worry about getting it all over the inside of my nice clean fenderwells. Keep the pressure in the sprayer high enough to get a nice even mist, but not too high as you'll be putting way too much dressing on. I then spray a little dressing onto the sponge and wipe the rest of the sidewall.:thumb: