Need something to keep my wheel wells black
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 28
From: Western Canada
2013 C63 AMG P31, 2014 GMC Sierra (6.2)
Need something to keep my wheel wells black
Hi guys,
I've been looking for a product to use to make my wheel wells darker after I clean them. I've thought about using Mother's Back to Black but then started reading how it attracts dust. Thought about Armor All but I'm sure that would attract dust also. I've actually even thought about painting them with a flat black trim spray even! Anyways, if someone could recommend something that's not a dust magnet and lasts for a bit I would appreciate it!
I've been looking for a product to use to make my wheel wells darker after I clean them. I've thought about using Mother's Back to Black but then started reading how it attracts dust. Thought about Armor All but I'm sure that would attract dust also. I've actually even thought about painting them with a flat black trim spray even! Anyways, if someone could recommend something that's not a dust magnet and lasts for a bit I would appreciate it!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 28
From: Western Canada
2013 C63 AMG P31, 2014 GMC Sierra (6.2)
So I did a little more investigating and found people are using everything from Forever Black to WD-40. Yes, some even painting them with a semi-gloss black paint also. What I might do is try something different on each wheel well and see what works the best. Suggestions welcome..
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 28
From: Western Canada
2013 C63 AMG P31, 2014 GMC Sierra (6.2)
Basically so the gap between the tire and the fender doesn't look as obvious. Not that it was really bad to begin with but when I went to 19''s I noticed it looked a bit more prominent than before. When it's wet, and the wheels wells look darker, the contrast is not as noticeable. Now, I realize I could get different springs to lower the car and solve the problem that way but the C55 sits low to begin with and I haven't decided if I want it lower..
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 736
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From: Haslett, Mi
2011 E350 4matic
for a black car what other colors did you have in mind? a nice paisley or orange or purple???
i know exactly what the OP is talking about. you spend hours on every single detail of the shine of the paint, make the interior perfect, get the windows a perfect streak free clean, and get your wheels and tires perfect and then you see the wheel well and it looks like crap and that is all you can see on an otherwise perfectly detailed car.
i would advise asking greg over at the detailed image, they have high quality stuff and i am sure there is a product that will make this task easy and look great.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 2
From: NY
I would recommend you try the Chemical Guys Fade 2 Black. It applies easily and helps make the wheel wells look very dark.
Greg @ Detailed Image
Greg @ Detailed Image
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 28
From: Western Canada
2013 C63 AMG P31, 2014 GMC Sierra (6.2)
Thanks for the suggestions. The Fade 2 Black looks interesting and apparently doesn't leave a greasy or oily residue that will attract dust. I'll probably try 4 different things (1 on each wheel well) and see what I like the best. I'll report back with the results...
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
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Back to Black is great for the inside of the car and rubber trim, but I wouldn't use it on the tires. I recommend Griot's Long Lasting tire gel. it's expensive but it goes on thick and lasts a long time just like it advertises. AND it doesn't attract dust.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 58
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From: Brentwood, TN
2005 C55
I agree. No sense at all spending $13 on a product just to do you wheel wells. If you wash is pretty regularly (once every 1-2 weeks) i would reccommend simply cleaning them really well then spraying with a solvent-based tire dressing. The spray paint idea is quite effective also but you always run the risk of overspray.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: PHX/PIE/OMA ---> Yes, all three
E55 then E63, now back to an E55
I agree. No sense at all spending $13 on a product just to do you wheel wells. If you wash is pretty regularly (once every 1-2 weeks) i would reccommend simply cleaning them really well then spraying with a solvent-based tire dressing. The spray paint idea is quite effective also but you always run the risk of overspray.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 880
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From: Ponte Vedra Beach FL/ Hampstead, London, England
'84 380 SL/ '02 XK8
Wheel Wells
Periodically remove the wheels (one at a time utilizing a car jack and / or axle stands) to enable cleaning the back of the wheel, callipers and give better access to the wheel wells. Ensure that the vehicle body is secure by placing on axle stands.
•Rinse wheel well thoroughly with water.
•Use a 1:1 solution of P21 Total Auto Wash a d-limonene (citrus) based cleaner and water in a spray bottle, spray the wheel wells and let the solution dwell for 3-5 min
•Agitate and brush the road dirt / grime the wheel well and suspension parts, brake callipers, etc
•Spray the area thoroughly with a high pressure water spray
•Repeat if necessary
•Use P21S Polishing Soap on all metal parts (taking care to avoid the brakes)
•Rinse using a high pressure hose / nozzle to remove soap residue
•I recommended wearing rubber gloves, once finished, rinse the wheel wells and dry them with an old terry towel.
•Once they have thoroughly dried spray them with Adam’s Undercarriage Detailer or Chemical Guys Bare Bones (avoid spraying the brake rotor) which leaves a matt finished look without grease and also provides a protection for the plastic - http//: www.adamspolishes.com / - http//:www.chemicalguys.com
For more information see article "Wheel Surface Cleaning” in the Detailing School section of Detailing Bliss forum...
Periodically remove the wheels (one at a time utilizing a car jack and / or axle stands) to enable cleaning the back of the wheel, callipers and give better access to the wheel wells. Ensure that the vehicle body is secure by placing on axle stands.
•Rinse wheel well thoroughly with water.
•Use a 1:1 solution of P21 Total Auto Wash a d-limonene (citrus) based cleaner and water in a spray bottle, spray the wheel wells and let the solution dwell for 3-5 min
•Agitate and brush the road dirt / grime the wheel well and suspension parts, brake callipers, etc
•Spray the area thoroughly with a high pressure water spray
•Repeat if necessary
•Use P21S Polishing Soap on all metal parts (taking care to avoid the brakes)
•Rinse using a high pressure hose / nozzle to remove soap residue
•I recommended wearing rubber gloves, once finished, rinse the wheel wells and dry them with an old terry towel.
•Once they have thoroughly dried spray them with Adam’s Undercarriage Detailer or Chemical Guys Bare Bones (avoid spraying the brake rotor) which leaves a matt finished look without grease and also provides a protection for the plastic - http//: www.adamspolishes.com / - http//:www.chemicalguys.com
For more information see article "Wheel Surface Cleaning” in the Detailing School section of Detailing Bliss forum...
