When you apply the metal polish you'll know in the 1st couple of seconds. If the cloth starts turning black on the 1st or 2nd rub, it is safe to use. If it doesn't turn black, stop, you have clear coat....

 

Well my suggestion is that there is this rubbing compund to polish chrome and alum. that we sell at lowes. now i know that you all are thinking that nothing good comes from lowes...but this **** is powerful. it sold with all the other car cleaning stuff at lowes...it defently works!

 

Well like any metal polish what you apply it with will make a bigger difference then you might think. A quality microfiber polishing towel will definitely improve your results. One side of the towel is textured which helps get the polish in every little nook. The other side of the towel will help buff off any remaining residue. I apply about small drop to a section of the towel and buff the product in to a small area. I start off with light pressure and use more pressure only as needed. When the product has dried out or the there is nothing more to clean, I flip the towel over to the smooth side or grab a new towel to remove any residue. Here is a picture of my towel of choice:


Sorry there is no short cut with most metal polishes. Elbow grease and hard work with the right combination of products is my method.

Greg @ Detailed Image

 

greg ive got clear coated wheels, and one of them has some swirl marks in them that wax and other light polishes won't get out, do you have any ideas what would work best to get these out? i was thinking the finish restorer but since you sell all this stuff i thought i would ask thanks

 

I don't often recommend this but a heavier cutting polish may be your answer. If the wheels are clear coated and you don't like the fine swirls and imperfections in them you may need something stronger. Assuming you used a light cutting polish I would probably try the Menzerna Intensive Polish or other good medium cutting polish. I typically start off with a metal polish then I use the P21S Finish Restorer. If that doesn't work you can progress through light to medium to heavy. Check your results whenever you try new products to ensure you're getting the results you desire. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Greg @ Detailed Image

 

Anyone have any reccomendations on a reputable shop to refurbish a rim? One of my Volk SF Challenges has the clear coat coming off and it looks horrible.

 

Greg, I did just that this weekend with my Volks and it really brought back a lot of the shine that I had lost. I had some chemical burn through on one, unfortuantely nothing will solve that. I tried the 50/50 vinegar and water, but it was too late for the chemical burn through. Anyways, the IP worked awesome after I clayed it and followed it up with the wheel wax.

Step 1: Clay Bar

Step 2: Intensive Polish

Step 3: Wheel Sealant

If I can get my camera back up and going I will post some before and after pics, but I definately was happy with the results.

 

If you don't mind shipping, Velvet Touch in San Diego does great work. They will correct any rubbing, rash, and refinish the lip. 760-846-0942

 

Glad to hear you were able to find a process that works for you! I'm sure the wheels look a lot better now! Hopefully we can see some pics!

Greg @ Detailed Image