I am going to detail my wheels and I am about to buy the Optimum Metal Polish and I already have the Poorboy's Wheel Sealant. However, I read that if you have a clearcoat on the wheels then not to use Optimum metal polish, instead use Optimum Poli-Seal. Does anyone know if there is or isn't a clearcoat on G37S wheels so I know which product to buy? Thanks!

 

you're only supposed to wax or seal the finish on the wheels. no metal polish.

 

Most wheels these days are clearcoated. If they're glossy, it's probably clearcoat. Metal polish is only good for old school wheels or chrome wheels.

 

To distinguish bare (no clear coat) aluminium, by using a metal polish will turn the cloth black; otherwise they probably have a clear coat paint finish.

 

I can assure you that they have clear. I just sanded mine down

 

soap and water, then wheel wax... nothing else or you are going run the rist of damage.

 

The Optimum (OPT) Metal Polish is fine to use on almost all bare metals and clear coated wheels. Protecting them afterward with the Poorboy's World Wheel Sealant will help protect them for months to come. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Greg

 

Honestly, how could you promote a metal polish product you sell for clearcoat wheels? The wheels on Gs are very similar to the finish on your sheetmetal. There is no reason to use a metal polish on a surface that is painted and clearcoated much like any other surface on your car. I'm sure there could be minor differences because of extra wear or brake dust, but even then I'm not sure.

Best thing to do is just wash them like any other surface of your car and then put some type of protection on them afterwards.

 

^^ I'm with you man our stock wheels are powder coated with a clear coat over it. I don't see the need for metal polish on powder coat. I don't know how abrasive Opt metal polish is since I've never used it but wouldn't recommend any metal polish for our wheels.

 

Most metal polishes can be used on both bare metals and clear coated wheels. While marketed differently polishes that care for metals and ones for the clear coat are not entirely different. Many metal polishes use stronger chemical cleaning agents and use far less abrasive cutting particles. Conversely polishes for correcting the clear coat of your paint often contain more aggressive polishing particles to make a more noticeable impact in the reduction of swirls and less chemical cleaning agents. In short both kinds of polishes can often be used on both surfaces, it just comes down to which is the best for your particular needs. It's possible the Poli-Seal will work better on the clear coated wheels, however the Optimum Metal Polish may also work very well. I certainly would never try to recommend a product just for the sake of a sale. I've used countless metal polishes on both bare metals and clear coated wheels with outstanding results. I hope you give these products a try and let us know what works best for you.

Greg @ DI

 

But the OP didn't have a desire to polish. He just wants to clean and protect. Why use abrasive materials at all on a clearcoat?

 

The OP sated that he is going to detail his wheels which to me is more than just a basic cleaning. He referenced two polishes that I have used and I just elaborated on which one I'd prefer based on my experiences with. I agree that you should try to get the best results possible with a traditional wash and wheel cleaner first. However every vehicle's wheels can benefit from a polishing even after a cleaning so you can always use a polish. Embedded brake dust and road grime will often not come off with traditional cleaners and a polish is a huge help. If you use a polish on them you may be surprised at how much an improvement they can make by deep cleaning and shinning the surface. A polish will help even the cleanest looking wheels look better. I know abrasives on a clear coat can sound scary but it's truly very safe and absolutely necessary if you want the best shine possible. Just like polishing your clear coat on painted areas you have to have a polish with abrasive particles for the best results possible. Remember these abrasive particles are sub micron so they are extremely small and they help you safely clean and shine each surface.