How To Care For Powder Coated Wheels

Similar to how a car's paint needs to be cleaned and properly cared for, your wheels also need to be cleaned and protected from the elements. This goes double for powder-coating wheels as dirt and grime will be much more apparent when dirty. 

To extend the life of not only your powder-coat but also your wheels, we recommend you regularly wash and clean your wheels with the least aggressive method. For correct cleaning and maintenance of wheels, start off with water, soap, and a soft-bristled brush. You can use the same soap used to wash your car. If your wheels are on the dirtier side, we recommend using a wheel cleaner. Wheel cleaners are products that are specially formulated to remove road grime and brake dust gently. Be careful not to leave the product on for too long as the wheel cleaner can start eating through the clear coat and the powder coat. After you have dried off your wheels with a microfiber towel, you can apply a detailing spray, wheel wax or sealant. 

These sealants and waxes create a protective layer between the wheel’s surface and the outside elements. These products will help protect the wheels from damage and significantly improve shine. They create a barrier and protect against dirt, brake dust, tar, and even scrapes and scratches. When looking for a wheel wax or sealant, look for those marked capable of repelling brake dust. Brake dust, if left on a wheel for more than a few weeks, is capable of slowly eating through your wheel’s clear coat. Over time, this can lead to corrosion on aluminum and chrome-plated wheels.

These products will not only help protect your wheels but also make washing them easier than ever. Contaminants will not penetrate the protective barrier formed by the sealant/wax and will be repelled. Those that do manage to stick on to the wheels can be effortlessly taken off with a soft-bristled brush. After washing the wheels, there will be little chance for water spots. As always though, we recommend drying your wheels with a microfiber towel.

If you are interested in learning more about wheel corrosion, read our article on preventing wheel corrosion.