I use the sonax tire gel and am pretty fond of it. I'm open to other tire shiners at the moment though. In the meantime I'm using a microfiber pad from this kit I bought thats supposed to be used for wax application i think. Its really hard to wash and leaves a lot of the gel residue on it. I just bought some sponge applicators online, anyone else have an easier applicator for gel?

 

I use an applicator like the following:

 

Get any foam block applicator. I like these

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/access...pplicator.html

 

I use a foam block tire dressing applicator. Chemical guys resells one that's just a buck or two.

 

99 Cents Store has them in a 2 packs for $.99 just like the ones from Amazon with the handle.

 

yes i'm not sure why i said sponge, i meant the foam block. Sounds good I will try it. Thanks.

 

What do you guys use on the tires? I've tried gels, but lately have used the griots garage spray that I wipe off so as to get more of a matte finish. It stains concrete though.

 

This is what I use. Lots of simular products available, pretty cheap just through away when it gets dirty.


Curved Foam Tire Dressing Applicator Pad

Not a fan of the gels, prefer Natural look by poor boys, no shine just a matt dark look

http://www.autogeek.net/pbnl16.html

 

Interesting that the poor boys product can work on that wide range of materials. Have you used on any of the other listed areas?

 

I use this about once every 4-5 washes and apply lightly - makes tires look clean (not shiny). I use any number of sponge applicators mentioned in thread. No residue on concrete.

https://www.griotsgarage.com/product...fType=&from=fn

 

Currently using Auto Finesse Tire Gel. My 16oz bottle has lasted almost 5 years. You need very little product. No sling, easy to apply. I will eventually switch to Ammo Mud once this bottle runs out.

 

Those Ammo products have quite the Revlon products marketing spin. Have you used them?

 

I use all of the exterior products and love them and I've given pretty much everything else a try. The downside is that they are a little more expensive than the alternatives.

I swapped out to something more economical (CarPro IronX) for the wheel cleaner, because I was going through a bottle of Plum in 3-4 washes and he doesn't sell in bulk. I also use a different car shampoo for the foam cannon, but use his Foam paint cleanser in the buckets for actual washing.

If you're going to try anything from Ammo, I would suggest Hydrate ... it's something I cannot live without in the detailing arsenal. Drying is the typically the step where the most swirls can be put into the car. The concept of drying the car with this and a wet MF seems strange, but it just works. I can dry the entire car safely with Hydrate in <5 mins with 1 MF (assuming I didn't miss any spots when washing).

I also like that I'm supporting a car enthusiast that formulated everything that he puts out.

 

The sonax stuff referenced in the thread title is awesome.