Best Way to Protect Your Newly Spray Painted Wheels

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In our guide on spray painting wheels, we went over how to paint your wheels using either Rustoleum or Duplicolor spray paint. If you’ve recently had your wheels painted via spray cans or a paint gun – protecting them with a coating is the next thing on your to do list. 

The main problem with spray painted wheels is that the paint isn’t as durable as factory or powder-coated rims.  By simply adding a protective coating to them it will keep your wheels looking good for many years. 

What kind of wax or sealant is best for spray painted wheels?

Any protective coating is better than nothing, and a synthetic wax isn’t a bad choice. But, if you want the longest-lasting protection, then a ceramic coating is the way to go. There is not a specific brand that you need to choose, but it’s best to go with a reputable brand that you trust.

CarPro CQUARTZ 3.0 is a great option for a highly durable ceramic coating, and it’s not too difficult to apply. It will last about two years and protect your wheels from the elements, which is especially important for those of us who experience harsh winters with snow and ice. CQUARTZ not cheap, but it will definitely save all the hard work you put into painting those rims and keep them looking shiny!

How to wash your spray painted wheels without damaging them?

The most important thing you can do is avoid any harsh chemicals or strong wheel cleaners. Spray paint isn’t tough and will get damaged much easier than powder-coated or factory painted wheels. Use a very soft brush or wash mitt and wash them with regular car shampoo – the same stuff you’re washing your car with. 

Washing your wheels like this on a weekly or bi-weekly basis will prevent build-up of brake dust and prevent the need for harsh chemicals. 

Also, once you install the ceramic coating on your wheels they will clean up much easier than before. So, the combination of having a protective coating and washing them properly will keep them looking fresh for many years to come. 

More tips and advice for taking care of your painted wheels…

Take it easy on dirt roads!!! Rocks will chip your paint fairly easy and even the best ceramic coating won’t prevent such damage. 

Don’t wait too long to wash your car – make sure to wash it at least once a month and clean your wheels as described above. 

Avoid harsh wheel brushes, as the paint is relatively soft and may scratch easier than factory wheels. It’s also wise to avoid automatic car washes, unless you know for a fact that the wash is gentle on the wheels – although most aren’t. 

You can polish them, although you don’t want to use anything too abrasive. Skip the compound, and just hit them up with a polish, such as Meguiars Ultimate Polish. Do this before installing the ceramic coating or applying wax.

With that said, it’s also worth mentioning that quick waxes can be useful for those who don’t want to install a ceramic coating. A liquid wax and a foam pad are great as well, but a spray wax is even easier to apply. Meguiars Ultimate Quik Wax and Turtle Wax ICE Seal N Shine are both great products.

If it doesn’t snow where you live, then a quick spray wax should do an okay job – but it will only work if you keep applying it as needed and washing your wheels properly on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Applying a ceramic coating will really help protect your spray painted wheels and reduce the pressure on you to constantly wax them.

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