How to get to get a shine on Matte Black (Method/Fuel/Etc) wheels

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TripleE44

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When you clean them what are you using? That looks more like fading from a harsh cleaner or just plain age.

Another option would be to put a light polish on a microfiber applicator and basically polish them a little like you would with regular paint. Just be consistent and methodical so its all even.
 
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patire19

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When you clean them what are you using? That looks more like fading from a harsh cleaner or just plain age.

Another option would be to put a light polish on a microfiber applicator and basically polish them a little like you would with regular paint. Just be consistent and methodical so its all even.
im using the same detergent im cleaning my car with and thats the meguiars wash and wax. Its like a yellow goop.
 

NE Raptor

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I thought the same as @TripleE44 mentioned, it looks like something damaged your finish. I am thinking the wash and "wax" part is your problem on why they looked haze. Matte shouldn't be cleaned with anything using wax, wax car wash usually has carnuba beads in it. Try cleaning with a regular car soap with no wax (I like black light from CG) or try using plain dawn dish soap on them and give them a good cleaning. Then try out some of the things mentioned here already. I get compliments all the time on how good the matte paint on my bike has held up - strictly dawn dish soap and harley denim cleaner - the dealer told me that anything containing any wax is a big no no and ruins the finish.
 
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patire19

patire19

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I thought the same as @TripleE44 mentioned, it looks like something damaged your finish. I am thinking the wash and "wax" part is your problem on why they looked haze. Matte shouldn't be cleaned with anything using wax, wax car wash usually has carnuba beads in it. Try cleaning with a regular car soap with no wax (I like black light from CG) or try using plain dawn dish soap on them and give them a good cleaning. Then try out some of the things mentioned here already. I get compliments all the time on how good the matte paint on my bike has held up - strictly dawn dish soap and harley denim cleaner - the dealer told me that anything containing any wax is a big no no and ruins the finish.
ah interesting never even thought about that. Thanks for the heads up.
 

TripleE44

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im using the same detergent im cleaning my car with and thats the meguiars wash and wax. Its like a yellow goop.

I can't see that minimal amount of wax causing any hazing issues, if anything it would just shine them gradually over time. I had that issue on a set of methods on a superduty, but every so often I'd just hit them with a matte detailer spray and it would usually knock it off.

I'm thinking something has dried them out, I would not suggest dish soap as that will probably dry them out further. Dish soap has its place, but it also strips a small amount of paint when you wash with it. I see you're in NJ so maybe the chemicals they use on the streets has gotten to them too much?

I think polishing them lightly would be my course of action.

Maybe even soak the crap out of them with tire shine, let it sit, clean them and repeat a few times. You might be able to get some residue to kinda penetrate them and "stick" in a way.
 
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patire19

patire19

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I can't see that minimal amount of wax causing any hazing issues, if anything it would just shine them gradually over time. I had that issue on a set of methods on a superduty, but every so often I'd just hit them with a matte detailer spray and it would usually knock it off.

I'm thinking something has dried them out, I would not suggest dish soap as that will probably dry them out further. Dish soap has its place, but it also strips a small amount of paint when you wash with it. I see you're in NJ so maybe the chemicals they use on the streets has gotten to them too much?

I think polishing them lightly would be my course of action.

Maybe even soak the crap out of them with tire shine, let it sit, clean them and repeat a few times. You might be able to get some residue to kinda penetrate them and "stick" in a way.
thanks ill give that a shot first.
 

mattyz99

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You gotta treat them like your other painted car surfaces if you want them to look like new, when a car wash uses a harsh cleaner they are gonna dull and look worn out, all the above mentioned work, I have found that a good cleaner wax, I’ve used meguiar’s, works best when this happens to bring them back to that deep new look.
 

termite352

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They look oxidized as the color black absorbs the heat (sun) where something like white will reflect the heat. The sun torches black and dries it out. Dawn is a degreaser which strips the painted surface of the oils in the paint thus giving it a waxy white appearance. Lots of good suggestions, just have to figure out what works for you and the current condition of the wheels.
 
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