What does everyone here use to make their tires shiney and dark black? I've tried gels, sprays and foam, but my tires just never look like the tires on the cans/bottles do... why is that?

-Matt

 

Scrub your tires with a white wall cleaner and a scrub brush, then apply Zaino Z-16 Tire Gloss if you want a black satin finish, use Meguiar's Endurance Gel if your looking for a glossy finish.

 

I mainly use Z16 as I like the appearance and durability and the fact that it's low solvent. I have also used the Meguiar's Endurance High Gloss, with mixed results. It seems to be full of solvent and it seems the Z16 lasts longer for me. But, it does have a slightly higher sheen, but not as natural. Basically, Z16 would be my #1 choice if I could only have one tire dressing, but there are a few otehrs that will do a good job too. 303, Meguiar's #40, etc.....will work fine too.

 

I use black magic tire gel, gives a nice shine and is easy to apply. don't buy the spray b/c that will get on your rims I use the gel and apply it with a tire sponge

 

The important factor was mentioned by hvcone and do not over-look. The tires must be clean to get the full effect of a tire gloss. Since you desire a high gloss Z16 is not for you. There many locally available tire glosses that produce a high sheen. It is important to apply and massage into rubber so that slinging does not become a problem. Tire swaps are great for this job. The prep (cleaning) is the important step.
A good tire cleaning solution can be made with a dish washing soap(Dawn) and brush clean very thoroughly. Allow sidewalls to dry.

Good high sheen products:
Eagle One tire spray or Gel
Meguiar's high endurance
Armor All (new formation)
Turtle Wax high gloss

Keep an eye open for a new product (www.enduralast.com) that is not on the market yet but will be soon. I am presently doing an independent trial of this product for Lord Industries. It is very high gloss with an expected long duration ( not a dressing but a product that adheres to tires). Very exciting stuff.

 

Z16 may work well, depends on your definition of shiney. I didn't hear him say he only wanted a high gloss, just shiney. Z16 can be made to be shiney and glossy as well and should not be overlooked. It's a very high quality dressing.

Z16 on tire, looks shiny to me....

http://mls1.homestead.com/files/DCP_0006_7.jpg

 

I have Z16 and it is a very high quality product. "Sometimes you feel like a nut and sometimes you don't". It is just not glossy. My desires change and when I do not want a high gloss I use my Z16, Vinylex or 303. It is not very cost effective to apply this product (Z16) to achieve a glossy appearance when there are many alternatives to accomplish this goal. Again, a great produce for a matte ( natural new rubber) appearance.

 

I think it's probably just a matter of taste, in terms of how much gloss one wants on the tires. I use the Z16 on my Shelby specifically because it is not glossy and some judges will deduct for too glossy a finish on the tires for a vintage muscle car. Might just be me, but too much gloss just doesn't fit my "eye" when I'm judging classics. Also, it does not "sling" onto the body work after a short drying time.

For my newer cars I think a higher sheen looks good, I use Meguires Endurance for that, just have to remember to let it fully dry before driving (like overnight).

For me, it's the same thing with interior dressings for vinyl, leather and plastic. I prefer a very low gloss look there for all my cars. Remember, the idea is to make it look showroom new, new cars don't have glossy interiors. Too much high gloss dressing just doesn't look right to me, take the time to buff it out - just a pet peeve.

Some good points raised above about how to specifically clean your tires, it's a must for the dressing (whatever you choose to use) to look good. Another show car axiom...always deep clean the tires THEN deep clean the wheels.

 

I recently got to test Super Shine's Tire Dressing for them. supershinedetailing.com or something like that.

It does a great job and can be applied either by spraying on the tires (it is aerosol) or by spraying on an applicator and wiping on. Both work well.

I tried it on my truck by spraying it on and not wiping it off. It doesn't give too high of a gloss and lasted me two weeks. I also didn't notice any fling off even after a couple runs up to *cough* 110mph in my truck... yes... that is topping it out for me (governor). Probably doesn't compare to what you camaro people can do though.