What to do after polishing aluminum wheels?

My wife has spent a lot of time polishing her wheels on her Bronco but is Very discouraged to see that they are starting to corrode pretty quickly. What’s the best thing to put on bare aluminum wheels so that her work doesn’t disappear?

I just coated my rims with normal car wax after polishing them last time but that is only going to last so long. I've thought about trying one of those fancy ceramic coatings and seeing how that does but haven't yet. I guess I'm just as interested as you to see what other people have had success with.

Adam

I’m guessing that what you’re experiencing is oxidation and not corrosion proper. Aluminum is the extremely reactive in oxygen but generally corrodes when exposed to galavanized steel. A simple solution is just to clean the wheels periodically with a household aluminum cleaner. There’s also waxes specifically, mother’s has a version,  formulated to help prevent oxidation on aluminum wheels. A more permanent solution would be clear coat. The best, and most expensive, would be to get them  chrome plated. 

My detailer buddy suggested a "clear bra"

Basically a clear version of vinyl wrap.

adam525i said:

I just coated my rims with normal car wax after polishing them last time but that is only going to last so long. I've thought about trying one of those fancy ceramic coatings and seeing how that does but haven't yet. I guess I'm just as interested as you to see what other people have had success with.

Adam

My car is just more than 1 year in to having been Ceramic Coated (windows and wheels too). I slacked off over the winter on keeping the car clean. I had my detail friend come over this weekend to clean it back up and throw the "Refresher" protectant coat back on. Car looked amazing.............until this morning when I had to drive to work in the rain.

#1stworldproblems

I've used http://www.sharkhide.com/ it's made for aluminum boats and planes. Works great.

In reply to Papabear :

Does it cloud the shine of highly polished billet parts?

In reply to Dusterbd13-michael :

I've not seen a difference in the shine. 

I think your proximity to the coast is making things worse.  A regular reapplication of wax, or possibly a clear coat will help out,  but IIRC, you are mere blocks from the beach.

Every new wheel that looks like bare polished aluminum actually has clearcoat on it. That's the 'best' solution but not the easiest. I'd look for something more of the 'wipe on' variety. 

There used to be a product called Zoop Seal that was just for this purpose.  I believe "Shine Seal" offered through Summit racing and others is the same type of thing

I've used Poorboys wheel sealant on my CCW Classics and only touch them up once a year.  Might be worth a try for you.

This is relevant to my interests. Have some polished aluminum (not wheels) that I'm gifting to someone and hoping to make it a maintenance-free shine for them..

Papabear said:

I've used http://www.sharkhide.com/ it's made for aluminum boats and planes. Works great.

 

Papa bear has it right, I once a year it and hose them

off otherwise.

Hmm - need this for my polished door handles and panasports that need a polish and seal.

Cooter, you are correct that we are close to a large pool of saltwater.  So doubtless that is not helping. 

The sharkhide stuff is not cheap!   But we will give it a shot.  Thanks for the recommendations!

It takes very little, another glowing recommendation is that Airstream suggests this stuff to keep your trailer from dulling.