Tyre dressing applicators

[HEADPHONES]

Seeing as I have noticed some discussion on this topic I thought I'd start a thread here for people to share their experiences.

 

I bought a set of 5 off Amazon in 2018

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SODIAL-Professional-Automotive-Dressing-Applicator/dp/B076BCKWZB

Gave 2 away.

I'm on my second one.

Even then it looks like it has plenty more use left.

Below is the old next to a new one.

 

Pros:

Compared to the washing up sponges I was previously using they are less messy as they have a firm yellow foam handle.

 

When used lengthways they're the perfect width for low profile tyres.

 

The curved profile at the ends provides a nice sharp edge for detailed application where the tyre meets the rim.

 

Less than a pound each.

 

 

[HEADPHONES]

Cons

If used on fat SUV tyres in a sideways direction so the curve follows the contour of the tyre, the soft black foam delaminates from the yellow after just a few uses.

Do not do this.

[HEADPHONES]

Use lengthways along the sidewall

[ilogikal1]

It depends what product I'm using, but I always go with either a detailing brush (clicky) or kitchen roll wrapped around the finger to spread it evenly (usually on lower profile tyres where the brush doesn't work so well).

 

Sponge based aplicatiors always fall apart sooner rather than later and open cell sponges will absorb more product than they spread, so I just don't use them at all any more. I have one brush that I've used for probably close to a 500 applications (complete guesstimate) now and it's still going strong, whereas sponges tend to last no more 2-3 dozen applications at best. Kitchen roll is usually a last resort for me though.

[HEADPHONES]

All these years I never thought of a brush

Will give one a go when my gel arrives

Don't think they'd be so good with a watery dressing like Autoglym instant tyre dressing

[ilogikal1]

If the wheels are off and horizontal it’s easier to spread with a brush, but yes otherwise using a brush can be a bit messy. 

[andy james]

I've used the Meguiars sponge applicator for a few years now. They last quite well and come in it's own box so no drips!

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=meguiars+tyre+dressing+applicator+pad&client=safari&hl=en-gb&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjp2Pq7q_PsAhU0pHEKHSZnD24Q_AUoAnoECAMQAg&biw=1024&bih=704&dpr=2#imgrc=SBI5FLBnXxufeM

[mr v6]

I buy the x12 yellow pads off ebay, they come from China, but are only 99p. Always keep plenty in so I don't run out or mind waiting for the post.

[HEADPHONES]

@Andy James those images look so satisfying with the gel turning the tyres glossy.

I changed to a more satin look for years but I'm feeling the love for the glossy black finish again

Edited November 8, 2020 by HEADPHONES

[andy james]

I can remember a time when you bought a tin of tyre paint which looked fab for about 2 days and then started to crack and peel off!!

[marzman]

Just me...?  

 

 

 

I actually tried this for the first time today, and it was pretty disappointing.  I pulled the green abrasive sponge off following this picture, but it doesnt let much through.  I might be able to modify it for next time though...  in theory the concept's a winner. 

[HEADPHONES]

^that's an ingenious idea.

Reminds of those clear paper glue pens the kids had with a sponge tip to apply and speed the glue.

Make sure you report back if it's effective once removing the green pad

[HEADPHONES]

In fact.......those liquid shoe polish things with a squeezy bottle and foam applicator at the end would be perfect....

 

[LRF4N]

2 hours ago, HEADPHONES said:

In fact.......those liquid shoe polish things with a squeezy bottle and foam applicator at the end would be perfect....

 

I was saying this at a meet last year

 

Ive been using a paint brush for years, a bit messy until you get the hang of it 

[Lewis Schwier]

I use Auto Finesse Tyre Spot Pad. They last very well and you can use with or without the handy puck depending on the profile of the tyre you are doing.

One thing that makes me absolutely cringe is when I see someone using a dirty applicator. Absolutely defeats the object of cleaning the tyre in the first place and then just leaves a layer of black sludge on the tyre, then in most cases slings all up the car and in the wheel arch 

 

Important to wash your applicator out, but depending on what tyre dressing you use sometimes this isn’t possible. 

[davey_83]

Thought I'd piggyback on to here. Very thorough test, best I've seen. 

 

Why spend more than you need 

 

 

Gyeon Q2 tire

Meguiar's Endurance tyre gel

Auto Finesse Satin 

Optimum tyre coating

Autoglym high performance tyre gel

Turtle Wax Wet & Black

Sonax Xtreme tyre gel

TAC Systems Seal

 

and only one winner!!

Edited January 16, 2021 by davey_83

[HEADPHONES]

Forensic Detailing forgot to mention how delicious the AG tyre gel smells too