[chickenwire]

I know it's a matter of opinion and I've read a few threads here about "Gary's" products but his web site didn't seem to list anything but his services in-house.

I've used Maguire's "endurance" tire dressing most recently and if you apply generously with an applicator it looks pretty good. Just doesn't seem to last very long. (Well not as long as you'd think a product called "endurance" would last, in my opinion.)

A few years BS (before Solstice) I used Turtle Wax's product that was an aerosol spray. Basically a gloss paint. Like many products it looked great going on. Once it started to go away it looked like crap as it was very blotchy.

I'm not looking for high gloss shine, just a deep black and lasting appearance.

What say the masses here?

 

[KappaKadet]

One vote for Aerospace 303.

 

[The_Ghost]

I know it's a matter of opinion and I've read a few threads here about "Gary's" products but his web site didn't seem to list anything but his services in-house.

I've used Maguire's "endurance" tire dressing most recently and if you apply generously with an applicator it looks pretty good. Just doesn't seem to last very long. (Well not as long as you'd think a product called "endurance" would last, in my opinion.)

They actually changed the formula of this stuff about a year after it was out. I had my white Camaro when it came out. The only reason I tried it was because I was tired of all of the "residual" coming off and getting on my car behind the wheels. The Endurance was AWESOME (when it first came out). I could put it on my tires and not have to wash my car 2 days later because of all of the dressing coming off the tire and landing on my car. Then they changed the formula and now it's no better then Armor All IMO.... I use Tire Wet with an applicator. But, it comes off and gets all over my car.... :brentil:

 

[DaveOC]

I know it's a matter of opinion and I've read a few threads here about "Gary's" products but his web site didn't seem to list anything but his services in-house.

Back when Solstice was a new thing, Gary (turbomangt) owned Perfect Auto Finish in the Chicago area, was very active on this forum, and sold his favorite auto care and detailing products on this board. He was also a supporting vendor here.

In 2007, Gary sold the business to Kevin Traver, and Kevin took the business in a different direction, adding a car wash and specializing in "in house" detailing. He quit selling detailing products shortly thereafter.

Gary was last on this board sometime in 2008.

As to tire dressing, I've used several different ones over the years, but have had the best results from Mequiars High Gloss Hot Shine Tire Spray. I make sure to let it dry thoroughly before driving. I also don't spray it on the tires, but use a brush to apply it. It doesn't last very long. Its main advantage is that it doesn't end up on the side of the car.

A half bottle has lasted me since I got the Sol in 2005, so you can see that I don't use it very often.

:dunno:

 

[rob the elder]

I use new formula Adam's VRT (Vinyl, Rubber, and Tire) dressing. It is water resistant, applies easily and looks natural without having a high gloss. And its easy to apply when I am cleaning the wheels.

Best Tire Dressing | Super VRT | Car Detailing Supply

 

[TomatoSoup]

Second vote for Aerospace 303. Easy to apply, no 'fling off', muted shine, and lastssssss. You get brown build up on the tire after a while, but with 303 that just wipes off when you wash the car.

 

[ChopTop]

I recommend Griots Long-Lasting Tire Dressing. What I like about it is it makes the tire look clean/new w/out the shiny wet appearance, plus doesn't seem to attract or hold dust or road grime like other products I've used. I just use a old sock to apply it because it's like a lube, which is probably why they also offer a dressing applicator and pads.

Car Care Products, Detailing Supplies, Auto Accessories - Griot's Garage 800-345-5789

 

[Treeman]

I like corn meal dressing.......

 

[SolPainter]

I have used Black Magic MATTE dressing for years on all my cars. It stays on without sling. Gives a nice dark appearance without the shine. Last through many car washes.
I put it in a squeeze bottle and use a sponge to apply. One bottle will last for at least a year on our three cars. The Black Magic Web site does not show it as a product. I stocked up on a bunch at Big Lots for $3.00 a spray bottle.

 

[Sting Ya]

The stuff I use is made by Stoner "More Shine" it sprays on with a narrow pattern so if you are care full you won't get it all over your wheels ,does not drip,and you don't have to wipe it off. It has a nice flat finish to it so basically it makes the tires look new I'm not into that wet look stuff and it seems last.I think the most important thing here is to make sure your tires are clean before you apply any dressing.In Cleveland area they sell this stuff at O'Reillys about 4 bucks a can.

 

[SkyPilot]

I have used Black Magic MATTE dressing for years on all my cars. It stays on without sling. Gives a nice dark appearance without the shine.

:agree: I use it for the same reason and because I don't like glossy tires.

The Black Magic Web site does not show it as a product. I stocked up on a bunch at Big Lots for $3.00 a spray bottle.

Interesting, I still buy it at Pepboys

 

[chickenwire]

Good info. Wife has a hair appointment tonight "in the city" and I'll be burning time. There's a Lowes and about 5 auto parts stores in the same strip. Looks like Chicken's gonna spend some money!

 

[rob the elder]

Second vote for Aerospace 303. Easy to apply, no 'fling off', muted shine, and lastssssss. You get brown build up on the tire after a while, but with 303 that just wipes off when you wash the car.

I agree with the brown buildup. Can you offer any info on what this discoloration is and its source?

 

[MidniteBlues]

I agree with the brown buildup. Can you offer any info on what this discoloration is and its source?

I'll venture a guess, it's road grime and brake dust chocolate...
A little rain mixed in walla, dirty brown tires.. from the spray stinking to the tires as you blow thru the "mist"..

 

[timlange3]

I use Surf City Garage "Beyond Black". It is not shiny, but makes the tire look very sharp in my opinion. I don't like the shiny look, closer to the look of a brand new tire.

 

[TomatoSoup]

Good info. Wife has a hair appointment tonight "in the city" and I'll be burning time. There's a Lowes and about 5 auto parts stores in the same strip. Looks like Chicken's gonna spend some money!

Do some investigation into Aerospace 300. As our resident plastics guy, you can then report back to US!


Sorry, rob, don't know what causes the brown stuff. I assume it's just fine dirt.

 

[chickenwire]

I'll venture a guess, it's road grime and brake dust chocolate...
A little rain mixed in walla, dirty brown tires.. from the spray stinking to the tires as you blow thru the "mist"..

:agree:

Was always the problem when Armorall came out - stayed sticky enough that road grime/dust/brake dust would stick to it. Always looked shiny shiny for a few days and within a week generally looked like crap.

Didn't get a chance to hit any auto stores tonight, dangit to heck. Only had an hour to get miscellany for the upcoming family reunion - and a new blade for my table saw. (Just so I can keep my man-card for another week!) :lol:

 

[WillBeck]

As to tire dressing, I've used several different ones over the years, but have had the best results from Mequiars High Gloss Hot Shine Tire Spray. I make sure to let it dry thoroughly before driving. I also don't spray it on the tires, but use a brush to apply it. It doesn't last very long. Its main advantage is that it doesn't end up on the side of the car.

A half bottle has lasted me since I got the Sol in 2005, so you can see that I don't use it very often.

:dunno:

I use the same, but in an aerosol can. I spray mine directly on the tire, let sit for a few moments, then rub it in with a tire sponge.

Leaves the perfect amount of gloss, and if left to soak in, will not fling off.

This picture is a pretty honest representation. Gives a deep, clean black look without excess shine,

 

[MidniteBlues]

My only concern would be using some type of "oil based" dressing. I believe that over time it will eat into the tire causing it to perhaps prematurely cause minor tire cracking. I have been using Adams VRT product, I've also used Wolfgangs tire kits..:thumbs:

 

[WillBeck]

My only concern would be using some type of "oil based" dressing. I believe that over time it will eat into the tire causing it to perhaps prematurely cause minor tire cracking. I have been using Adams VRT product, I've also used Wolfgangs tire kits..:thumbs:

Doubtful that would happen. Most tires wear out long before something like that could happen. Also, many tire shines actually work to moisturizer the tire land allow it to last longer.

Though so many of those on this board own garage queens, your point is probably valid.