Coating your wheels and brake calipers is an excellent way to protect and enhance their appearance, while also making future cleaning easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to coat your wheels and brake callipers as part of your car detailing process:

Materials You’ll Need:

1. Wheel and brake calliper coating product (choose a high-quality, dedicated product)
2. Wheel cleaner
3. Brake caliper cleaner (optional)
4. Microfiber towels
5. Foam applicator pads or specialized wheel coating applicator
6. Nitrile gloves
7. Wheel brush (for cleaning)
8. Brake calliper brush or detail brush (optional)

Steps for Wheel and Brake Caliper Coating:

1. Vehicle Preparation:
   • Park your car in a shaded area or indoors to prevent the coating product from drying too quickly.
   • Ensure the wheels and brake calipers are cool to the touch.
2. Cleaning the Wheels:
   • Use a wheel cleaner to thoroughly clean the wheels. Follow the product’s instructions for best results.
   • Use a wheel brush to agitate and remove brake dust and dirt from all wheel surfaces, including inside the spokes and behind the wheel face.
   • Rinse the wheels thoroughly to remove all cleaning residue.
3. Cleaning the Brake Calipers (Optional):
   • If desired, use a brake caliper cleaner to clean the brake calipers. Follow the product’s instructions.
   • A detail brush or brake caliper brush can help reach into tight areas.
   • Rinse the brake calipers thoroughly.
4. Drying the Wheels and Calipers:
   • Use microfiber towels to completely dry the wheels and calipers.
5. Shake the Coating Product:
   • Read and follow the instructions on the coating product’s label.
   • Shake the product if required by the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Application Technique:
   • Put on nitrile gloves to protect your hands.
   • Apply a small amount of the coating product onto a foam applicator pad or a specialized wheel coating applicator.
7. Working in Sections:
   • Work on one section of a wheel at a time to ensure thorough and even coverage.
   • Apply the coating product to the wheel surface, including the spokes and any exposed hardware.
   • For brake calipers, apply the coating to all visible surfaces.
8. Allow to Cure:
   • Follow the specific product’s instructions for the recommended curing time. This time can vary but is typically around 5-10 minutes.
9. Buffing:
   • Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to gently buff off any excess coating product from the wheels and calipers.
   • Ensure that you achieve a uniform, glossy finish.
10. Repeat for Other Wheels and Calipers:
    • Continue the process, working on one wheel and caliper at a time, until all are coated.
11. Final Inspection:
    • Examine the coated areas for any residue, streaks, or unevenness. If necessary, buff again to achieve a smooth, uniform appearance.
12. Maintain the Coating:
    • Avoid washing the wheels and brake calipers or exposing them to moisture for at least 24 hours after applying the coating to allow it to fully cure.
    • Regularly clean the coated wheels and calipers with a mild wheel cleaner to maintain their appearance and protection.

Coating your wheels and brake calipers not only protects them but also adds a glossy finish to enhance the overall look of your car. It’s an excellent investment in maintaining and showcasing your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific coating product you choose for the best results.