• Sign Up! To view all forums and unlock additional cool features

    Welcome to the #1 Explorer ST Forum and Explorer ST community dedicated to Explorer ST owners and enthusiasts. Register for an account, it's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Explorer ST Forum today!


How to buff out swirl mark type scratches on wheels before ceramic coating?

Cbehr

New Member
Messages
9
Reactions
1
Points
2
Location
Eastern PA
Vehicle
23 Explorer ST & 03 Mustang Cobra
#1
I was surprised to see tiny swirl mark like fine scratches all over my factory black wheels after only 2k miles and 15 or so car washes in which I only used a brush once. I'd like to ceramic coat them but figure I should buff these marks out first, any tips/tricks on doing this?
 

Messages
35
Reactions
14
Points
2
Location
Tulsa, OK
Vehicle
2023 Explorer ST
#2
If it was me, I'd try Meguiar's cleaner wax on them first. I use this on my black aluminum trailer and it works great for scuff marks, and swirls. If that didn't work I'd go with a light rubbing compound, then go back over with the cleaner wax afterward.
 

Messages
69
Reactions
21
Points
7
Location
Chicago IL
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#3
I feel like the wheels swirl up really easily like the pillars do lol... You'll need a small enough polisher to get in there and do it like a paint correction.
 

OP
C

Cbehr

New Member
Messages
9
Reactions
1
Points
2
Location
Eastern PA
Vehicle
23 Explorer ST & 03 Mustang Cobra
Thread Starter #4
I feel like the wheels swirl up really easily like the pillars do lol... You'll need a small enough polisher to get in there and do it like a paint correction.
Yeah I was really shocked how after just a short period of time w/ no rough or hard cleanings they were scratched. Assuming everyone just deals with it and it is what it is...
 

Messages
5
Reactions
4
Points
2
Location
Indiana
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#5
i have used Chemical Guys P4 on mine and it worked wonders.
 

OP
C

Cbehr

New Member
Messages
9
Reactions
1
Points
2
Location
Eastern PA
Vehicle
23 Explorer ST & 03 Mustang Cobra
Thread Starter #6
Can I do by hand or really need a small buffer?
 

Messages
5
Reactions
4
Points
2
Location
Indiana
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#7
I did mine by hand. Then I used Mother's CMX after the chemical guys P4 and it looks so much better it's not professional but it's so much better.
 

Cruising68

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,389
Reactions
1,031
Points
262
Location
Chicago, IL, USA
#8
I had the swirls on my oem wheels. IMO they scratched easily. Have not had that problem on my aftermarket wheels. I also put a ceramic coating on the wheels as I think it’s harder than the paint on the wheels.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

ARC

Member
Law Enforcement
Messages
285
Reactions
89
Points
27
Location
Oak Lawn, IL, USA
Vehicle
2022 ST Black
#9
I had mine refinished at around 20k.
Chicago Tire and Wheel in Elk Grove Village.
Charged about 150.00 per.
These are definitely the last black wheels I will own.
 

Cruising68

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,389
Reactions
1,031
Points
262
Location
Chicago, IL, USA
#10
I had mine refinished at around 20k.
Chicago Tire and Wheel in Elk Grove Village.
Charged about 150.00 per.
These are definitely the last black wheels I will own.
I’ve used them on a set of wheels. Good price, good service!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 



Top