Re: How can I prep and care for these Powder Coated Wheels? (98vwgti)
Powder coating is painting, just in a differint way than normal paint spraying. Instead of spraying the surface and having paint go everywhere, powdercoating uses a positive and negative charge to the paint and the piece being painted. After the paint is applied the piece is baked to provide a uniform appearance that is very durable.
You can safely wax powdercoated wheels, but wax evaporates quickly due to heat and wheels get hot under normal operation. I'd personally go with a polymer like Klasse, as it will last longer. Re-apply as necessary. With Carnuba, you'd have to do it once every few days or so because Carnuba just doesn't last when heat is involved. With Klasse it would be closer to once every 1-2 months.
As far as polishing goes, just like any painted surface, you do not polish unless it is necessary. Polishing removes surface material, albeit in small amounts, but over time continued polishing will remove the paint. Powdercoating is normally stronger than regular paint/clearcoating, but it will wear thin as well. Do not use normal allow wheel cleaner on your powdercoated wheels. Take care of them like you would any other painted surface on your car.
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[Modified by JosephShaw, 5:03 PM 2-13-2002]
