Properly installed and cared for, a Permagloss Treatment should provide a lifetime (the normal service life of the tire) of UV, ozone and oxidation protection. As for the shine Permagloss provides, it too can last the entire life of the tire, but is much more sensitive to environmental conditions and tire care procedures.
Permagloss treated tires on a rarely driven, garage kept collector car should retain their shine for many years, perhaps 20 or more, because Permagloss is extraordinarily durable and designed to provide permanent adhesion. However, most vehicles are exposed to much harsher conditions than the aforementioned collector car and their tires and Permagloss treatment will suffer accordingly.
To better understand the “staying power” of Permagloss, please view our Durability Demonstration Video. As the video shows, the product’s durability is nothing short of amazing. But, again, it is completely dependent upon a proper initial application, ongoing care (see “What are the Care and Cleaning Procedures for Permagloss Treated Tires?” below), and the environment the treated tires are exposed to.
The average customer, with the average vehicle, driving and care habits should expect 9-12 months of gloss retention before they may desire a “Refresh” (see “What’s a Refresh and How is one Performed” below) Again, the gloss can last longer, or even forever, but just like the ink from a permanent Magic Marker can be removed with vigorous scrubbing or various solvents, so can the gloss finish from a Permagloss treated tire, if it is exposed to various solvents or abusive conditions.
To achieve a rich, lustrous and long lasting finish, nothing is more important. It is essential that the sidewall surfaces of the tires being treated are free of any dirt, but most importantly, completely free of any silicones, oils or other tire shine products. Permagloss sticks to rubber like paint to a fender, but will not stick to silicone, oil or other “lubricants.” If applied to a tire with residual tire shine remaining, meaning any existing silicone or tire dressing was not completely removed, the Permagloss coatings may flake and peel.
Cleaning New Tires before Treatment: New, virgin tires that have never been exposed to any tire shine products are the perfect candidates for long lasting treatments. However, do understand that new tires must still be thoroughly cleaned, as they are delivered from the manufacturer coated with a layer of “Mold Release Compound” that must be removed. Mold Release Compound is a lubricant that tire manufacturers use to coat and lubricate tire molds to prevent the tires from sticking to the mold equipment during manufacturing. It is the substance that is responsible for the oily feel of new tires. The good news is it is easily removed when you carefully follow our Permagloss Application Instructions.
Cleaning Used Tires before Treatment: “Used” tires that have never been exposed to any tire dressings or other harmful products are even better candidates for a successful Permagloss Treatment because the above mentioned Mold Release Compound has had more time to wash and wear off. Tires that have been exposed to tire shine products in the past can also be successfully treated, however will require more care.
Virtually all popular tire shine products are oil or silicone based. Such products are quite destructive as they promote tire yellowing and cracking and can destroy the UV and ozone protectants that are essential to the life, color and texture of a tire. Further, they “soak” into the tire’s surface and therefore diminish Permagloss’s ability to properly and fully adhere. Therefore, we do not recommend performing a Permagloss treatment on tires that have been treated with another tire shine product within the last week. If the exiting tire shine product in still glossy, it is best to wait a week or two until the gloss has diminished. While not required, allowing the remaining tire shine product to wear off will make its removal easier.
To clean tires that have been treated with other tire shine products in the past, simply follow the standard Application Instructions. However, be prepared to spend extra time cleaning the tires as directed, scrubbing the tires with our Permagloss Tire Prep & Cleaner until a completely white lather develops, signaling you that the tires are adequately clean.
Note: Some customers have reported enjoying great success removing existing tire shine products from their tires with Lacquer Thinner, carefully scrubbing the tire surface with a rag soaked in the solvent, allowing the tires to dry, and then washing the tires with our Permagloss Tire Prep & Cleaner and proceeding with the Application Instructions as they normally would. Due to the environmental concerns associated with lacquer thinner, as well as potential damage to a vehicle’s wheels or any other painted or coated surface, we do not recommend the use of such solvents.
Performing a four-tire treatment on an average size set of new tires (a half-ton pick-up truck or smaller vehicle with standard tires) should take about 30 minutes. Perform the treatment with the vehicle on a lift and it will take less time. As further explained above, used tires may take longer to treat, depending on how dirty they are and if their side walls have been contaminated with oil or silicone based tire shine products.
A Permagloss “Refresh” is a simple procedure that enables you to quickly restore the original wet look/shine to a Permagloss treated tire or to repair “curb rash.” A Refresh is performed by simply cleaning the treated tire with mild soap and water, allowing it to dry completely and applying one or more coats of Permagloss Finish Coat to the tire with a sponge. Unlike the initial Permagloss Treatment, a Refresh does not require the use of our Permagloss Tire Prep and Cleaner or any Base Coat, just a quick cleaning and the application of one or more coats of Finish Coat. For complete Refresh procedure details, please review our Application Instructions.
Permagloss treated tires should be cleaned with a soft sponge and mild soap and water only. Never use a scrub brush or any harsh cleaners, including Permagloss Tire Prep & Cleaner, on a Permagloss treated tire. It is simply unnecessary and such treatment can greatly reduce the product’s luster and performance. As a rule of thumb, clean your Permagloss treated tires as you would any painted exterior surface of your vehicle, again, using only a soft sponge and mild soap and water. Be sure to share this important information with everyone who washes or details your Permagloss equipped vehicle.