Cleaning the Black Area of Tires

[Michael C.]

I've read many threads about tire cleaning. Most focused on whitewalls (which isn't my focus). About a year ago I bought a set of tires just to provide safe driving while I brought the car back to life after sitting for most of 30+ years. (I'll work on getting appropriate tires later.) The white stripes look fine, but the black areas have turned mostly brownish. Many positive comments in the previous threads about Black Magic Bleche-Wite. I bought some today, but I'm not sure I'm getting the expected results.

The attached photo shows a small area I "cleaned" on the backside of one tire. One application of the cleaner left spots and streaks. The photo is after about three applications. The cleaned area now looks like "unadulterated" rubber. It even feels cleaned (kind of "velvet" feel) as compared to the rest of the tire that feels like it has a glaze or coating (somewhat hard and slick). Is this "coating" residue of a release agent? Should I expect that multiple applications are necessary? Am I doing something wrong or is there a better product? Am I shooting for the wrong end results?

The Bleche-Wite label states to avoid painted (and other) surfaces. How is it possible to avoid getting this on the wheels? I'm especially concerned considering I just had my original rally wheels refinished. Have any of you had bad experiences with this product on your painted wheels?

Thanks,
Mike

[Steven B.]

Re: Cleaning the Black Area of Tires

Mike, I have used Bleach White since '64 and when it has got on the painted wheels, and also YJ-8's and Americans, it has not harmed the metals or paint, but I get it off quick. The brown is likely mold release. When I have put new tires on (last time this past February) it has taken a few times cleaning with Bleach White to remove it. I spray the Bleach White on the tire then scrub with a brush. The end result is a dull finish. Good Luck! Steve

[Michael C.]

Re: Cleaning the Black Area of Tires

Thanks Steve. Comforting words. Sounds like I'll be depleting the elbow grease this weekend.
Mike

[Alan D.]

Re: Cleaning the Black Area of Tires

Mike,
I have also used Bleche-White for many years without any adverse affects on the wheels aluminum or painted. I do one additional step and that is to Armoural the the tires. Spray them and let dry and then rub them with a cloth to a dull finish. They will look like new and will be protected. Have fun.
Al Dieterle

[Duke W.]

Re: Cleaning the Black Area of Tires

The brown film is mold release. In my experience, Bleach-White is ineffective. What works for me is mineral spirits and and lots of rubbing with old rags that you throw away when done.

Be careful about getting anything on the whitewalls as it could leave stains. All my cars have blackwalls, so it's not a problem.

Duke

[Perry M.]

Re: Cleaning the Black Area of Tires

100_2150.jpgNot to steal this thread as I have used Bleech White since the 80's with great results. My question is with the Firestone ''Gum Dipped'' tires. After the tires sit for awhile the tires develop a gummy film on the black portion of the tires, not on the whitewalls. They have been cleaned many times with different cleaners, including laquer thinner, but the film returns. I don't even have to drive the car for this to happen. What is meant by ''Gum Dipped? Is it the gum that keeps returning? In the meantime, continue to use the Bleech White. It's a good product.

[Matt L.]

Re: Cleaning the Black Area of Tires

i like to use a pressure washer with warm to hot water running through it. i spray the dry tire with a cleaner then pressure wash it. it has always worked great for me.
take care,
Matt

[John F.]

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/westleys-bleche-wite-old-stock-not-the-newer-black-magic-itc-stuff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-3pTVbgE-g

[Steven B.]

Re: Cleaning the Black Area of Tires

The original Westley’s Bleche-Wite was a potent cleaner. In 2011 ITW Dymon purchased the brand, “watered down” the formula and began marketing it with the Black Magic prefix. In my experience the current cleaner is only a shadow of the original. Others agree -

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/westleys-bleche-wite-old-stock-not-the-newer-black-magic-itc-stuff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-3pTVbgE-g

I agree John, Westley's formula was better. I still have some (old) Westley's and I recently bought BM (). I think the Westley's worked much better. Way back when I worked at a "service" station. When we sold new white walls we used the lubricant to remove the blue coating and we also used mineral spirits as Duke does. The mineral spirits was less costly and worked as well. Steve

[James W.]

Re: Cleaning the Black Area of Tires

Steven,

I've always used 3M Weathersrtip Adhesive Remover and an old cotton towel on my tires. It removes the waxy residue and leaves them nice and black with no sheen.


Best Regards,

James West

[Michael C.]

Re: Cleaning the Black Area of Tires

Update - thanks Duke, your suggestion to use mineral spirits was great. The brown film wiped right off. Followed up with Bleche-Wite and touched them off with Meguiar's Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner (wiped down to a matte finish). No visible effect on the painted wheels. Took most of the day to treat both sides of five tires. They look GREAT- better than new.

Mike