This is Part 1 of my long-term test of EXOforma Wet Tire Dressing, a water-based formula that promises a deep, wet-look shine with minimal sling and UV protection to prevent rotting and discoloration. Let’s dive into the application, initial results, and early impressions.
Why Instructions Can Be Misleading
EXOforma’s instructions advise users to “spray directly on the tire and let it sit for 10+ minutes, then wipe off excess with a microfiber cloth—longer dwell time equals higher shine.” While it may seem straightforward, that method often leads to excess sling, wasted product, and an uneven finish. I’ll explain more about why that is later, but first, let’s start with product usage.
Product Setup & Application Method
To begin, I weighed the 16 oz bottle at 1.174 pounds—keeping track of usage per tire. As with all my water-based shine tests, I skipped the direct spray—instead using 3 sprays onto a foam applicator pad, working it thoroughly into the tire in multiple directions. This ensures a smooth and even spread without overspray.
Because SUVs have deep grooves and intricate lettering, I added 3 more sprays to ensure full coverage. The dressing is noticeably thicker than usual—it doesn’t drip, which is good, but it does stick in tighter spaces, leading to streaking and potential sling if not worked in well.
To reach the tire’s bottom portion, I rolled the car back and applied 3 final sprays, ensuring a consistent and slightly thicker-than-usual layer. With water-based products, more layers help leave behind enough silicone or polymer after water evaporation.
Cost Analysis
After application, the bottle weighed 1.154 pounds, meaning I used 0.020 pounds of product. Based on current pricing, that comes out to about 38 cents per tire—a reasonable cost if you can manage the application method.
Initial Results & Sling Test
After ~30 minutes drying time, I took the car for a test drive to check for sling—no sling occurred, but streaking was evident around lettering and tighter grooves. Visually, the tire achieved a bright, uniform shine that clearly outperformed the untreated control section.
To clean it up, I lightly swiped the applicator over the tire, evening out fine imperfections.
First Impressions
What Works:
Delivers a rich, even gloss compared to the untreated tire
No sling when using controlled application methods
What Needs Work:
Thicker formula can accumulate in grooves, causing streaks
Application requires patience and attention to hotspots
Instructions would benefit from specific dosing info—6 sprays + brush might be ideal
What’s Next? Stay Tuned for Part 2
While some Amazon reviews mention rapid drying and fading, I’ll address those concerns in Part 2. I’ll be tracking shine retention, hydrophobic behavior, and performance under driving conditions and washes.
Final Thoughts (For Now)
EXOforma Wet Tire Dressing delivers the shine it promises—but it takes skill to avoid streaking. With careful application, this dressing looks great. Now it’s time for the real test: durability. Don’t miss Part 2 where I’ll update you on how it holds up over time.
