Chemical Guys VRP Review – The Sling Problem Nobody Talks About
VRP promises a versatile shine on vinyl, rubber, and plastic. We focused on tires—where sling and dust attraction can ruin a fresh wash—and tested it against a water-based alternative that dries clean.
Quick Verdict
What we liked: easy application, dark initial look on tires and trim.
What we didn’t: higher chance of sling on sidewalls, dust attraction from an oily finish, and a look that fades unevenly. We got better, cleaner results switching to a water-based dressing.
Pros & Cons (VRP on Tires)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast wipe-on application | Greasy feel can attract dust |
| Dark, glossy look initially | Sling risk if tire isn’t perfectly clean or product is over-applied |
| Usable on trim as well | Finish can fade/blotch after a few drives and washes |
Our Test Setup
- Prep A (basic): rinse-only tire prep, then apply VRP per label.
- Prep B (proper): deep clean with Jimbo’s Pure Magic Cleaner until foam turned white, dry fully, then apply a thin coat of All Dressed Up using All Blacked Out Applicators.
- Evaluated sling (first drive), dust attraction (24 hrs), and finish consistency after two weekly washes.
Results
Sling & Cleanliness
On the rinse-only prep, VRP slung onto lower doors and caught road dust. With deep-cleaned sidewalls, sling was reduced—but still more likely than with a water-based dressing applied thin and leveled.
Finish & Durability
VRP started glossy but lost uniformity faster. The water-based All Dressed Up dried matte OEM, resisted dust, and wore down evenly without greasy residue.
User Experience
VRP’s “wet look” appeals on day one. If you prefer a clean, dry feel that won’t mess up nearby paint, a water-based formula wins—especially when paired with proper tire decontamination.
The Sling-Free Method (Step-by-Step)
- Deep clean: On cool tires, spray Pure Magic Cleaner. Scrub until foam turns white (brown foam = contamination). Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed.
- Dry completely: Towel and/or compressed air—no trapped water behind raised letters.
- Apply thin: Load All Blacked Out Applicators with All Dressed Up. Work into the sidewall evenly.
- Level excess: After 5–10 minutes, lightly buff with a dry microfiber.
- Cure: Wait 30–60 minutes before driving. For a darker look, add a second thin coat after the first has set.
VRP vs. All Dressed Up — Head-to-Head
| Factor | Chemical Guys VRP | Jimbo’s All Dressed Up |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Wet, glossy | Matte OEM (buildable to satin) |
| Touch | Oily/greasy feel | Dry-to-the-touch |
| Sling Risk | Higher, especially with poor prep or heavy coats | Low when applied thin on a fully cleaned tire |
| Dust Attraction | Higher | Low |
Final Verdict
If you like a wet, shiny look and can tolerate some sling risk, VRP can deliver short-term aesthetics. For daily drivers and clean paint, switching to a water-based dressing after a true tire decon produced the cleanest, most consistent results in our tests.
Skip Sling: Go Water-Based
Deep clean with Pure Magic Cleaner, then dress with All Dressed Up for a dry, OEM look that stays off your paint.
