I use the wipe clean after paint with thinner. I do it after each coat of paint. I do the primer.. then wipe the spokes clean, do the first coat of gold, then wipe the spokes clean, etc. So, I wipe the spokes clean after all the coats of paint because it is easier that way. If you wait til the end after all of the coats of paint, yes it takes some time and sometimes tough to do. But, if you do it after each coat, then it comes off pretty easily. I usually do one coat of primer, then about four light coats of paint cleaning the spokes off after each coat. Then the clear.