Hi all. Silicones simply enhance the "blackness" of the rubber ... they do not actually "make" the tires black. This type of silicones are actually clear and are delivered in a water-based macro-emulsion such as Armor-All (which looks milkish) or a water-based, micro-emulsion like 303 (which is clear). You should note that both are water-based... 303 simply creates a micro-emulsion to sell using different equipment/surfactant than Armor-All...

Also, silicones are actually used to coat the tire molds when they are manufactured - so a brand-new tire actually has some silicone on the surface.

But, back to Mediacritic's question. Many waxes, silicones, acrylics, antioxidants will attract dirt and will eventually make the tires look grey or yellowed. If we could scrub/clean the rubber sufficiently to get that matte, dark black finish of new rubber back, we would not need tire shiners... But, rubber oxidizes and turns grey, so we need "something" to make them look better.

I like the matte-black finish and use Ziano's tire protectant. It's a little on shiny side for my taste, but it holds up well. But, based on these notes, I think I need to try Stoners. Thanks.