An "outside safe" glass sealant for our high-end service such as Rain-X or Aquapel?

D

DutrowLLC

New member
I'm re-vamping the steps that we do for out high-end service.



I'd like to offer a glass sealant such as Rain-X or Aquapel. I feel like Rain-X may be perceived as too "low end" because it is widely known and available at any Wal-mart and doesn't last all that long. Years ago, we used Aquapel for a short period of time. I know Aquapel is more permanent, I thought it was really cool how it comes sealed in glass until its time to use it and then you break the glass and apply the sealant. However, we are a mobile service, and I quickly stopped using it years ago after an experience where is was applied to a hot windshield in the summer time and it left clear etch marks on the windshield.



What is a good glass sealant to use on customer's cars that does not carry the risk of etching their glass?



Thanks so much!
 
Clearkote's Quikshine has a very nice water repellent affect and it lasts longer than RainX. It isn't marketed specifically for that purpose but it does the job very well. Works fine hot or cold.
 
I have installed AquaPel all over the world, as at one time AI was their main automotive detailing supply distribution arm.

From all over the USA, Canada, parts of Southeast Asia, Europe,etc.

Applied it in Pureto Rico in the bright sun on an afternoon when the temp was 95F.

What no one told you was that if you see what you thought was etching, was only the resin drying too quickly due to the heat.

If you could have applied another coat right over the troublesome one, the concern would have disappeared.

You see the resin can not "etch" glass, after all it was developed by one of the largest automotive glass manufacturers in the world, PPG and no way would they have put out a product that etched their glass.

PPG sold off the marketing rights of the product a few years back, but still provides the resin to the new holder of the name.

This resin is an "air-cure" resin,(term is aerobic) which is why it has to be packaged in the glass tube inside of the applicator plastic/felt system.

Soon as it is exposed to air, it starts curing, quickly and warm or hot temperatures will make it "set/cure" very quickly.

Just a little information regarding AquaPel that most are not aware of.

Grumpy
 
detailfanatic said:
I am using Aquapel and it's outlasted the glass sealants from everyone including Wolfs and GTechnic
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How long are you seeing it last? I've been happy with Wolfs ability

to shed water, but I haven't been using it long enough to get a solid

idea of its durability.
 
I cover everything with D156 after every wash or detail I do. It lasts a few weeks. For my personal vehicles that is long enough as they get washed weekly. For the few details I still do (retired), it makes a good impression, as it leaves the glass streak free, shiny and shedding water.
 
dfazekas said:
How long are you seeing it last? I've been happy with Wolfs ability

to shed water, but I haven't been using it long enough to get a solid

idea of its durability.
Click to expand...



With either product, I got a few months out of it. I mean when it stopped shedding water really well. Aquapel has easily been twice as long.
 
Ron Ketcham said:
...

What no one told you was that if you see what you thought was etching, was only the resin drying too quickly due to the heat.

If you could have applied another coat right over the troublesome one, the concern would have disappeared.
Click to expand...



Thanks Ron, this response was really helpful. as long as I know I'm not going to %*$& up anyone's car, then I'm good to go :)



I just ordered 12 pieces off Amazon for around $37 with shipping, is there a better place to get Aquapel?



Thanks again!
 
I don't know, been out of the loop for over 3 years.

However, that is a very good price, Delta Sonic charges or was, when I was still working $29.95 for an installation of the AquaPel.

Will offer one more bit of advice----DO NOT APPLY TO OUTSIDE MIRRORS!

They are made of plastic, just in case you were not aware and it may streak those.
 
If your comparing G1 to Aquapel and Aquapel is lasting longer, you didn't apply G1 correctly.
detailfanatic said:
I am using Aquapel and it's outlasted the glass sealants from everyone including Wolfs and GTechnic
Click to expand...
 
Legacy99 said:
If your comparing G1 to Aquapel and Aquapel is lasting longer, you didn't apply G1 correctly.
Click to expand...



Followed their directions that accompanied the product. I'm not saying it stopped working altogether, just that the "just applied" performance of Aquapel lated longer than that of G1.
 
I'm going to try Aquapel, my car (GTI) and wife's (Highlander) get the back glass flithy the fastest due to the shape. One little drizzle and road scum sticks back there like crazy. It would be great to just hit it with a hose and have it rinse right off!
 
I dont even offer Aquapel or RainX anymore. I sell rain repellant widshield 6 month guaranteed for a $30 dollar. I use Cquartz. Wash and clay the windhshield. Give it an 50/50 IPA wipedown. Apply Cquartz and viola. Just make sure you have a good 1-2 hours before you need to place the wipers back on the windshield. 30ml of Cquartz is retail $60+ shipping and you can do a minimum of 15 cars with it. Much more cost effective than Aquapel at $5 a pop.



edited: You do have to make sure it is nice and level as well.
 
I have used Aquapel for years, generally I got about 6 months on the windscreen but now I use Gtech G1 which gives me about 12 months on the windscreen. Here in the UK G1 is about twice as expensive as Aquapel but it lasts twice as long and there is a enough in a bottle to do all the glass several times.
 
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