Armor All Question

Z

ZaneO

New member
I've understood Armor All Original to be water-based.



I read a discussion that was talking about it not being water-based and its solvent content.



So I read the website, and this is what it says, " Armor All® Original Shine Protectant contains water-based silicone emulsions, surfactants, and ultraviolet light inhibitors, humectants, dispersants and gloss enhancers."



What do you all think?
 
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:D
 
ZaneO said:
I've understood Armor All Original to be water-based.



I read a discussion that was talking about it not being water-based and its solvent content.



So I read the website, and this is what it says, " Armor All® Original Shine Protectant contains water-based silicone emulsions, surfactants, and ultraviolet light inhibitors, humectants, dispersants and gloss enhancers."



What do you all think?
Click to expand...



It is basically the same as all the white milky water based dressings, Megs #40, 303, Vinylx, etc. It didn't used to be and thats were Armor All got it's bad rep. They are water based and contain PDMS. This is short form for a type of silicone that I can't remember the full name of right now :think: but it's the "good" type of silicone. The differences between the different water based dressings is stuff like the level of UV protection and concentration of the ingredients.





There are many here that use it and like it. I believe I read several threads in which Scottwax says he uses it for interiors and he does many details. If it was harming anything I think he would know by now.



Armor all just isn't cool with some people. You can buy it local and cheaply so it can't be cool right :rolleyes:
 
Illusion said:
Thats because it is just like most water based protectants.
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Yeah, I guess we posed at about the same time........ We posted the same thing only yours was much more eloquently stated. :grinno:
 
Illusion said:
It is basically the same as all the white milky water based dressings, Megs #40, 303, Vinylx, etc. It didn't used to be and thats were Armor All got it's bad rep. They are water based and contain PDMS. This is short form for a type of silicone that I can't remember the full name of right now :think: but it's the "good" type of silicone. The differences between the different water based dressings is stuff like the level of UV protection and concentration of the ingredients.





There are many here that use it and like it. I believe I read several threads in which Scottwax says he uses it for interiors and he does many details. If it was harming anything I think he would know by now.



Armor all just isn't cool with some people. You can buy it local and cheaply so it can't be cool right :rolleyes:
Click to expand...



Please understand that the following statement is not meant to be argumentative.

There is no such thing as "bad silicones". :wavey



This is just a myth that has been perpetuated by vendors trying to claim their product is better because it does not contain the "BAD" silicone. Silicones are chemically inert and don't react to damage rubber, vinyl, etc. The "bad" actor can be the solvent that is generally just used to "carry" the silicone. Unfornutately, the manufacturer may just list the solvent as a petroleum distillate. That could mean anything from mineral spirits to acetone. So, it is often difficult to know which solvents a product might contain. Low boiling solvents like mineral spirits would IMO have such minimal contact time before they "flash" evaporate that they would not have much effect on degrading a surface.The repeated exposure of the surface to certain particular solvents may degrade/damage the surface over time--not the exposure of the surface to silicone.



Generally solvent based dressings would use a dimethyl silicone. It is not water soluble and therefore lasts longer because it doesn't just wash away. Water-based dressings generally use PDMS (poly dimethyl siloxanes). This type of silicone is water soluble and therefore doesn't last anywhere near as long.
 
chml17l said:
Please understand that the following statement is not meant to be argumentative.

There is no such thing as "bad silicones". :wavey



This is just a myth that has been perpetuated by vendors trying to claim their product is better because it does not contain the "BAD" silicone. Silicones are chemically inert and don't react to damage rubber, vinyl, etc. The "bad" actor can be the solvent that is generally just used to "carry" the silicone. Unfornutately, the manufacturer may just list the solvent as a petroleum distillate. That could mean anything from mineral spirits to acetone. So, it is often difficult to know which solvents a product might contain. Low boiling solvents like mineral spirits would IMO have such minimal contact time before they "flash" evaporate that they would not have much effect on degrading a surface.The repeated exposure of the surface to certain particular solvents may degrade/damage the surface over time.



Generally solvent based dressings would use a dimethyl silicone. It is not water soluble and therefore lasts longer because it doesn't just wash away. Water-based dressings generally use PDMS (poly dimethyl siloxanes). This type of silicone is water soluble and therefore doesn't last anywhere near as long.
Click to expand...





I agree 100% with your post thats why I put "good silicone" in quotes. The bottom line is Armor All is not bad for your car because it is a water based PDMS dressing. These dressings are milky and white. The clear thicker dressings are the ones I avoid.
 
I use Armor All original pretty regularly and have been satisfied with it (love it on low-profile tires).



These are the things that I have thought and understood, but I had read a somewhat bad-mouthing account of it and starting thinking...



Thanks for reassuring. :)



What is your take on the "solvent" part?
 
Water based and solvent content are not mutually exclusive. Both co-exist in many chemicals.



According to the MSDS for armorall it is 50-99% water, though it is only 90% soluble in water. Among it's odd ingredients are Sorbitol, which is an artificial sweetener, a mysterious preservative, and armorall concentrate.
 
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is probably being used as a humectant or hygroscopic substance to enhance the ability of the Armor All to retain moisture.
 
Illusion said:
Well I'm still waiting for some facts about why Armor all is not good. This is the second thread you have been negative towards AA and nothing to back it up.
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Illusion, where did I say something bad about Armor All? I feel there are superior products today.



I recall my initial use of Armor All and cannot stand that greasy, oily look that turned my tires brown, severely streaked in the rain and left off-gassing residue on my windshield. I have other comparable products among my supplies and have been very pleased with them. I don't like Armor All, it's greasy kids' stuff, IMO.



Perhaps it's a completely different product today....I guess I better pick some up and try it (j/k)
 
tom p. said:
Illusion, where did I say something bad about Armor All? I feel there are superior products today.
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In the tire shine thread. The same thread you recommended 3M Rubber and Tire Care. You said to stay away from Armor All. And this thread you are being sarcastic. Look at the heading on your post in this thread. "Yum Armor All"
 
Illusion, I said stay away...and should have added: there are far superior products.



Can you live with that?
 
My understanding is that other PDMS,water based dressings that cost more ( take 303 for example) contain more and/or "better" resins. What that specifically and scientifcally means, :nixweiss.
 
Bill D said:
My understanding is that other PDMS,water based dressings that cost more ( take 303 for example) contain more and/or "better" resins. What that specifically and scientifcally means, :nixweiss.
Click to expand...



Agreed that is why I use 303. This doesn't mean Armor All is bad for your car. It won't do any harm. Years ago that wasn't the case. Not only was Armor All not as good as others but it actually did harm.
 
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