StUpid Rain-X!

S

Synthetic

New member
Will someone please explain to me how I can remove Rain-X from my windshield? Now I have done a search, and tried many of the suggestions, but so far none have worked. I might have originally applied too much of the product --and in the process of trying to have it removed... well, ruined the windows!



I've done so much I can't remember what. But I think I first tried using regular window cleaners like Stoner's IG and Rain-X Cleaner (that was probably a mistake), then Vinegar, next Rubbing Alcohol, still no luck, so then finally Ronson Lighter Fuel (multiple applications) with a high-pressure wash. I now think it's even worse. :nervous:



What should I do now? Buy a new window?



No, seriously.. I thought Rain-X wasn't a durable product, but it's been over 3 months and the sticky film is still glued to my winshield. Resulting in a ton of wiper chatter and annoying squeaks. Living in Vancouver, it doesn't help that I have to use them all the time since it rains every day.



Is Aquapel anything like this as well?
 
Autoglym glass polish or AIO may help you, I've heard of people using 0000 steel wool, but have not tried it myself



I'd try the AG glass polish it should do the trick, FWIW when I use Rain-X, I use newspaper for the final buff with distilled water in a spray bottle, I dont think you need to get a new windscreen (Shield ;) )



Good Luck, & update us on how you get on.

PK
 
I would use some type of glass polish. I used rain-x years ago and didn't like it very much, it requires too much work. It never last long. An acutal glass polish will take it off considering it will take off aquapel. I have been using aquapel for the last few years and love it. I bought some rhodite glass polish from eastwood last year and using that, with the felt pad provided with the kit, with my cordless drill will take the aquapel off and acid rain etching. The aquapel definitely bonds better then the silicone based rain-x.



This was taken directly from the ppg website:



"Using technology innovated for the aviation industry, PPG’s Aquapel® Glass Treatment forms a chemical bond with the glass which increases water repellency, causing it to bead and easily shed off the glass. These fluorinated compounds apply in just minutes to a clean, dry windshield or any exterior glass surface, and last up to six times longer than silicon-based products.



Additionally, Aquapel® Glass Treatment remains highly effective after months of normal use, including driving in rain and snow, car washing, and glass cleaning."



As far as applying the aquapel, it is easy, I make the mistake of doing all the glass at once and then trying to buff it off, this makes it very hard to buff off the parts that dry, but I just rub like crazy with papertowels. :furious: I find papertowels to work the best for me.



Here is PPG's install instructions:

http://www.ppg.com/gls_aquapel/ApplyAquapel.pdf



As far as aquapel performance, I hardly ever use my wipers, unless it is a very fine mist which takes a few minutes to build up enough to use my wiper "mist" mode until it loads up again. :up from me!



Goodluck removing the rain-x seems some time and a good glass polish should remove it.



P.S. Would clay work at all? It would proably ruin it if it works but it could be worth a shot.
 
I don't like products like that on my windshield either. I agree with the clay and glass polish approaches. Be careful with steel wool as it can mar many of today's windshields (they have a much softer glass with more plastic in it compared to the old days).
 
i heard great things about it too so i tried it out and the 'beading off' effect wasn't really happening until i was over 50 mph and until then the water would just bead and sit on my window making my view worse
 
Get a coarse cleaning pad and lots of strong soap. I would think a green scrubbing pad and some dish soap would take care of it, but of course you would want to do it during a full detail because all that soap runoff will probably strip your wax. As easily as windows tend to get chipped or mess up, they are pretty hard and can stand up to the rigors of most cleaning methods.
 
AIO will take it off. The AIO will also make the water sheet off Rain-X, but without the wiper path problem of Rain-X.



DO NOT use SG over the AIO. It is nearly impossible to remove the excess if you apply it a windshield. Aks me how I know... :)
 
You can try acetone to remove it. If it doesn't take off the Rain-X, at least it won't leave any residue behind.



I've never heard of Rain-X leaving a sticky mess on the windshield, so maybe you've got something else going on. How old are your wipers? I have had times where the rubber on the wiper blades started degrading, and leaving rubber on the windshield. The wipers would then shudder and chatter as they crossed these areas.



Griot's Garage glass polish took off all of the residue from the windshield, but it kept returning until I replaced the wiper blades. After that, no problems.



Good luck.
 
How could you apply too much Rain-X? It's hard to imaging getting any kind of build-up of the product.



I'm with dmatre in thinking that you've got something else on there that is causing your problems.
 
Black240SX said:
How could you apply too much Rain-X? It's hard to imaging getting any kind of build-up of the product.



I'm with dmatre in thinking that you've got something else on there that is causing your problems.
Click to expand...



I agree... I've had none of these problems in the past, Rain-X has been a great product for me.
 
Bon Ami or Bar Keepers Friend should clean that up just fine. Never had any problem with Rain-X. I apply it and let it dry before I wash the car, comes out just fine.
 
I use and swear by Rain X windshield wash fluid. It takes about half a gallon of use before you build up a good solid layer, but after that you are golden. I never apply Rain X by hand. I also never have chattering or sticky problems. Nor does it impede vision at night in the slightest.



My guess: people are using it incorrectly.



Mark
 
dmatre said:
...I've never heard of Rain-X leaving a sticky mess on the windshield, so maybe you've got something else going on....
Click to expand...





FWIW, I've had trouble removing RainX. I applied it as directed and after a few months I could stand the obvious wiper path. So I re-applied RainX. That worked for a while, but the wipre path effect came back with a vengenance. So I finally decided that the product was unacceptable for use on the windshield, at least on my cars.



I can't say it left a sticky mess, but it did not remove cleanly with any solvent I tried. Finally, I used AIO and the results were great. Wiper path gone and never returned.



So my opinion is if it works for you, use it. Otherwise take it off anyway you can and never use it again.
 
Was it the rainx wax? that stuff is terrible to remove but not as bad as you say. I am confused to, I have used rainx many many times and never had anything to complain about except it does not last long. You must have spread something else on the window.
 
oh man, did you use rainX wax?



Even if it's rain-x or rain-x wax, rubbing alchohol shoulda removed it easy... i think you got something else going on!
 
Yes, to tell you the truth I have no idea what the hell is sitting on my windshield, but it's been a pain in the arse to try to remove :mad:. I still know for sure that there has to be some leftover Rain-X on there because after I give the car a wash I notice that strange haze or water effect happen. I've also read about this happening to other people using Rain-X.



BTW I also tried some dish detergent and Bon Ami glass cleaner, neither worked. My wipers were new to begin with but I replaced them recently to be sure they were good. They are Trico Innovision wipers (supposedly one of the best) and worked fine before.



So if I were to purchase AIO would that definitely have a good chance of working? I know it would work wonders on my paint, but in the case that I have this awful film/residue stuck on my windshield what would be the absolute most effective product to buy? My detailing budget is also limited (if I can help myself) at the moment right now.



And just one final ?, do you ever polish windows using a PC type tool or just hands? thx
 
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