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SouthernBoy

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I went through some of the old posts regarding preparing the glass for application. Saw where "pure alcohol glass cleaner" or naptha were the two recommended pre-application cleaners.



Question, if I use something like Stoners to get any grime or post-shampoo residues off the windows, is rubbing alcohol OK for the final cleaning?



I'm trying to avoid another trip to Wally World!
 
IF you have ever used RAIN X or a sealant, I suggest cleaning with NAPTHA first then follow up with a water rinse then follow up with favorite glass cleaner.



If not then the IG should be fine by itself.



Try to remove any waterspots or other bad areas by using a glass polish first but you do not have to. The stuff will work and is awesome.



Good Luck
 
What is a glass polish...and who makes this.....I have read in previous, some use Klasse but not on front winshield..is this the product you are talking about?

jeff
 
I have used the Zaino Glass polish. The point I make, is to get the glass smooth and free of gook so that the aquapel will work even better. It probably works fine without doing it but we are Autopians right?



The next time I apply mine, I will probably clay the windshield first then inspect for gook and polish those areas. Then apply the Aquapel.



Last night it rained when I went to the airport. The rain hits the glass and breaks up into smaller droplets that are swept over the top of the windshield. On the Side windows the water was doing a dance in circles and stuff.
 
Never thought of that. I'll do it before I put on the Aquapel. Can't wait to see how it does. Too bad I couldn't put it on last night... supposed to rain cats & dogs this afternoon.:(
 
Besides being the best windshield treatment for rain, Aquapel seems to repel dust as well. Before using it, I had to wipe my windshield daily just to remove dust. I have not done that at all since using Aquapel. :up :up



H
 
Yeah - and I've noticed that since I applied Aquapel, I haven't hit any deer. :up So it's a deer repellant as well!



(Of course - it might also be because there aren't any deer in Brooklyn....)



Seriously - I like the Aquapel - but as I mentioned a few nights ago in the chatroom - I don't think it's *that* much better than Rain-X - pretty good, better - but not a hands down, Mike Tyson knockout better.
 
If that is the case, then Aquapel must be pretty terrible because I found Rain-X to really make my wipers clatter and clump together on my windshield.



I applied aquapel last week, but it hasn't rained yet. Hopefully, it'll make my forget about my experience with Rain-X.
 
Intermezzo330I



I think you will like Aquapel. I also had Rain-X on my windshield and could not stant it. The smearing and hazing were so annoying. Aquapel is a totaly different type of product, it gives the benefits of Rain-X (and then some) but without all the negative side effects.



AquaPel is the king of windsheild rain repelants. :bow AquaPel.
 
SL -



Glad to hear the high marks given to Aquapel. I tried Rain-X a few years ago on my previous car and HATED it... blades chattered and gunk built up where the wiper blades stopped.



I've been impressed with the other reviews on Aquapel I've read on this forum. Can't wait for the weekend. This may be the first time I detail the car, and then hope for rain! :D



P.S. - Any other application tips you can offer?
 
I did the Aquapel thing to my windshield and am not too impressed. :down



I cleaned the glass with Autoglym's excellent glass polish then applied the Aquapel per instructions and tips provided here.



I've had a chance to experience the Aquapel Effect, most recently yesterday. And it doesn't repel water nearly as well as RainX. I have to be driving 70+MPH to get water blow-off that will allow me to drive without wipers. With RainX that speed is like 40-50MPH.



Granted, you have to apply RainX more often but we're talking about pennies per application. The Aquapel tube cost me $9.50 - let's say $10.00 with shipping. That's $5.00 per application (I got two coats of Aquapel on the windshield). Not too cost effective.



While I don't expect Aquapel to be 100 times more effective than RainX (can one application of RainX cost more than 5 cents?) I do expect Aquapel to be a superior product. And it ain't IMO.



I guess I'll apply the second tube of Aquapel to the remaining windows but I don't expect any revelations. It's decent stuff but nothing worth going gaga over.



My two cents.:)
 
Most of my driving is done around town at less than 50 mph. This means that no matter which product I use, I will be using the wipers more often than not. Wiper use with RainX is a horrible experience between chattering and smearing. With Aquapel, wiper use is actually enhanced, smooth and clean wipes. When I am driving fast, sometimes I use the wipers, and sometimes I don't depending on whether it is drizzling or a downpour.



If you are happy with RainX, thats really great since it is less expensive. But if you are experiencing wiper chatter or smearing, the move up to Aquapel is well worth the extra few dollars, at least to me it does..... I would rate the difference in quality as the same as if you used Crisco or Souveran to wax your car! :scared



H
 
Tuesday night I was driving in a misty type rain and I did not notice till I cracked the side window! I was cruising around 60.



As stated if happy with Rain X stick with it. But if you are sick of the smears and wiper chatter than try Aquapel.



Bretfraz does that glass polish leave anything on the windshield? Before applying my aquapel for the first time I cleaned the glass with Naptha. Maybe this has an effect on the performance??? Just a thought.
 
I've read posts for a while regarding RainX and Aquapel. RainX seems to get battered. I've always had good results. You do have to buff it out good (kinda like SG) to eliminate smearing - I think this is sometimes caused by to 'heavy' an application. I've never experienced blade chatter. My experience is the wipers don't make a sound. I am concerned about the ill effects on the blades though - from the Rainx.
 
Uh, no - that would just make you all insane :D



Actually - I should go on the record for saying I *like* the stuff - but I don't think that they'll be getting a Nobel Prize for it.



I think this year's is reserved for Sal :-P
 
I have used rainX for years. In the past 1-2 years, I have been using zaino glass polish and then every time I wax the car with Z2 or Z5, I throw a coat on the windows. It works great, and really adds to the detailed look of the car. Also, it makes window cleaning a breeze. They come out perfect after washing with just a little Z6 QD'er. I don't use any glass cleaners except for the insides to remove plasticizing film that accumulates from the interior materials.



A few weeks ago, I put rainx back on my front windshield for a comparison. I like the z2 on the sides and back too much to put anything else on them.



Anyhow, RainX works great for me. I have no streaking or wiper chatter and it really helps with the rain. I think most of you are not prepping the window properly before apply RAINX, and that is leading towards your negative experiences.



I start off with a glass polish. Then I clean the windsheild off with my home made mixture of vinegar, IPA, and water. RAINX goes on easy, I apply it thick and rub it on well. When it hazes after a few minutes, I put another coat on, pretty thick. I wait 10-15 mintues and buff away. It all comes off, but a film remains and smears and streaks. If you go over it with a damp towel it comes off very easily, and does not come back. It might take some elbow grease but you can get it all off and then you are set! I have found the RAINX effect lasts more than a month. For the record, on my BMW, the windows sheet water beads away with nothing on the windows so rainx just helps that much more. I think it is a factory coating of some sorts.........



Hope this helps.......
 
Wait wait wait - when I said Sal was winning a Nobel Prize, I was bashing him?! Good thing I didn't say his wax worked - then I'd be in a HEAP of trouble.
 
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