Rain X Windshield ??

[philming]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

BTW I've read on another thread that #04 would be a good choice to restore the windshield at its best. Would #04 applied with what we call "Perlon" in France, some sort of synthetic cotton that I currently use to remove algea from the inside windows of aquariums, and that I put in the filters as a filter media be ok to rejuvenate the windshield? I mean, scrapping off everything from it i.e. previous coats of RainX, wax etc ?

[JLMex]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

Ok, so I applied Rain-X this past Saturday morning, following Murr's steps, and it works great for me. I first cleaned the windshield (and all other windows) with some glass cleaner my wife uses at home that works ok for me... then clayed it, and made sure it was totally dry with an MF towel.
- Then proceed with the first pass with Rain-X. To apply it, I used some paper towels I stole from my wife , these are reusable paper towels that they sell at Costco (they are blue), they do not leave any lint or residues and soak in the product really well, makes it really easy to damp the paper towel, and apply it to the windshield in circular motions just like you wax.
- Wait a couple of minutes, then dry-clean with an MF towel, but do not try to remove the whole thing, is just like a "fake" cleaning like Murr described
- Then apply the second pass of Rain-x, and wait a little longer (I waited like 10 minutes)
- With another damped paper towel, lots of water in it, clean the windshields, and then dry with an MF towel and make sure all residues are gone

It rained all day on Saturday, and was raining very hard at some point during the day, I even drove at night while it was still raining, and this thing worked amazing for me! I've never seen my windshield so clear ever before while it was raining so hard! The wipers passed through the windshield with no effort, removing all water and leaving no marks at all anywhere. It is amazing how with light rain, once you speed up above 30mph or so, the drops of water just slide off the windshield, even my wife was amazed.
And also, I didn't have any problems with the de-fogging of the rear window, it worked just fine.
The only "con" I could say is when at night, and very light almost mist kind of rain, and going slow, the tiny drops accumulate on your windshield and if light hits the surface it glares the whole thing, so you need to use your wipers constantly.
But besides that, it works for me, let's see how long it lasts. I'll be keeping clean with glass cleaners and some UQD, and reapply the whole thing next month, or 2 depending how good it looks by then.

As many have said, you need to try it and find the combination that works for you. Some have said the removal is painful, but it was not for me, I think the damped (reusable blues ) paper towel really helped make things much easier.

Good luck!

[roushstage2]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

BTW I've read on another thread that #04 would be a good choice to restore the windshield at its best. Would #04 applied with what we call "Perlon" in France, some sort of synthetic cotton that I currently use to remove algea from the inside windows of aquariums, and that I put in the filters as a filter media be ok to rejuvenate the windshield? I mean, scrapping off everything from it i.e. previous coats of RainX, wax etc ?

As Tim said, you are not trying to remove something sitting on the surface of the glass, like mineral deposits or wax. You are trying to remove a product that chemically bonds to the glass. It will remove the wax and such I'm sure, but it would be iffy for the Rain-X. Not saying it won't help, but you may be better off sticking with the lighter fluid just to make sure.

[philming]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

OK so that's my program for tommorow. Soaking an old TShirt with lighter fluid, and scrub the windshield off a couple tmes. Probably clay the surface rght after, then reapply RainX as specified in the post above, even though I didn't need to soak the towel the first time I used if quiet successfully I must say (I just applied it with an Ultimate shine MF once on all windows, then a second time, and wiped off with a clean and dry MF after leaving it to set for a while...

[paul.segovich]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

Ok, so I applied Rain-X this past Saturday morning, following Murr's steps, and it works great for me. I first cleaned the windshield (and all other windows) with some glass cleaner my wife uses at home that works ok for me... then clayed it, and made sure it was totally dry with an MF towel.
- Then proceed with the first pass with Rain-X. To apply it, I used some paper towels I stole from my wife , these are reusable paper towels that they sell at Costco (they are blue), they do not leave any lint or residues and soak in the product really well, makes it really easy to damp the paper towel, and apply it to the windshield in circular motions just like you wax.
- Wait a couple of minutes, then dry-clean with an MF towel, but do not try to remove the whole thing, is just like a "fake" cleaning like Murr described
- Then apply the second pass of Rain-x, and wait a little longer (I waited like 10 minutes)
- With another damped paper towel, lots of water in it, clean the windshields, and then dry with an MF towel and make sure all residues are gone

It rained all day on Saturday, and was raining very hard at some point during the day, I even drove at night while it was still raining, and this thing worked amazing for me! I've never seen my windshield so clear ever before while it was raining so hard! The wipers passed through the windshield with no effort, removing all water and leaving no marks at all anywhere. It is amazing how with light rain, once you speed up above 30mph or so, the drops of water just slide off the windshield, even my wife was amazed.
And also, I didn't have any problems with the de-fogging of the rear window, it worked just fine.
The only "con" I could say is when at night, and very light almost mist kind of rain, and going slow, the tiny drops accumulate on your windshield and if light hits the surface it glares the whole thing, so you need to use your wipers constantly.
But besides that, it works for me, let's see how long it lasts. I'll be keeping clean with glass cleaners and some UQD, and reapply the whole thing next month, or 2 depending how good it looks by then.

As many have said, you need to try it and find the combination that works for you. Some have said the removal is painful, but it was not for me, I think the damped (reusable blues ) paper towel really helped make things much easier.

Good luck!

Just backing up what he said. After about 40-50 miles an hour, you really dont need to even use your wipers, it just beads straight up and off!

[fpelletier]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

I've got to tell you, I much prefer using Final Inspection on my windows!! It cleans the windows so easily and perfectly and it exhibits the properties of RainX and stops windshield wiper chatter!!!

[fpelletier]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

Last, it seems to cut through the plastic gas haze on the inside of the windows pretty effectively!

[philming]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

Actually : What's the best item to scrub the windshield with alcohol (or lighter fluid) to get rainX off, and then to reapply? Megs yellow pads or some old TShirt?

[philming]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

Sorry too late to edit :
Would solvent be more indicated than lighter fluid btw? I have some here with me...
We usually use this to remove ink imprints from advertisement objects (pens, etc)?

[philming]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

So here's what I did :
1 - washed the windshield with madame's regular window cleaner, the harsh blue stuff.
2 - scrubbed the screen with Zippo lighter fluid on a yellow polishing pad, and then another pass with a piece of old T Shirt till the WS was really clean
3 - clayed the glass
4 - one more pass of lighter fluid, the claying leaving the WS quiet dirty after wipe off
5 - Applied RainXon another yellow applicator pad
6 - let it sit for a while
7 - Another pass of RainX on another piece of my old T Shirt and let it sit
8 - Soaked an US MF, and wiped the WS
9 - Took a clean USMF, and wiped the WS clean.

I hope I'm good to go now, cant wait for the next storm in the area ;-)

[roushstage2]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

Alright, I went against my own will and applied RainX again today since: 1. The Aquapel is finally starting to wear off since applied last October and 2. I'm without a job, again, so I'm just using what I have.

1. Cleaned the window.
2. Applied a coat of RainX and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
3. Reapplied a coat of RainX and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes.
4. Misted the entire window with water from a UQD bottle and wiped it off with a clean MF towel.

Though, this time, letting it sit that long to dry, and misting the window with water, I didn't have near the difficulty (any, actually) getting it all off that I usually did. I just really hope I don't have a problem, lol.

[Murr1525]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

I htink the water really is key...

[silverjag]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

For those who have streaking after applying RainX, this is how I've come to rectify it:

Before even washing the vehicle, just clean the glass with a glass cleaner, apply RainX and let it dry. After you gave it some time to dry and cure, just start cleaning your car as you normally would (obviously the scope is to wash the glass with your mitt or whatnot and car soap). This method has worked for me for quite a while.

Regards,

[roushstage2]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

I think the water really is key...

I always see you mention using water. That's why I did it that way this time. The rain is supposed to pick up again tomorrow night or Monday morning at the latest. We shall see!

[Vormund]

Re: Rain X Windshield ??

I would like to try this Aquapel stuff, heard good things about it, but I can't find it locally.

Anyway, personally I apply Rain-X about every 6 months and in the meantime use NXT glass cleaner to maintain it. Works well.