RainX vs ??

With Aquapel, how many windows can be done with 1 applicator? I was thinking about trying to do both my car windshields at the same time.
 
I'm also a Rain-X user, but I recently changed to using Collinite 476S paste wax on my windows. I find it produces tighter beads, MUCH more durable, and looks similar to water beading on my paint (also Collinite). The only downside to using Collinite is that the water beads move relatively slowly compared to the Rain-X. However, when the rain beads are flying upwards while driving, the beads can't go that fast anyways. All in all, any water repellent on your windshield will greatly improve your visibility when it's raining.
 
great responses all!



i looked into aquapel and it does indeed have great reviews everywhere. the drawback is the price...it costs as much for one applicaton (~$7...and then you may have to pay shipping on top of that)...which would buy 1-2 BOTTLES of RainX. i have found that the RainX spray is much more convenient than the plain bottle of it...easier to apply thinly, etc. i also tried applying BEFORE washing the car and letting the wash process remove the excess. for the price, i think i'll live with RainX and just reapply every month or so...and still have more than enough for other cars, rather than one expensive more durable product.



if only aquapel's price was more reasonable. (even if it lasts 6x as long...it's much more expensive per application)
 
Maybe you can consider testing out some of the waxes that you use for your paint. You can put Rain-X on one half of the windshield, and then your favorite (most durable) wax on the other half. Then you just do your regular washing, go through rain storms, use wipers, and see which one performs better and lasts longer.
 
I did such a test last spring. I compared Rain-X with Menzerna FMJ, Megs #20 and Megs #21.



During the first rain storm, Rain-X had the strongest beading, FMJ came in second, while Megs #20 and #21 tied for third. Rain-X was the only product the resulted in water beads flying off when driving at speed.



In terms of wiping clean with the windshield wipers, the areas of glass I left untreated were best. Megs #20 and 21, came in second, FMJ third, and Rain-X was the worst. Essentially, strong beading prevents the wipers from working well.



During the next rain storm, beading was reduced for all products but still good. Conversely, the clean wiping had improved for all of them. After the storm, I noticed marks on the untreated areas of glass.



After three weeks, the Megs #20 and #21 were all gone, and FMJ was fading. Rain-X was still going strong.



After 4.5 months, Rain-X was barely detectable.



Although the bare glass was best for wiping clean, the water spots that accumulate eliminate it as an option. If you are prepared to re-apply every few weeks, then a paint sealant is a reasonable choice. Otherwise Rain-X is best.



I've got some Aquapel now, but haven't gotten around to trying it yet.
 
ShineMGood said:
With Aquapel, how many windows can be done with 1 applicator? I was thinking about trying to do both my car windshields at the same time.
Click to expand...



If you work quickly you could probably do two windshields. I have been able to do all the windows on a Caliber and a 2006 Mustang with one applicator each. Aquapel lasts a long long time. Mine was done in April 2005 and I've only washed the glass and cleaned it with IG. It is still beading like it was first applied and water runs off quickly. It may be boosted by the RainX windshield washer fluid but I doubt it as I rarely have to use the wipers or washer fluid.
 
I use nothing but glass cleaner on my windshield. I've tried AIO and other waxes/sealants, but I kept getting streaks that would show up when driving into the sun @ dusk. I've tried OCW before with decent results, but only for the side/back windows.
 
I've used Rain-X with incredible results on my sister's Altima, but for some reason I just can't get it right on my tC's windshield... its still not beading effectively (only beads in certain "lines" it seems), and I'm forced to use the wipers, severly wearing those areas of rain-x...



I don't know what I'm doing wrong... I don't even know how to completely strip it so I can try starting over



but yea, if you get Rain-X on correctly, it works great, although as others have said, you will have to reapply every 2-3 weeks during rainy seasons to avoid using the wipers
 
I tried Diamondite Shield (about $13 for 5oz spray can) back around the 4th of July. It really did a good job filling minor scratches and pits on my 11 year old winshield on my Volvo. The glass had a different look to it. It is still beading like crazy. It was kind of a pain to apply because you spray it on the windshield. Need to cover the entire surface, let it dry then buff off. Because it was a spray I masked off the roof and pillar paint and the front cowling with a bit of tape and newspaper to prevent overspray. it says it's safe to get on the paint. Its been almost 3 months and I still think its working better than rainx. It is supposed to last for 6 months. I've been to lazy to the side and rear wagon hatch windows. There is less wiper chatter than with rainx. Actually the wipers really glide nicely over the windshield.
 
Amsoil Rain Clear, hard to find but its amazing

ars_rain-clear.jpg
 
I have 6 or 7 close friends that all swear by AquaPel now... I use it on my personal vehicle as well as my Detailing truck. Applied it in April to the Echo (Starting to think about re-applying soon), and the Van in May, which is still as good as the day I did it... 5 months without ever worrying about not seeing clearly during the day or at night... It is WELL WORTH the extra money!



I use one applicator to do the windshield and the backglass... And if its cool outside I can do the side windows too.



I sell them for $10/ea locally :) I also sell Essex GC-800 Glass Cleaner @ $5/can... Between those 2, all glass always looks perfect :)
 
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