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RainX

@redbandsbolaget.se

Best way to apply Rain-X?

What is the best way to apply Rain-X? I friend suggested first using newspaper and rubbing alcohol to clean the windshield first and then put the rain-x on using a cloth. Does rubbing alcohol really clean or can it be damaging?

Mospaw
D O N E
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

Does the bottle not have application instructions?

seaquake
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Use a decent glass cleaner; I use Invisible Glass, to first clean the surface. Let it dry.

To apply rainx, I use a single cloth or sponge. Soak it fairly good and apply to the window surface liberally. When a haze forms, apply another fresh coat. When that drys to a haze, use a clean, dry terry-cloth or similar material to remove the haze. It's like waxing a vehicle. It takes some time and elbow grease.

imrf
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

said by seaquake See Profile :

To apply rainx, I use a single cloth or sponge. Soak it fairly good and apply to the window surface liberally. When a haze forms, apply another fresh coat. When that drys to a haze, use a clean, dry terry-cloth or similar material to remove the haze. It's like waxing a vehicle. It takes some time and elbow grease.
Too much work. Try Aquapel. So much easier to apply and lasts longer.

Doctor Olds
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

Rain-X versus PPG Aquapel: Grudge Match
»www.sports.autoblog.com/2006/04/···atch%20/

imrf
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Utica, MI

Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

Thats what sold me on Aquapel. I just applied it last night to my car. It's supposed to rain later on tonight and tomorrow. So I'll see how well it works for me.

seaquake
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said by Doctor Olds See Profile :

Rain-X versus PPG Aquapel: Grudge Match
»www.sports.autoblog.com/2006/04/···atch%20/
I hit that same page looking for a decent comparison. I hate when they embed a link to the video within the text like they did. I could not find it when I first went there. Half blind, I guess.

The video certainly does show that the aquapel stands up a lot longer than RainX.
GameGuy369

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said by seaquake See Profile :

Use a decent glass cleaner; I use Invisible Glass, to first clean the surface. Let it dry.

To apply rainx, I use a single cloth or sponge. Soak it fairly good and apply to the window surface liberally. When a haze forms, apply another fresh coat. When that drys to a haze, use a clean, dry terry-cloth or similar material to remove the haze. It's like waxing a vehicle. It takes some time and elbow grease.
My RX-8 is my crown jewel. And the reason I am saying that is that I try to use only the best products on it, and Invisible Glass is one of those products. Huge +1 on that recommendation for cleaning.

ChargerMike
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join:2001-06-10
Edgerton, WI
I would agree Aquapel is a much better product and easyer to applie but is more expensive, if you can find it.

imrf
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Utica, MI

Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

Amazon has it for a great price. $20 for 4 applicators. They ship really fast too.

seaquake
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First I've ever heard of this product. Sounds/looks like it works well, though it is pricey.

I've tried Rain-X on my windshield and I don't like the way the wipers are affected by it. So I only ever use it on my side and rear windows. For those, it's probably been a few years since I even bothered with them.

Hall
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

said by seaquake See Profile :

I've tried Rain-X on my windshield and I don't like the way the wipers are affected by it.
That's the one drawback about Rain-X ... then again, if you can drive fast enough with Rain-X aplied, you don't need your wipers.

No_Strings
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

I like the way this man thinks.

Hall
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

said by No_Strings See Profile :

I like the way this man thinks.
Hehe, if we're driving "too slow", typically when we're leaving someplace and there's water on the windshield, my wife is either telling me "turn on the wipers" or reaching over and turning them on herself while I'm telling her, "wait, wait, 5 more miles an hour".

SmackWeasel

join:2008-01-02

said by Hall See Profile :

said by seaquake See Profile :

I've tried Rain-X on my windshield and I don't like the way the wipers are affected by it.
That's the one drawback about Rain-X ... then again, if you can drive fast enough with Rain-X aplied, you don't need your wipers.
This is true. Down in Miami, I once had both windshield wipers fail in a tropical storm. (if you've ever driven in a gale on the freeway, you know the situation)

I pulled into a gas station. The attendant couldn't make a repair, so he applied Rain-X, and told me to drive like a bat outta hell. With Rain-X the rain drops turn into "beads" the faster you drive the faster they flow off the windshield.

I swear I can see much better with Rain-X than with a good pair of blades. In fact once I apply a new coat of Rain-X I only use the blades in a light drizzle.

BTW if you're into sailing and wear glasses Rain-X works well there too.
--
0111000001100101011000010110001101100101

salzan
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WA State

I found the rain-X OK on the windshield until it started to wear off. The streaking was so bad I could hardly see at night. It was either reapply the stuff or let it wear off completely. I chose to let it wear off.

I'll never put the stuff on a windshield again but side or rear windows or mirrors are OK.

ptrowski
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

said by salzan See Profile :

I found the rain-X OK on the windshield until it started to wear off. The streaking was so bad I could hardly see at night. It was either reapply the stuff or let it wear off completely. I chose to let it wear off.

I'll never put the stuff on a windshield again but side or rear windows or mirrors are OK.
Same here. I will never apply it to my windshield again.
--
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Have you been touched by his noodly appendage? »www.venganza.org
korgman

join:2004-03-16
Austin, TX
My thoughts exactly. I only use it on the sides and back now.

kerriskandie

join:2001-10-09
Coram, NY
NEVER, EVER try this on a motorcycle visor........

it will ruin it, in short time.......

jbryan

join:2004-11-30
White, PA
I tried the rain x on my windshield and also did not like how it affected the wipers. I now use rain x washer fluid. It works great. And, yes, if you drive fast enough, you don't need the wipers.

seaquake
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

said by jbryan See Profile :

And, yes, if you drive fast enough, you don't need the wipers.
Mythbusters just did a stint a week or two ago and demonstrated how if you drive fast enough you can leave the top of your convertible down, too.

McSummation
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

said by seaquake See Profile :

Mythbusters just did a stint a week or two ago and demonstrated how if you drive fast enough you can leave the top of your convertible down, too.
That's all well and good until you have to stop at a light. Then you drown. Been there, done that. '66 Jag XKE roadster.

seaquake
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

said by McSummation See Profile :

said by seaquake See Profile :

Mythbusters just did a stint a week or two ago and demonstrated how if you drive fast enough you can leave the top of your convertible down, too.
That's all well and good until you have to stop at a light. Then you drown. Been there, done that. '66 Jag XKE roadster.
I certainly did not intend to endorse the idea. Stopping is one problem but hydroplaning is certainly the most dangerous aspect of trying this. They had a certified instructor spin out their Porsche test car at around 100MPH in their simulated rain.

ctceo
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1 edit
Driving fast to make the rain slide off your windshield is not exactly what I would call a very smart maneuver. In fact it's just plain stupid.

KarrisKandie:
"NEVER, EVER try this on a motorcycle visor........

it will ruin it, in short time......."

Never heard of this being a problem, in all of our local motorcycle/scooter dealers sell rain-x for use on visors, glasses, sunglasses, goggles, etc.

Heck you can even use it on your bathroom mirror. The one thing that will ruin your visor would be wiping it with an abrasive paper such as newspaper! I prefer fresh all cotton t-shirt/underwear fabric. Use alchohol first to remove oils an the like, let dry then wash with Window cleaner, let dry, then use rain-x.
PittsPgh

join:2003-08-21
Pittsburgh, PA

Prestone makes a repellent for use in the windshield washer fluid. I like it better than the Rain-X brand. Couple bucks more for either brand over the typical blue washer fluid. Worth it in my opinion. But both do leave a momentary haze when you hit the wipers. Not good at night driving tight neighborhood streets.
I see Aquapel has it also for washer fluid.
»www.aquapel.com/Aquapel-windshield-wash.php

Someone mentioned alcohol. that will start to eat away at the rubber parts.

Paul

Its a Secret
Whatever
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join:2008-02-23
U B Funny
I just wax my windows with Nu-Finish (or similar), and use liquid silicone on the wiper blades and I'm good to go for cheap.

Thane_Bitter

join:2005-01-20
London, ON
·Bell Sympatico

Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

said by Its a Secret See Profile :

I just wax my windows with Nu-Finish (or similar), and use liquid silicone on the wiper blades and I'm good to go for cheap.
You know you are only the second person I have heard say that, and I agree it works, and is cheap.

Its a Secret
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1 edit

Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

After all, it is silicone based, like rain-x...
Red Star

join:2005-08-14
I squirt the Rain X right on the windshield and then wipe it on with a terry cloth. I do one half of the windshield at a time. Easier to do than the directions and seems to work better...

pcdebb
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what is the adverse affect on the wipers everyone is mentioning? I've used rain-x for years with nary a problem
--
| map your city |

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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

said by pcdebb See Profile :

what is the adverse affect on the wipers everyone is mentioning? I've used rain-x for years with nary a problem
What I've noticed, and it's simply a function of the product, is that it basically "coats" the windshield which repels water. When it does this, it creates a "film". Now, when your wipers wipe, they can't completely contact the windshield. So instead of wiping, they more or less "smear". At least that's my experience.

rnXsxdix

@charter.com

I have noticed the slight streaky grease look when using any wax/rainX & the wipers. I have never noticed this when its raining, only when I try and use my washer fluid to clean the windshield.

Using the wipers is pointless with rainX, if I go anywhere over 50mph, all the rain just blows right off & I can see much better than using the wipers. This works in anything except a downpour, which wipers don't help much either.

HFB1217
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1 edit
Many years ago I had a Foreign Car Parts Store and was one of the first dealers to sell it. It was developed for the Air Force for jet windshields it was called REPCON Then. It came in a Blue bottle with a jet plane image on it.

To apply it clean the windshield with a good cleaner then using a lint free soft cloth apply it evenly over the surface you might see a very light fine white haze use another cloth to remove it no worry about over applying or build up as it does not adhere to itself. It only fills in the minor micro imperfections of the glass it needs be be reapplied because the actions of the wipers and grit will remove it over time.

Better still RainX has a windshield fluid that has RainX as a component and it works very well also.
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boogi man

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i use the rain-x washer fluid reapplies it every time i wash the windshield
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NY Tel
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3 edits

Rainx Washer Fluid sells for 3.49 at Target
said by RainX :

What is the best way to apply Rain-X? I friend suggested first using newspaper and rubbing alcohol to clean the windshield first and then put the rain-x on using a cloth. Does rubbing alcohol really clean or can it be damaging?
I agree that applying rainx can get out of hand so as many above have said, I have taken to using the washer fluid with rainx mixed in it.
Has the same effect after using it for a few days.
Water beads up and when driving over 40, the water just bounces off he glass.

Much better than having to clean the window, etc.....

Hall
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We just bought a Honda Odyssey (used) and I see that the washer fluid is filled to the top... I thought about getting Rain-X washer fluid but obviously can't for a while. As you can imagine, this engine bay isn't like older cars where you can simply pull the reservoir out and dump it.

Anyway, in the past, I've read that this stuff really doesn't work that well but obviously a number of people here are happy with it. For those that have used *both*, is it really as good as the squirt-bottle version ?

NY Tel
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

Yes and I was pleasantly surprised when I used it. You never have to re-apply it and it even has a decent smell unlike some of those blue ones that smell like a bar on Friday at happy hour.

MooJohn

join:2005-12-18
Milledgeville, GA
·Windstream

Doesn't anybody read the instructions on the bottle anymore?

You don't need two applications. You don't need to buff it from a haze to clear.

You apply it to a clean (or mostly clean) windshield. I use the spray bottle & apply it to the glass and some to the paper towel before thoroughly covering the glass. Let it dry to a haze -- takes a minute at the most.

Then you use a damp paper towel to remove the haze. Finish with a dry towel for a perfectly clear windshield with zero elbow grease involved, no haze or streaking.
--
John M - Cranky network guy

HFB1217
The Wizard
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The streaking you may see is the crud embedded in your blades new blades do not streak.

salzan
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

said by HFB1217 See Profile :

The streaking you may see is the crud embedded in your blades new blades do not streak.
Nope, the streaking (in my case) was caused by areas with and without the Rain-X. After it all wore off, all was good again.

rob_in_chatt
Premium
join:2004-09-17
Chattanooga, TN
RAINX works great, but it does make the wiper blades chatter across the window. very annoying.

NY Tel
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

said by rob_in_chatt See Profile :

RAINX works great, but it does make the wiper blades chatter across the window. very annoying.
I had a friend who is an auto mechanic and he noticed my blades chattering. He said they were not aligned properly. He bent both of them slightly and the chattering disappeared.
If I tried it, the blade would snap off in my hand...

fcisler
Premium
join:2004-06-14
Riverhead, NY
Eh....I had used the Rain-X windshield washer fluid ONCE. It caused the "sprayers" for it to turn this disgusting orange color and also caused paint underneath them to discolor.

This was on a nice car so I was quite peeved. Just a FYI...

Followup

@hostmonster.com
I bought some RainX wiper blades recently and the guy at the auto parts store said NOT to use them with the RainX windshield washer fluid because it eats them. Is this true? Doesn't make much sense to me but that is what he said.
dentman42

join:2001-10-02
Columbus, OH
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Re: Best way to apply Rain-X?

said by Followup :

I bought some RainX wiper blades recently and the guy at the auto parts store said NOT to use them with the RainX windshield washer fluid because it eats them. Is this true? Doesn't make much sense to me but that is what he said.
I've been using RainX fluid and RainX blades for a couple years and not had a problem. In fact, the blades last close to a year.

Lately I've been using other similar fluid (I think it's Peak) that sells for 1.99 at Wal-Mart. It has the same beading/anti-fog stuff as RainX and is also ice breaker/bug wash just like the RainX. I see no difference and have noticed no discoloration around the wipers, nor have the jets clogged.

When I go to the 10 minute oil change places, I even tell them not to fill the washer fluid so it doesn't get dilluted with the plain stuff. (I only go through 2 or 3 gallons a year anyway, so cost isn't really a factor. I suppose I could buy the RainX or competitor add-in but if I have to bother with that I may as well put in the pre-mixed fluid.)
tcope
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said by Followup :

I bought some RainX wiper blades recently and the guy at the auto parts store said NOT to use them with the RainX windshield washer fluid because it eats them. Is this true? Doesn't make much sense to me but that is what he said.
Not the best source of information. I fail to see how this would happen. As mentioned, the chemical is silicone based. It's not going to affect rubber (at least not enough to make a difference as they should be replaced every year or so anyway).

Personally, I clean my wiper blades with an alcohol wipe every month or so.
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