just saw "autoblog" on "rain-x vs aquapel". Here it is:

David Combs

unread,

Feb 20, 2009, 7:59:08 PM2/20/09

to

[73]Rain-X versus PPG Aquapel: Grudge Match

by [74]John Neff on Apr 17th 2006 at 7:03PM

Autoblog reader Josh Wardell, who loves his MINI Cooper very much
thank you, has posted an interesting comparison test between the well
known windshield treatment called [75]Rain-X and a lesser known
competitor named [76]PPG Aquapel that's usually used by service
professionals rather than vehicle owners. We hadn't heard much about
PPG Aquapel so we were interested to learn which product Wardell
found to more effectively whisked away rainwater over a period of
time.

The results from Wardell's unofficial comparison test were
surprising. After having applied both products to separate sides of
his MINI's windshield, Wardell waited for rain and then taped the
results at various stages, all the way from day one to day 72. What
we learn from Wardell's accompanying [77]video is that both
windshield treatements need speeds above 40 mph to whisk rain away
effectively, but that the windshield wipers dramatically reduce the
effectiveness of Rain-X over time, whereas the PPG Aquapel side was
still effective after 60 days.

How many of you out there have had the chance to try [78]Aquapel and
were your results similar? Any Rain-X defenders out there who'd like
to speak up?

Tags: [79]aquapel, [80]rain, [81]rain-x, [82]windshield wipers,
[83]WindshieldWipers
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

[88]James Fabin 1

[89]James Fabin 7:52PM (4/17/2006)

Good video - this guy really put in the effort to show the
performance of each over 2 months. I've been using Rain-X since the
early 90's when I first learned of it and have had great luck with
it. I'll give the Aquapel a try - from the video it is the winners
choice for long lasting protection. Living in Southern California,
one application should last a year (we get so little rain).

James

[90]Reply
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[94]AutoFan 2

[95]AutoFan 7:55PM (4/17/2006)

Golly. I wonder why Rain-X rubs off. I mean, it's almost like they
want you to keep buying the stuff over and over again!

[96]Reply
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[100]Steve C. 3

[101]Steve C. 8:06PM (4/17/2006)

Haven't tried PPG's product (I tried Rain-X -- not impressed), but
every car I own (5 of them) wears PIAA silicone blades. They
constantly lay down a microscopic film of silicone which causes rain
to bead and stream off the windshield like crazy. I highly recommend
them.

[102]Reply
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[106]Styl 4

[107]Styl 8:10PM (4/17/2006)

Steve C (#3), where did you find PIAA Wiper Blades? I currently live
in Florida and have not been able to locate a vendor that carries
them.

Thanx.

[108]Reply
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[112]Udayan Tripathi 5

[113]Udayan Tripathi 8:14PM (4/17/2006)

2. Golly. I wonder why Rain-X rubs off. I mean, it's almost like they
want you to keep buying the stuff over and over again!

I second that (with the sarcasm).

[114]Reply
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[118]Jason Chan 6

[119]Jason Chan 8:23PM (4/17/2006)

the best rain repellant i bought was actually some generic brand from
walmart, it cost $1. it repels rain a lot faster than rainx. however
they do not sell it anymore. also it was neon yellow... haha. rain x
works fine for me since im in socal. ill try the aquapel once i run
out of rainx.

[120]Reply
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[124]Alex 7

[125]Alex 8:24PM (4/17/2006)

I use the windsheild washer fluid from rain-x (not sold in CA, so I
stock up when I leave the state). A layer of rain-x gets applied
everytime you use your windsheild washer (which is a lot living next
to the ocean). It is not that much more expensive than the regualr
windsheild washer fluid.

[126]Reply
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[130]Old Saaber 8

[131]Old Saaber 8:31PM (4/17/2006)

I do like Alex, Rain-X windshield washer solution. The washer gets
plenty of use in the road-salted winter, and in the summer, I just
wash the windows occasionally for touch ups--works great.

[132]Reply
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[136]SKluck 9

[137]SKluck 8:32PM (4/17/2006)

I never tried these treatment things until I found an old bottle of
the rain-x stuff stashed away in my garage. I am really impressed. I
don't even use my wipers when I'm driving on the highway (70mph+),
even in very heavy rain.

Everyone should use some sort of treatment, the difference is
incredible.

[138]Reply
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[142]Jason Chan 10

[143]Jason Chan 8:40PM (4/17/2006)

oo i do have a question, did josh test the rain x and aquapel in 72
days of rain or 72 days total rain or shine?

[144]Reply
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[148]Vexorg 11

[149]Vexorg 8:47PM (4/17/2006)

I tried using Rain-X for a while, and it does work, but I found that
when I would apply it, no how much polishing I did to remove the
residue, it would always result in glare on the windshield in the
sun. Since I am particularly sensitive to light, this causes me more
problems than the rain does, so I haven't bothered using the stuff in
quite a while.

[150]Reply
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[154]Ben Drawbaugh 12

[155]Ben Drawbaugh 9:06PM (4/17/2006)

I have been using Aquapel for years, my uncle was a rep when it first
came out and has given it to me for some time.

It is great, I only put it on once per year and believe it or not it
has some lasting effects that long. I used to use Rain-X but got
tried of having to re-apply it. Aquapel is harder to apply than
Rain-X but not too difficult.

My wife is not a car person at all, but recently she bought a new car
and wouldn't stop saying "When are you going to put that stuff for
the rain on my windshield?"

[156]Reply
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[160]Jonathon Cole 13

[161]Jonathon Cole 9:15PM (4/17/2006)

I like rain-x but haven't given the Aquapel a try yet, I work at
O'Reilly Auto parts and we sell the Aquapel, so once my rain-x wears
off I'm going to pick up some Aquapel and try it out.

[162]Reply
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[166]Howard Kerr 14

[167]Howard Kerr 9:22PM (4/17/2006)

I knew if I read enough of these "articles" I'd find something REALLY
worth reading. I've considered buying/using Rain-X several times over
the years (especially for use on a motorcycle helmet) but I was never
sure it really worked. I think I'll try the Aquapel and I want to
thank J. Cole for the advice on where to find/buy it.

[168]Reply
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[172]Howard Kerr 15

[173]Howard Kerr 9:22PM (4/17/2006)

I knew if I read enough of these "articles" I'd find something REALLY
worth reading. I've considered buying/using Rain-X several times over
the years (especially for use on a motorcycle helmet) but I was never
sure it really worked. I think I'll try the Aquapel and I want to
thank J. Cole for the advice on where to find/buy it.

[174]Reply
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[178]James 16

[179]James 9:25PM (4/17/2006)

I've had good experience with RainX. I'd suspect that the speed issue
will vary according to the aerodynamics of the car. For some, 40
won't be quite fast enough. I've always applied it all my windows and
side mirrors...it's on those without wipers that I really appreciate
the "wisking" effect the most.

[180]Reply
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[184]db 17

[185]db 9:29PM (4/17/2006)

>Steve C (#3), where did you find PIAA Wiper Blades? I >currently
live in Florida and have not been able to >locate a vendor that
carries them.

I swear by these as well. Check TireRack. That's where I got mine.

[186]Reply
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[190]John 18

[191]John 10:07PM (4/17/2006)

I use Castrol's "Rain-X" Kinda stuff and well it works pretty good.
Lasts longer then Rain-X Brand. And doesn't start to show that slight
cracking in the winshield when it starts to wear. So The Castrol's
brand I would advise to use more so then rain-x. But TO be honest.
The money you spend on that stuff. I rather just get new blades every
6 months. I mean I buy enough stuff for my ride to clean the damn
car. Soap,Wax,Polishes, Towels, Wheel cleaners. So Just new blades
every 6 months and no problems.
Peace

[192]Reply
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[196]Josh Wardell 19

[197]Josh Wardell 11:08PM (4/17/2006)

Thanks for the words and comments everyone. I didn't realize it was
autoblog material. :) I'm just looking for better products, and what
better way to test which is best than place them next to each other.
I'm doing it again in my next test for plastic trim. Now to track
down who sent this one in...

And I have come across reports from people who's rainx has lasted so
long, because they don't use their wipers. But I think that would be
a major safety issue, especially at slow speeds. These are designed
to improve your visibility in conjunction with wipers.

[198]Reply
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[202]Satish 20

[203]Satish 11:32PM (4/17/2006)

Rain-X or PPG Aquapel or a brand new car off the factory floor. All
of these comments forget to mention when they relied upon the water
beading action and when they relied upon the wipers to do their job.
If anyone here says they did not rely on wipers at all during
daytime--they are a pile of steaming sh**. Even with a freshly
cleaned, treated and waxed windshield (and other windows), the beaded
water leaves minute water-trails. These trails build up (quickly in
most cases) that can only be wiped off with the wiper blade.

The reason this matters more in daytime is that daylight completely
sends lighwaves going in every other direction and creates a nasty
film-ish blur. The wipers have to be used at atleast on the lowest
setting to get rid of this water trail mess.

At night, unless there's some idiot on the opposite side with
high-beams or you're entering a city area with overhead lights, you
almost never have to use your wipers because there are no lights to
scatter it. But as soon as you turn the wipers on, the vision become
diamon-clear, as opposed to just clear.

Also, no treatment in the world can prevent that water spray mist
that occurs when you're behind another vehicle (especially trucks).

The Rain-X windshield washer fluid creates a filmy mess after a while
(this was tested with brand new Rain-X wiper blades). This mess,
again is visible greatly when there are lights (including
street-lights). This smear happens as soon as the wiper blades go
over the area. Also, I see no reason to buy $9 Rain-X blades, when $3
ones do the same thing.

In conclusion, yes, these treatments help (at high-speeds), but it
does not eliminate the use of wipers.

Finally, a question: What if you just use plain rubbing-alcohol as
windshield washer fluid? Not only is it clear, but it's one amazing
glass cleaner by nature.

The annoying thing about washer fluids is that they're colored, and
it really shows on a White Car. Also, the orange Rain-X washer fluid
sticks to EVERYTHING. It even stains black rubber molding to a
rusty-orange color, and comes off only in a detailed wash.

[204]Reply
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Filed under: [71]Maintenance, [72]Tech

[73]Rain-X versus PPG Aquapel: Grudge Match

by [74]John Neff on Apr 17th 2006 at 7:03PM

Autoblog reader Josh Wardell, who loves his MINI Cooper very much
thank you, has posted an interesting comparison test between the well
known windshield treatment called [75]Rain-X and a lesser known
competitor named [76]PPG Aquapel that's usually used by service
professionals rather than vehicle owners. We hadn't heard much about
PPG Aquapel so we were interested to learn which product Wardell
found to more effectively whisked away rainwater over a period of
time.

The results from Wardell's unofficial comparison test were
surprising. After having applied both products to separate sides of
his MINI's windshield, Wardell waited for rain and then taped the
results at various stages, all the way from day one to day 72. What
we learn from Wardell's accompanying [77]video is that both
windshield treatements need speeds above 40 mph to whisk rain away
effectively, but that the windshield wipers dramatically reduce the
effectiveness of Rain-X over time, whereas the PPG Aquapel side was
still effective after 60 days.

How many of you out there have had the chance to try [78]Aquapel and
were your results similar? Any Rain-X defenders out there who'd like
to speak up?

Tags: [79]aquapel, [80]rain, [81]rain-x, [82]windshield wipers,
[83]WindshieldWipers
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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 4)

[88]FreeKnight 21

[89]FreeKnight 11:54PM (4/17/2006)

I also use the silicon blades. I bought these online:
[90]http://www.silblade.com/ for all my cars and they are still going
strong after 5 years.

[91]Reply
2 stars [92]-v[93]-^[94]report
[95]salguod 22

[96]salguod 12:40AM (4/18/2006)

RE: PIAA Wiper Blades. I use Silblades which do the same thing. I got
mine on Amazon for $12 each. I'll never go back to regular blades
again. The big dfference between Silblades and the PIAA blades is the
PIAA are refillable, I think.

[97]Reply
2 stars [98]-v[99]-^[100]report
[101]will z 23

[102]will z 1:18AM (4/18/2006)

we get a lot of fog where i live, and general condensation on the
windows when the car sits.

rain-x does not cope well with this, creating a thin water mist that
wipers can't get rid of until your defrost heats the glass.

what about aquapel?

[103]Reply
2 stars [104]-v[105]-^[106]report
[107]Jason Chan 24

[108]Jason Chan 1:38AM (4/18/2006)

#20,
"Finally, a question: What if you just use plain rubbing-alcohol as
windshield washer fluid? Not only is it clear, but it's one amazing
glass cleaner by nature."

yes rubbing-alcohol works but if large amounts of that will eat away
at your car such as the rubber hose, rubber seals and some of the
paint finishes.

[109]Reply
2 stars [110]-v[111]-^[112]report
[113]ZipperSeven 25

[114]ZipperSeven 7:19AM (4/18/2006)

I mostly used the generic washer fluids until I saw I was having the
same problems as the other guys...the funky orange and green (Target
generic, I think) fluids are opaque and leave nasty residue.

Recently I've been using the Rain-X brand washer additive, I use it
in the Wal-Mart generic 'summer formula' fluid which doesnt leave
haze, mist, or residue on the glass or the car. The summer formula is
also good for scrubbing Florida baked-on mosquito carcasses off the
windshield.

Having Rain-X or something like it (I'm seriously considering the
Aquapel now) in Florida during Hurricane Season is almost a
requirement.

[115]Reply
2 stars [116]-v[117]-^[118]report
[119]Oldnstubborn 26

[120]Oldnstubborn 8:12AM (4/18/2006)

"Also, the orange Rain-X washer fluid sticks to EVERYTHING. It even
stains black rubber molding to a rusty-orange color, and comes off
only in a detailed wash." (Satish)
I've been using the orange-colored Rain-X and haven't washed my white
Cavalier in over 2 years but I don't see any orange anywhere;-)
Also, I can't recall ever having to use my wipers at speeds above 40
mph. Sure, it's better using the wipers, but, in my experience,
plenty good enough without--better than wipers without Rain-X.

[121]Reply
2 stars [122]-v[123]-^[124]report
[125]Dan from Delaware 27

[126]Dan from Delaware 9:10AM (4/18/2006)

I used Rain-X for a while but then my car got addicted to the stuff
so I had to cut it off. Sure, during the warm months it gave my car a
cheap high but the winter months were a time of painful withdrawl. I
couldn't figure out how to do a decent application in the cold, so
the wipers would shudder and squeek until the Rain-x worked its way
out of the system.

[127]Reply
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[131]Gene 28

[132]Gene 9:34AM (4/18/2006)

I have been using Aquapel for five years and have had great results.
I even apply for visiting friends. It also helps with the Florida
bugs.
Gene

[133]Reply
2 stars [134]-v[135]-^[136]report
[137]Josh Wardell 29

[138]Josh Wardell 10:24AM (4/18/2006)

In case people are confused, we are talking about Rain-X Glass
Treatment here, not Rain-X wiper fluid or wipers. They are completely
different products.

[139]Reply
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[143]Steve C. 30

[144]Steve C. 10:31AM (4/18/2006)

For those looking for PIAA silicone blades, you won't find them at
Autozone. You can buy them from Tire Rack or just "Google" PIAA
silicone and you'll find others.

They are expensive, but worth it if you live in places like
Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, or other areas will a lot of rain, snow,
salt, etc.

[145]Reply
2 stars [146]-v[147]-^[148]report
[149]cgr 31

[150]cgr 10:34AM (4/18/2006)

I've used Aquapell for three or four years now. I first got it when I
was driving a 97 Subaru Legacy GT; the folks at Jiffy Lube talked me
in to it for $10. I'd used Rain-X a few times before as it was highly
regarded by soobie drivers. I absolutely loved Aquapell. That said,
I've had hit and miss results with it since my initial time. I have
never applied it myself, only through service stations. I suspect
that it's effectiveness has much to do with application. I've never
looked for it in stores, but I'd like to try applying myself to see
if I can get consistant results.

As for my usage experience. I find Aquapell to be most effective over
40mph, probably even 50mph...OR, slower if it's raining hard. I DO
find it to be effective at ANY speed in that the water beads up (just
doesn't fly up). Seeing through beaded rain is much easier than
streaking rain. I have issue with my GTI's whiper timing, so having
Aquapell allows me to, at any speed, keep my whipers on incremental
(slow) and be fine.

Also, my current Aquapell application is five months old and holding
fairly strong though I do feel like it's depreciated...also probably
due to application (I feel like my current application has been the
worst).

[151]Reply
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[155]chris 32

[156]chris 11:17AM (4/18/2006)

I have been using Aquapel for about a year and I have to say it works
great as long as you clean the windshield very well. Use newspaper
just like the "less-fortunate" in the movies because it doesn't leave
residue and it scrapes off everything.

Aquapel does not seem to leave residue like I saw with Rain-X.

Last time I checked you could buy Aquapel at TireRack.com, before
that it was only at PPG body shops and only available as a service.

[157]Reply
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[161]Richard Warren 33

[162]Richard Warren 11:26AM (4/18/2006)

I've tried both and know what seems to work almost as well? Clean
windshield really well, cut potato in 1/2 punch a few little holes in
potato. Smear over windshield, polish windshield, simple starch.
Lasts about 3 car washings, and heck of lot less expensive, no
bottles to recycle,no chemical worries. I've used it for years,
simple, clean, easy.

[163]Reply
2 stars [164]-v[165]-^[166]report
[167]Finished.Law.School 34

[168]Finished.Law.School 11:27AM (4/18/2006)

This is good to know. Thanks Autoblog.

[169]Reply
2 stars [170]-v[171]-^[172]report
[173]MikeW 35

[174]MikeW 12:03PM (4/18/2006)

I hate Aquapel. In a comparison of two second generation dodge
intrepids[damn good windshield rake] with valeo ultimate wipers[both]
the Rain-X always outperforms Aquapel. The Rain-X decreased surface
tension and the water beads/runs off. The Aquapel increased surface
tension and made the water 'smear', but in a different way from an
untreated windshield.

Sure the Rain-X wears away quicker where the wipers sweep, but that
is the only area that needs reapplication. The overspray is more than
enough for the non-wiping area, so the entire windshield is
re-coated.

I cleaned the entire windshield with 99% isopropyl alcohol before
applying the Aquapel. I felt the massive static charge, so I believe
the application process was correct.

You haven't lived until you have driven 100mph in a heavy downpour
with no wipers. Rain-x is on sale at Target for $4 for a 16oz bottle
that lasts a whole winter[4 months] in chicago.

[175]Reply
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[179]tau 36

[180]tau 1:38PM (12/23/2008)

aquapel says not to use alcohol or ammonia to clean the windhsield
before hand

2 stars [181]-v[182]-^[183]report
[184]Tommy 37

[185]Tommy 5:24PM (4/18/2006)

Have never used Rain-X or Aquapel, but I am an advocate of the PIAA
winshield wiper blades, they are fantastic.

The come in many different forms, even curved blades for some
European models, some of them even come with a wind diffuser that
some cars often come with from the factory.

I have been using the PIAA wiper blades for over three years now and
I have to say it is possibly the best thing that I have ever
purchased. They usually last for over one year and come with a one
year warranty.

[186]Reply
2 stars [187]-v[188]-^[189]report
[190]samuel 38

[191]samuel 7:09PM (4/18/2006)

# 20. Blah, blah, blah.

Fact: in the heaviest rain, if I am driving at highway speeds with a
freshly rain-x'd windshield, I NEVER need to use the wipers.

[192]Reply
2 stars [193]-v[194]-^[195]report
[196]Sean Cahill 39

[197]Sean Cahill 1:11PM (4/19/2006)

I'll take PPG over Rain-X any day.

And you can buy PIAA wipers at cardomain.com (and Valeo!!)

[198]Reply
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[202]Harry 40

[203]Harry 9:56AM (5/03/2006)

You guys should try Nanoprotect AG from Nanotec-USA.
www.nanotec-usa.com
I applied Nanoprotect for glass to the driver's side only of my
windshield
in June 2005. Since then, I have driven about 25,000 miles all over
the eastern half of the United States, and have observed various
benefits on the treated side of the glass.Driving through the
torrential rains and black clouds of a tornadic
thunderstorm on I-75 in Kentucky last summer, I was shocked to be
able to
see clearly ahead of me with
the wipers on. I was able to keep driving and get to
shelter. Normal night driving seems clearer, also.
We recently had our annual ice storm in Atlanta, GA.
I had to get to a job quick, so I turned my wipers on to at least a
quarter inch thick ice build-up, which slid off immediately from the
Nanotec treated side. The other had to be defrosted and removed the
old-fashioned way.

In general, since my car doesn't stay in one place long enough to
wash
very often, I have observed the build-up of debris and grime is
substantially less on the treated side in comparison to the rest of
the vehicle.
After all the products still works.
Hands down, this is the most impressive demonstration of
nano-technology that everyone can experience!

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Filed under: [71]Maintenance, [72]Tech

[73]Rain-X versus PPG Aquapel: Grudge Match

by [74]John Neff on Apr 17th 2006 at 7:03PM

Autoblog reader Josh Wardell, who loves his MINI Cooper very much
thank you, has posted an interesting comparison test between the well
known windshield treatment called [75]Rain-X and a lesser known
competitor named [76]PPG Aquapel that's usually used by service
professionals rather than vehicle owners. We hadn't heard much about
PPG Aquapel so we were interested to learn which product Wardell
found to more effectively whisked away rainwater over a period of
time.

The results from Wardell's unofficial comparison test were
surprising. After having applied both products to separate sides of
his MINI's windshield, Wardell waited for rain and then taped the
results at various stages, all the way from day one to day 72. What
we learn from Wardell's accompanying [77]video is that both
windshield treatements need speeds above 40 mph to whisk rain away
effectively, but that the windshield wipers dramatically reduce the
effectiveness of Rain-X over time, whereas the PPG Aquapel side was
still effective after 60 days.

How many of you out there have had the chance to try [78]Aquapel and
were your results similar? Any Rain-X defenders out there who'd like
to speak up?

Tags: [79]aquapel, [80]rain, [81]rain-x, [82]windshield wipers,
[83]WindshieldWipers
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Reader Comments (Page 3 of 4)

[88]Bob Robey 41

[89]Bob Robey 7:01PM (5/03/2006)

The Aquapel/RainX results are not surprising: Jiffy Lube used to
offer Aquapel but stopped in favor of the cheaper RainX. I noticed a
HUGE difference: The RainX is definitely INferior. I just wish Juffy
Lube offered is the choice. I'd willingly pay the premium price fopr
the definitely supwrior product.

[90]Reply
2 stars [91]-v[92]-^[93]report
[94]Dave 42

[95]Dave 5:57PM (7/16/2006)

Rain X is silicone which is why it doesn't last. Why pay money for
fancy wipers? Apply Aquapel every 6 months or so and use ordinary
wipers? Besides why would you want to put silicone, which is an oil
on your windshield?
There are three main differences between Aquapel and silicone
treatments such as Rain-X: 1. Over the counter windshield treatments
use a silicone based formula and Aquapel is fluoropolymer-based. 2)
Over the counter treatments last for a few hours (or days) before
re-treatment is necessary, Aquapel lasts 6 months or more. 3. Aquapel
produces a 115 degree contact angle with the glass, while silicone
based treatments only produce a 90 degree contact angle. The greater
the contact angle, the easier the water will come loose (bead up)
from the glass surface. Putting it another way, the greater the
contact angle, the less adhesion water will have to the glass.

[96]Reply
2 stars [97]-v[98]-^[99]report
[100]neilv 43

[101]neilv 8:33PM (9/10/2006)

I've tried RainX, and it vastly inferior to Aquapel, which I have
been using for about 6-years on four different cars.

My sister in-law live in Seattle, WA, and were using RainX, with poor
results.

On my last visit, I did an Aquapel treatment, and they tell me
everytime it is incredible, and it has been already 6-months since my
last visit.

Aquapel 100%

:-) neil

[102]Reply
2 stars [103]-v[104]-^[105]report
[106]JP 44

[107]JP 2:20PM (9/19/2006)

I'm using Aquapel since 6 month and still working as new.

In winter, snow and ice removing before driving is a breeze. Once had
2 cars side by side with thick ice on all windows. Temperature of
about -20C. One car was warmed 30 minutes, (no Aquapel) and the other
not warmed at all (with Aquapel). Took 2 minutes to remove the ice
from the windshield of the "Aquapel" cold car and near 30 minutes to
do the same on the warm, not treated car. On the Aquapel windshield,
once the ice was cracked all around the frame, a simple push removed
the entire ice pane covering the windshield, in one shot. Ice didn't
stick at all and just slid off.

Driving in Canada in winter, with all the salt and slush on roads is
a messy experience. With Aquapel, it's easier. Passing a trucker on
the highway is no longer a scary experience because it seems the more
shit he throws at me, the more water is beading and the better
Aquapel perform so, I can see where I'm going, even while beside the
truck, no wipers required (not joking! On highway, at 100km/h)

Last week, 250km of highway in the rain, half daytime, half night
time. Used the wipers when the rain started, (light rain, no mist
from the road) but after 20 minutes of rain, (now stronger rain) no
more wipers until I hit the city again, no matter if passing trucks
or being passed by other cars. As soon as the rain was strong enough
to provide enough water, the beading effect kept the windshield clear
without wipers.

True, at low speed and when all you get is a mist, the water will
bead but won't drain so wipers are then required. The more water you
get, the better it work.

I also didn't experience "minute water-trails" since, if you go fast
enough (highway speed), they form large beads and wipes-off quickly
on their own. At slow speed, they simply just bead and don't move
until big enough to make big, undisturbing, water trails.

I even found myself a few time looking at other cars and wondering
why they had their wipers on since I could see perfectly without.

Now summer is coming and, with it, bugs smashed in the windshield. No
need to panick about smearing a big juicy one who just smashed
straight in your line-of-sight, just start the wipers and it will
clear off since it won't stick because of the Aquapel! Happened a few
times in the last few weeks. Once the bug dries, (didn't use the
wipers when "fresh") it's harder to remove but still way easier than
on a non-treated windshield.

Satish, I suggest you try Aquapel before making an opinion based on
general knowledge. I tried RainX and hated it because of the streaks
and fast wear but I love Aquapel. This is the best "gadget" i got for
a car in a long time!

For the guy talking about motorcycle helmet: Aquapel only work on
glass so, no luck on a visor. I did ask PPG about this because I
wanted to treat my headlights (polycarbonate) and they said it was no
go.

Do I really love Aquapel? I just bought a case of 24 on Ebay!

[108]Reply
2 stars [109]-v[110]-^[111]report
[112]Tom 45

[113]Tom 10:35AM (11/03/2006)

I was a fan of Rain-X until I discovered Aquapel, which has amazing
staying power in comparison. It cost more at the oil change place to
put it on ($15-$20) than a manual job of Rain-X, but found it online
for as cheap as $8 online. I'll be purchasing Aquapel in the future
for both my wife and me instead of going to Jiffy Lube (which today I
found out from my dealer they forgot to replace the antifreeze cap
which caused me engine problems!).

[114]Reply
2 stars [115]-v[116]-^[117]report
[118]Count Enrico Ferrari 46

[119]Count Enrico Ferrari 10:48AM (11/04/2006)

I am trying to find a decent windsheild cleaner for use in the rains
of the Seattle area. The 20-10 stuff seems to leave a film that is
very difficult to clean off.

I will try the rubbing alchohol and see how that works. IF anyone has
a good product for the windshield peeing devices please post.

The Rain-X stuff is terrible up here where it rains because of the
extra film you have to clean off when it starts raining. I don't know
about the PPG stuff. On my motorcycle the Rain-X was OK since there
were no wipers.

[120]Reply
2 stars [121]-v[122]-^[123]report
[124]Trevor 47

[125]Trevor 3:41PM (12/09/2006)

I have seen many of these test performed and I did the same thing to
my wifes car. The front passenger window I applied rainX as suggested
on the bottle and on the rear passenger window I applied it how my
friends and customers tell me they apply it.

Guess what, it did the same as in the video. The one I applied as
directed last 2 months and the one I applied as I was told lasted
less than 30 days.

For me when I detail a car part of my included work is applying rainX
to all the windows and the rainX washer liquid. Never had a
complaint. I apply RainX about every 6mths to the windows when I do a
major detail to my own cars and I also use it on my motorcycle
helment visor and motorcycle windshield.

It comes down to: Find something that you like and if it works for
you then stick to it.

Trev

[126]Reply
2 stars [127]-v[128]-^[129]report
[130]Mark 48

[131]Mark 5:54PM (12/10/2006)

I'd used Rain-X for awhile, but got tired of re-applying. I used it
on the side windows of my boat, and it lasted longer there. I still
have a bottle in the garage, but I think it will probably stay on the
shelf.

I had Aquapel applied on my wife's car when I got her oil changed at
JiffyLube about a year ago. I liked it so much that I got it done to
my truck. I was shopping for it on line when I found this thread. I
live in Seattle, so I use my wipers a lot. Rain-X needs to be
reapplied after about 4 hours of wipers. Aquapel is still going
strong at 10 times that. I'm shopping for it because I'm going to put
it on the windshield of my Polaris Ranger (no wipers).

Mark

[132]Reply
2 stars [133]-v[134]-^[135]report
[136]bboard 49

[137]bboard 4:10AM (12/28/2006)

Hi, Does anyone know if Aquapel is the re-brand product of the STP
VisionBlade Window Treatment? I have tried Rain-X, Rain-Away, and STP
only and STP is the best of the bunch due to it's durability. I only
need to reapply once a year. However, I have yet to find any info on
its availability except old stock at local car shop sometimes. Any
feedback would be appreciated

[138]Reply
2 stars [139]-v[140]-^[141]report
[142]Grant 50

[143]Grant 2:29PM (12/29/2006)

never heard of aquapel until today, i'll have to give it a shot.

[144]Reply
2 stars [145]-v[146]-^[147]report
[148]Scott Irwin 51

[149]Scott Irwin 10:11AM (2/10/2007)

I have tried a product called Silbead from out of New York vs. RainX
with similar results. Will try Silbead vs Aquapel in the next round
of the playoffs

[150]Reply
2 stars [151]-v[152]-^[153]report
[154]Slayermole 52

[155]Slayermole 2:23PM (3/23/2007)

Being a skeptic by nature when it comes to the claims of any
manufacturer about the performance of their product, I decided to
test Aquapel for myself. I was a die hard Rain-X user through the
years and am quite familiar with the drawbacks it presents in
durability and haze that must be buffed out. All in all, it was a
great product for its time.

Aquapel is a newer technology breakthrough. (Came out in 1997)It is
not silicone based like Rain-X. As a result, it is more durable and
actually causes water to bead at a much higher angle than Rain-X.
What that means is there is less surface area of each drop in contact
with the windshield, causing the drops to blow off more efficiently
and and at lower speeds.

I found it is MUCH easier to apply than Rain-X. Clean the windshield
thoroughly before the first application. I actually used Rain-X
windshield cleaner. (note this is just a cleaner designed to remove
any road films, bugs and residue of any kind from the windshield, not
Rain-X)

Apply Aquapel to half the Windshield, making sure to cover it side to
side and up and down. While it is still wet, wipe it off with a soft
towel. Repeat for the other side of the sindshield. As long as you
wipe it off while wet, you will not have to use any elbow grease to
polish out a haze.

This is an easy install. I am preparing to install this product on a
250 tractor trailer fleet to help improve visability. Side
benefit-Bugs come off an Aquapel treated windshield much easier than
an untreated one.

The treatment lasts up to six times longer than Rain-X under the
wipers and up to 18 months on Side or back windows.

I don't have a dog in this fight, just a job that causes me to
constantly seek new products that make my fleet of trucks safer on
the road. I did half the windshield and half the back glass and then
went to the car wash to test it out. The results were amazing! Try it
for yourself.

[156]Reply
2 stars [157]-v[158]-^[159]report
[160]Mitch 53

[161]Mitch 1:58PM (3/29/2007)

I had the windows in my daughters car tinted for her birthday last
year and the gentelman who did the work suggested aquapel.....I am
now a very firm believer in the product and have since ordered a case
of it and have done every vehicle we own.....I cannot sing it's
praises eneough

[162]Reply
2 stars [163]-v[164]-^[165]report
[166]jim 54

[167]jim 8:15AM (4/24/2007)

Having been a Rain-X user for years, I was quite anxious to give the
Aquapel a try. I must say I'm very disappointed with its performance.
It doesn't appear to bead water at all. In fact, I found myself still
having to use the wipers even at highway speeds. After several
auditions in the rain, I re-applied Rain-X and the water was beading
again. You may have to apply Rain-X more often, but at least it
works.

[168]Reply
2 stars [169]-v[170]-^[171]report
[172]BooneDawg 55

[173]BooneDawg 12:10PM (4/26/2007)

I have used Rain X for years, however it seems they changed there
formula. It more of a milky white, I don't care for the performance
and its hard to get off. I had Aquapel put on yesterday at a
LubeStop, they applied it and immediately wiped it off, I think this
is important to stress ON & Off ...Time will tell, but it does a
great job so far.

[174]Reply
2 stars [175]-v[176]-^[177]report
[178]gerryd 56

[179]gerryd 3:48PM (7/10/2007)

Has anyone tried these products on the flexible plastic enclosures on
boats getting sprayed with salt/fresh water at slow speeds?? There
are many products out there for these enclosures. Most claiming to
fill in minor scratches. (Bull Sh..) Bomar

[180]Reply
2 stars [181]-v[182]-^[183]report
[184]pat 57

[185]pat 11:49PM (7/19/2007)

i work at delta sonic in bufflao and we charge 22 dolard for aquapel
and i went out and bought it for my self and aplyed it the way i was
tough to and found it to beat out rain x 10 to 1 it also depends on
how the weather is but i had it on before the october storm and its
still workin just fine even through the buffalo winter and i wont get
any thin but aquapel now and nice video lots of work into that dose
justice to the treatment

[186]Reply
2 stars [187]-v[188]-^[189]report
58

[190]"Bullistic Billy-Bob" 1:35AM (8/08/2007)

YEESH!! Lotta good comments above about rain repelants. Chiefly
'Rain-X' against 'Aquapel'. I wasn't even aware that you could GET
'a-pell' on the civie side. You see, it was created to be used
WITHOUT wipers.....on jets....at speeds that have very little to do
with a 40MPH minimum. More like TO FAST for wipers to even work
properly. OH, and it works GREAT on motorcycle shields since it was
origionaly desighned for 'plex' anyhow. ( at bullistic speeds, even
the smallest screw flying off of a tagged bandit would explode a
glass canopy, fighters have used a sort of "glass-plastic" mix since
the sabre drivers found that out the hard way in Korea. And many and
varied unmentionable improvements since) But we still use A-Pell!!

[191]Reply
2 stars [192]-v[193]-^[194]report
[195]Jane Yost 59

[196]Jane Yost 3:11PM (11/03/2007)

I was told by Cindy Rowe Auto Glass who repaired some chips in my
windshield that Rain-X actually plays a role in degrading the surface
of the glass over time .... i wish i could remember in more detail
why and how .... the guy i was talking to was recommending i look for
Aquapel, although he wasn't sure where to find it around where i
live. I'm going for it.

[197]Reply
2 stars [198]-v[199]-^[200]report
[201]nv 60

[202]nv 11:14PM (1/27/2008)

+1 on Aquapel. I've been using since 1998 and it is bar-non the best
out there, no wonder the aviation industry uses it.

If you're applying it over glass that has had RainX, be sure you
clean the glass of all silicone residue.

We use on our fleet of 6-vehicles, and in the Florida rains, it is
IMHO a safety accessory.

[203]Reply
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ransley

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You MORON ARE FUKING KIDDING, nobody wiil read that CRAP BS LONG ASSED
POST. on some crap ploy BESIDES THIS IS A NON ADVERTISING GROUP< SO
FUCK OFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

ransley

unread,

Feb 20, 2009, 9:12:57 PM2/20/09

to

On Feb 20, 6:59 pm, dkco...@panix.com (David Combs) wrote:

> ...
>
> read more »

Yr a COCKSUKER you are

AZ Nomad

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Feb 20, 2009, 9:33:30 PM2/20/09

to

On 20 Feb 2009 19:59:08 -0500, David Combs <dkc...@panix.com> wrote:

1900 line turd snipped

WTF has this to do with home repair?

Rick-Meister

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Feb 20, 2009, 11:14:26 PM2/20/09

to

I've used Aquapel for 3 years. I just do 1 application per
YEAR--that's how good it is.

AZ Nomad

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Feb 20, 2009, 11:23:29 PM2/20/09

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On Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:14:26 -0600, Rick-Meister <Rick-m...@noemail.net> wrote:
>I've used Aquapel for 3 years. I just do 1 application per
>YEAR--that's how good it is.

How do you get it to stick to the housepaint?

David Combs

unread,

Feb 21, 2009, 5:11:06 PM2/21/09

to

In article <slrngpupvq.g...@ip70-176-155-130.ph.ph.cox.net>,

Didn't you guys just have a huge THREAD on just this
subject?

I posted a question, a few weeks ago, about windshield wiper
blades, and that became a thread that quickly got into
"Rain-x", pro and con.

So I saw this thing, with LOTS of opinions on it versus
this other similar-type thing, "cleaned it up" a BUNCH
(had to create an emacs "keyboard-macro" to make doing that
less tedious), and, well, posted it here.

It took me about 10 or 20 minutes to shrink it down to the
enormous size it still was -- shit, guys, I thought there
were people here who were INTERESTED in rain-x issues,
what with all the discussion about it in that prior thread.

----

About how much long it was -- geez, long, yeah, but the ONLY
thing you are FORCED to see is the ONE "subject" line. And no one
said you had to "click" on it.

And even if you did, you'd soon see that first screenfull
of it got you maybe only 5 or 10% into the post (at least
the news-reader that I use (trn4) does -- heck, so you just kill
it.

And unlike the old modem-days, what with these cable
connections, dss, etc, sucking in in is basically instant, anyway.

(And even a "slow" modem-connection, thsse days, goes at 9600-baud,
ie 960 chars per second. STILL very little time taken.)

----

And no, I'm not trying to sell anything. Just trying to reciprocate
a bit for all the stuff I've learned from what YOU guys post.

Cheers! (I hope)

David