MK5 Golf GTI

General => Detailing => Topic started by: vRS Carl on August 28, 2011, 09:09:50 am

Title: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: vRS Carl on August 28, 2011, 09:09:50 am
As we are starting to get to the time of year when the weather is only going to get worse i was wondering what people's views were on various rain repellants.

I've always used Rain-X and found it to be fairly good just not very long lasting. However on a brief search of the tinterweb it seems that Carlack Glass Sealing kit is the weapon of choice.

Anyone on here got any experience of it?
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: golf nutter on August 28, 2011, 09:25:33 am
i have found that AG Fast Glass does a fantastic job on my car...lasts weeks too.  noticed on friday when we had a lot of rain i was intermittent much of the time whilst other cars wipers were going furiously!
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on August 28, 2011, 09:26:03 am
Are there any recomendations for Anti mist for the inside too.

I used rainX and was effective but like you say doesn't last too long.

I tried the washer fluid with rainX used it at low dilation but can't remember it being that effective.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: stealthwolf on August 28, 2011, 09:39:35 am
I'm going to look into carlack or gtechniq stuff - some kind of glass sealant either way. The other issue is that dirt on the glass seems to stop water gliding off so regular snowfoam and wash is also recommended.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: LouCyffer on August 28, 2011, 09:41:09 am
The outside screen I treat with Rain-X every couple of months. It's never been anything but faultless, and the screen can be polished to remove bugs etc (I use AG glass polish) without impeding the performance & beading effect.

For the inside, pretty much anything that keeps glass clean is fine. As dust & dirt allows water to bind to it on the surface of the glass, as long as the glass is kept clean, you'll get a reduction in misting. I've found a 3 weekly treatment of AG car glass polish is fine. You could use any number of cleaners; Windowlene would work, as long as the inner glass surface is cleaned effectively.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: vRS Carl on August 28, 2011, 09:48:08 am
i have found that AG Fast Glass does a fantastic job on my car...lasts weeks too.  noticed on friday when we had a lot of rain i was intermittent much of the time whilst other cars wipers were going furiously!

I use fast glass but that's only a cleaner as far as im aware.

I'm going to look into carlack or gtechniq stuff - some kind of glass sealant either way. The other issue is that dirt on the glass seems to stop water gliding off so regular snowfoam and wash is also recommended.

Yup my car wash process is:

Rinse with Pressure washer to get any large bits of dirt/heavy build up off
Wheels Cleaned with Bilbery Wheel cleaner
Snowfoam and leave for 5-10 mins
Rinse
Snowfoam for 5 mins again and then wash using the 2BM with a wash mit. I also use one of those windscreen sponges to get rid of any fly deposits etc
Rinse
Dry
Clean all glass with fast glass, AG Glass polish and then apply Rain-X to windscreen, front side windows and rear screen.
Use Megs Spray Quick Wax & Speed detailer to keep on top of shine

Once every 2-3 months the wheels come off and the car gets a proper waxing

Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: stealthwolf on August 28, 2011, 10:31:40 am
Do you seal the wheels? You shouldn't need to use Bilberry so often - the grime will slip off quite easily with a good wheal sealant.

I've heard mixed reviews about Rain-X and smearing when using the wipers, hence have stayed away.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: gobbleplease on August 28, 2011, 12:04:45 pm
Im not sure what the dealers used on my gti when i picked it up at the start of june, but the water just streams off the windows and its still doing it ! Bloody mental ill need to get something that does the same its pretty gid like, it did give a little bit of smearing with condensation on the outside when you use the wipers but i never got any smearing in the rain
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: vRS Carl on August 28, 2011, 12:06:53 pm
Do you seal the wheels? You shouldn't need to use Bilberry so often - the grime will slip off quite easily with a good wheal sealant.

I've heard mixed reviews about Rain-X and smearing when using the wipers, hence have stayed away.

I do wax them but only when i take them of (obviously). Think i might need to invest in a good wheel sealant :happy2:
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: stealthwolf on August 28, 2011, 01:13:45 pm
Wax isn't durable enough and not suited for high temps. Best use a dedicated wheel sealant. I like poorboys wheel sealant because it's easy to apply. Damn thing smells, looks and feels like raspberry mousse! Very easy to apply and get a few coats on. Sealants, if you do 2-3 coats, should last maybe 4-6 months, and the dirt just slides off.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: rich83 on August 28, 2011, 01:15:54 pm
RainX seems to work great on the side windows and lasts for ages. But it doesn't seem to last on the windscreen, i suppose the wipers just rub it off over time.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on August 28, 2011, 01:19:45 pm
Maybe apply rainX then use rainX screenwash?
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: stealthwolf on August 28, 2011, 01:19:57 pm
The wipers, through friction, remove a small amount of glass over time. Rain-X would also be worn away.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: golf nutter on August 28, 2011, 01:59:32 pm
yes AG Fast Glass is a cleaner but i have noted how rain just beads up and and blows itself off when moving.  i dont get any smearing either and it seems to last quite a while too.  maybe there's some chemical component in that does that.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: RussZS on August 28, 2011, 03:04:32 pm
I've tried most of them, and this stuff is the most durable by far, and one of the easiest to use.

The Carlack is okay, but it drops off a bit after 3 months or so.

The Xtravue lasts 12 months, EASILY

http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/xtravue-nanofilm-professional-glass-treatment.php?manufacturers_id=60

Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on August 28, 2011, 03:06:13 pm

Good recommendation cheer!
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: vRS Carl on August 28, 2011, 08:31:23 pm
I've tried most of them, and this stuff is the most durable by far, and one of the easiest to use.

The Carlack is okay, but it drops off a bit after 3 months or so.

The Xtravue lasts 12 months, EASILY

http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/xtravue-nanofilm-professional-glass-treatment.php?manufacturers_id=60



Thanks just ordered some of that  :happy2:
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: Saint Steve on August 28, 2011, 09:00:46 pm
Ive found White Vinegar works and lasts well.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: LouCyffer on August 28, 2011, 09:40:20 pm
Ive found White Vinegar works and lasts well.

I'd be worried I'd return to my parked car to find a couple of chavs licking the windscreen.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: bodger00 on August 28, 2011, 10:06:56 pm
Having recently spent some time applying Carlack for this years application, I can whole heartedly recommend it :happy2:

It has lasted nearly a full year on my car with only the windscreen showing signs of it wearing off. It comes in two bottle a cleaner and the sealant. Now I am going to be honest here its a PITA to get the cleaner off. It applys like a wax and then you have to buff it off. The next step is the sealer and its just as awkward.......BUT it is really worth the effort.

If you are still not convinced, look at this video.....you find that you dont really need wipers :surprised:

Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on August 28, 2011, 10:28:16 pm

Vid doesn't work for me :(
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: golf nutter on August 29, 2011, 08:45:24 am
the vid works for me and definately proves the point!  wow!  my AG Fast Glass is similar but about 10x less effective.  i am seriously impressed.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: bodger00 on August 29, 2011, 06:04:25 pm

Vid doesn't work for me :(

Try this Mike

Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on August 29, 2011, 06:19:28 pm

Vid doesn't work for me :(

Try this Mike



Impressive  :happy2:
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: golf nutter on August 29, 2011, 07:27:08 pm
is this the stuff Bodger?

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-and-exterior/carlack-glass-sealing-kit/prod_348.html

Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: winrya on August 29, 2011, 08:36:03 pm
How's this stuff work with the auto wipers.  Are they still as normal and you just turn down the sensitivity to slow them down?
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on August 29, 2011, 08:37:57 pm

**adds to shopping list  :innocent:
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: rosco07 on August 29, 2011, 09:13:56 pm
I use the gtechniq stuff which seems to be lasting well and I cannot fault. 

loads of videos on youtube for example
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: bodger00 on August 29, 2011, 09:31:41 pm
is this the stuff Bodger?

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-and-exterior/carlack-glass-sealing-kit/prod_348.html



Certainly is mate :happy2:
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: Frenzy on August 29, 2011, 11:27:17 pm
I'm currently using rain x and as mentioned it's brilliant when first applied but doesn't last that long. When i get through the bottle i'll probably look to invest in something better. May try a combo of Rain X then AG Glass Polish for now. I previously just used the AG Glass Polish on the interior.

The Valet Pro Bilberry wheel cleaner is tops, so is the Poosrboy's Wheel sealant - only had time to apply one coat but after applying it and buffing it off i would have happily licked my wheels they were that clean and polished - silky to the touch too  :love:  :ashamed:
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: golf nutter on August 30, 2011, 07:27:30 pm
is this the stuff Bodger?

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-and-exterior/carlack-glass-sealing-kit/prod_348.html



Certainly is mate :happy2:

and some is winging its way to me now as I type! 
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on August 30, 2011, 07:47:48 pm

Where sells the best car park retard repellent  :fighting:

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,34223.msg417184.html#msg417184 (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,34223.msg417184.html#msg417184)
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: golf nutter on August 30, 2011, 08:11:07 pm
oh mate...feel for you.  some feck1n people hey!
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on August 30, 2011, 08:16:35 pm
oh mate...feel for you.  some feck1n people hey!

I know, fuming  :fighting:
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: bodger00 on August 30, 2011, 09:20:40 pm
is this the stuff Bodger?

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-and-exterior/carlack-glass-sealing-kit/prod_348.html



Certainly is mate :happy2:

and some is winging its way to me now as I type! 

Just a quick tip seen as you bought some......dampen your removal cloth for the cleaner to make it easier.
Oh and the bottle with the black lid is the cleaner....the whole bottle is in German :confused:
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: golf nutter on August 30, 2011, 09:22:20 pm
thanks for that!  saved me asking on here when they arrive!  cant wait to do it...i shall be praying for rain.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: golf nutter on September 01, 2011, 04:27:23 pm
 :signLOL:  both bottles have white lids!!!!  thankfully, we have english instructions on the reverse.  for taking off the sealant it states to moisten the cloth/screen but mentions nothing about damping the cleaner removal cloth.  but i shall bear in mind your tip if it looks to be a s0d to get off.  hope it rains tomorrow now!  :party:
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: bodger00 on September 01, 2011, 06:50:29 pm
both bottles have white lids!!!!

 :signLOL: Sorry mate, mine were all in German with one of them having a black lid. Good luck with the application.....its not too bad. :happy2:
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: golf nutter on September 01, 2011, 07:03:26 pm
seems straight forward enough so far...have just applied and taken off the cleaner without much difficulty and have now applied the sealant.  you watch, we will have a heatwave and drought for the next 3mths!
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: uk_stu on September 09, 2011, 09:47:51 am
I'm on the Carlack band wagon, i was given some by a friend to try out and i was astounded!...

TIP: Don't use alcohol based or abrasive based cleaners on the glass one you've applied it otherwise you'll take the sealant back off again!
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: golf nutter on September 09, 2011, 06:42:27 pm
i am still waiting on some heavy rain with no luck.  the little bit we have had it was amazing!
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: Frenzy on September 10, 2011, 11:24:32 pm
I did the Auto Glym glass polish then Rain X afterwards. Now it did rain for a few days without me going for a drive but when i drove her last Wednesday evening and it was raining it was very meh  :confused:

I didn't get good beading and i also had a bit of a funny smear which lit up in certain lighting conditions  :fighting: luckily it wasn't directly in line of sight.

When i previously ran rain x i got very good results but this was driving in the rain the day after i had applied rain x.

I think i'll be looking for something more durable and a bit better in overall performance once the rain x runs out  :party:
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: golf nutter on September 11, 2011, 10:52:44 am
Carlack my friend...wouldnt try anything else from the little bit i have experienced.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: Frenzy on September 12, 2011, 12:13:57 am
probably will do  :happy2:

I washed my windscreen with Megs #62 shampoo yesterday and it performed better today than i'd got out of the AG glass polish + rain x combo earlier in the week  :rolleye:

I did get some nasty misting on the rear windows though so it seems like they could do with a bit of AG glass polish inside and out next weekend.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: neil86 on September 12, 2011, 09:11:33 pm
I just bought rain x and wasnt too happy with the results to be honest.
In morrisons for 3 quid is demon shine pink watery wax solution put that on works better for me.
Title: Re: Best Rain Repellant
Post by: vRS Carl on September 12, 2011, 09:15:20 pm
I bought some of the Xtra Vue and that has been working brilliantly so far. Expensive at £16 for a single use but it supposedly lasts up to 12 months. Only time will tell and if not then I'll put it down to a lesson learned and get carlack next time.