Another HYDRO2 Review!

Jaretr1

Jaretr1

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CarPro Hydro2 Touchless Silica Sealant

If you are a professional detailer and you do not have this in your arsenal, I cant imagine why not! If you are just a hobbiest, you still should have it!

I am not a professional, and I dont even play one on TV (although I did appear on Competition Ready, well at least my bald head did!), but I do some jobs here and there.

The most recent was a Dodge Magnum. The owner wanted it cleaned up so he could sell it. Paint was dirty, flat and dead. No polishing involved here. Just clean her up, inside and out, throw some wax on her, and put her up for sale! Since he paid me a little more than to just wash the car, I went ahead and decontaminated the paint with IronX and a Nanoskin towel (everyone should have one of those too!). I needed to do something as far as protection. I could have done a conventional wax, a spray wax, a sealant etc. But all of those would have added another step. Hydro2 to the rescue!

While technically this was a step added to the car wash process, its so easy and effortless, it truly saved time and energy.

Car was already wet, spray on wet car, hose off! YES, its that easy! I did not even tell the owner what I did, he looked at the car, felt the paint and figured I had at least waxed it. He was more than happy with the way it looked and how it felt. Hydro2 does leave the paint nice and slick. He will probably be even happier tomorrow after it cures some and the gloss enhances.

I took photos of the before during and after, but somehow managed to screw them up. So now all we have is the final finished product. It looks good. And remember, I did not polish the paint or even take a machine to it!

IMAG3561.jpg


IMAG3563.jpg


BTW, applied Hydro to the wheels as well. Tires were dressed with McKee's Gloss Tire Gel. Its definitely one of my favorites. Its nice and thick which makes it easy to apply.

McKee's 37 Gloss Tire Gel penetrates deep below the surface to hydrate and refresh dull, dry rubber.
 
Is there anything easier to protect your paint?
 
Hydro2 is one of my favs as well. If you don't have to clay, Hydrofoam is great also. Just wash and there is legit protection left behind.
 
Love Hydro2. If the car I am working on isn't being polished then Hydro2 it is!

I do just like you did. Wash, nanoskin pad on my 3401, hydro2 then dry it off.
 
I am thinking of taking the plunge on Hydro2. It sounds like a fabulous product.

I have two questions.

1) The Prediluted Hydro2 lite..is it the same concentration as the Hydro2: 3 parts DW or is it weaker? It says you can use it on every wash you do so wondering if it is a ready to use Hydro2 or a weaker Hydro2 meant as a drying aid after every wash.

2) This is an important question for me. So how do you maintain the Hydro2 finish after the first time? It says it will last 3+ months so when you wash the car in the interim, what kind of routine is needed? Can you use a rinse less wash like Ultima WWP or Optima No Rinse (the blue one. Or maybe the green one)? Can you use a QD or Waterless wash spray to keep it going?

Replies much appreciated. I mainly want the post application maintenance part and using rinse less wash and Waterless wash prays over it and how it may or may not affect the original gloss it puts on.

Also is Hydro2 safe to use over nano coatings?
 
I would buy hydro,my promblem is that I'm mobile and my clients see me working hard on there car waxing it the traditional way.I can't charge someone 100.00 for a quick hydro 2 and be done with it .They will feel cheated,but behind closed doors that will work great.
 
GSKR said:
I would buy hydro,my promblem is that I'm mobile and my clients see me working hard on there car waxing it the traditional way.I can't charge someone 100.00 for a quick hydro 2 and be done with it .They will feel cheated,but behind closed doors that will work great.
Click to expand...

Well..this is for my own car. I am not in the mobile detailing biz so I am not cheating anyone out of $100 or anything..

I do need the pertinent answers from someone who's been using this product first hand..like the OP who reviewed it.
 
GSKR said:
I would buy hydro,my promblem is that I'm mobile and my clients see me working hard on there car waxing it the traditional way.I can't charge someone 100.00 for a quick hydro 2 and be done with it .They will feel cheated,but behind closed doors that will work great.
Click to expand...

You can just use it on the wheels like I do. Works and looks great.
 
ArnoldLayne said:
I am thinking of taking the plunge on Hydro2. It sounds like a fabulous product.

I have two questions.

1) The Prediluted Hydro2 lite..is it the same concentration as the Hydro2: 3 parts DW or is it weaker? It says you can use it on every wash you do so wondering if it is a ready to use Hydro2 or a weaker Hydro2 meant as a drying aid after every wash.
Click to expand...

it's different and less robust, so, a weaker overall product. i am taking that info from CarPro, not personal experience. def not meant to be used as a drying aid, though, that's for sure.

2) This is an important question for me. So how do you maintain the Hydro2 finish after the first time? It says it will last 3+ months so when you wash the car in the interim, what kind of routine is needed? Can you use a rinse less wash like Ultima WWP or Optima No Rinse (the blue one. Or maybe the green one)? Can you use a QD or Waterless wash spray to keep it going?
Click to expand...

no special care process required. waterless and rinseless are fine. you'll notice it's very easy to wash since the surface will be so slick from the hydro2 "protection". drying during a rinseless and traditional wash will be way easier. leaf blower or just blot with a good drying towel. easy.

Replies much appreciated. I mainly want the post application maintenance part and using rinse less wash and Waterless wash prays over it and how it may or may not affect the original gloss it puts on.

Also is Hydro2 safe to use over nano coatings?
Click to expand...

yes. definitely safe. i can't recall what the specific directions are for fresh coatings, but i'd definitely wait until the full initial cure period before using this (not sure why anyone would want to use Hydro2 on a fresh coating though!) either way, it's hard to say for sure how long it will "stick" to some coatings vs. others vs. uncoated paint. some coatings are notorious for killing "topper" durability. but yeah, it's safe. works great.
 
ArnoldLayne said:
I am thinking of taking the plunge on Hydro2. It sounds like a fabulous product.

I have two questions.

1) The Prediluted Hydro2 lite..is it the same concentration as the Hydro2: 3 parts DW or is it weaker? It says you can use it on every wash you do so wondering if it is a ready to use Hydro2 or a weaker Hydro2 meant as a drying aid after every wash.

2) This is an important question for me. So how do you maintain the Hydro2 finish after the first time? It says it will last 3+ months so when you wash the car in the interim, what kind of routine is needed? Can you use a rinse less wash like Ultima WWP or Optima No Rinse (the blue one. Or maybe the green one)? Can you use a QD or Waterless wash spray to keep it going?

Replies much appreciated. I mainly want the post application maintenance part and using rinse less wash and Waterless wash prays over it and how it may or may not affect the original gloss it puts on.

Also is Hydro2 safe to use over nano coatings?
Click to expand...


1) as far as I know, the only difference is one is a concentrate and the other is ready to use out of the bottle. Also, CarPro changed the dilution ratio for the concentrate. It is now 4 parts DW to 1 part solution. Hydro 2 is a spray on spray off sealant, not a drying aid. If you're looking for a drying aid, you can get ONR (diluted), Meguiar's products, etc. I just started using Wolfgang's Uber Rinseless Wash (diluted) as a drying aid and absolutely love it.

2) The way I maintain it is by doing normal washes (I don't do rinseless or waterless washes). I just use Hydro 2 on my wheels . The better you maintain the cleanliness of your car, the longer it will last. You should have no problem getting 3 months out of it as long as you maintain a good regimen. After washing my wheels each time, I wipe them down with Uber as a drying aid. Makes the wheels look great. The first time you use Hydro 2, do not use any type of drying aid/detail spray on the surface after just being applied. It will remove the Hydro 2. Not sure if it can be used on Nano coatings. I'm sure someone else can answer that. I don't see why not. Good luck
 
BMW435 said:
1) as far as I know, the only difference is one is a concentrate and the other is ready to use out of the bottle. Also, CarPro changed the dilution ratio for the concentrate. It is now 4 parts DW to 1 part solution. Hydro 2 is a spray on spray off sealant, not a drying aid. If you're looking for a drying aid, you can get ONR (diluted), Meguiar's products, etc. I just started using Wolfgang's Uber Rinseless Wash (diluted) as a drying aid and absolutely love it.

2) The way I maintain it is by doing normal washes (I don't do rinseless or waterless washes). I just use Hydro 2 on my wheels . The better you maintain the cleanliness of your car, the longer it will last. You should have no problem getting 3 months out of it as long as you maintain a good regimen. After washing my wheels each time, I wipe them down with Uber as a drying aid. Makes the wheels look great. The first time you use Hydro 2, do not use any type of drying aid/detail spray on the surface after just being applied. It will remove the Hydro 2. Not sure if it can be used on Nano coatings. I'm sure someone else can answer that. I don't see why not. Good luck
Click to expand...

Actually that is not true. The diluted ready to spray Hydro2 says 'you can use it after each wash' meaning it is a much weaker dilution than the 1:3 dilution for the Hydro2 meant for use every 3 months. Also the pricing leads me to believe (in addition to the 'use after each wash' ) that it is a weaker dilution mix than the 1:3 recommended for the regular Hydro2 spray to be used in lieu of a sealant.

And no where else have I seen the 1:4 dilution rate CarPro recommends. If you have a link for it from the manufacturer, care to post it?

Ok on further research from quartz.com for both the products, I found this

For Hydro2 lite
Hydro2 Lite can be used as a quick detailer, or after every time you wash. Fast, easy, economic, and long lasting “self-cleaning” effect.

For Hydro2 Concentrate

Hydro2 can be used on its own as a sealant for all hard vehicle surfaces, or over any CQuartz coating for added protection and gloss.

Sizes: 100mL, 500mL, 1L, 5L

Wipe-Less Silica Spray Sealant
Up to 6+ Months of Protection on All Vehicle Surfaces

The price for the 500 ml Hydro2 is 69.99 (on sale in AG for $10 less). At their recommended dilution, it yields 2L of Hydro2

Where as the price for that pre diluted Hydro2 lite is only $24.99 for 1L. And notice the use for both.

That one in the pre diluted bottle is a much weaker dilution than the 1:3 dilution recommended for use as a sealant would be my logical conclusion based on the above.
 
BMW435 said:
1) as far as I know, the only difference is one is a concentrate and the other is ready to use out of the bottle. Also, CarPro changed the dilution ratio for the concentrate. It is now 4 parts DW to 1 part solution. Hydro 2 is a spray on spray off sealant, not a drying aid. If you're looking for a drying aid, you can get ONR (diluted), Meguiar's products, etc. I just started using Wolfgang's Uber Rinseless Wash (diluted) as a drying aid and absolutely love it.

2) The way I maintain it is by doing normal washes (I don't do rinseless or waterless washes). I just use Hydro 2 on my wheels . The better you maintain the cleanliness of your car, the longer it will last. You should have no problem getting 3 months out of it as long as you maintain a good regimen. After washing my wheels each time, I wipe them down with Uber as a drying aid. Makes the wheels look great. The first time you use Hydro 2, do not use any type of drying aid/detail spray on the surface after just being applied. It will remove the Hydro 2. Not sure if it can be used on Nano coatings. I'm sure someone else can answer that. I don't see why not. Good luck
Click to expand...

Well it says the sealant Hydro2 should last 6 months. 3 months would be a minimum expectation.

I am just looking for the part about using a rinse less/waterless wash spray over it and whether it will negatively affect the Hydro2 coating.

If you have to do 8 different routines after each wet wash to maintain it, it defeats the whole point of Hydro2 which is its ease of use and maintenance. The product is aimed at people who don't have time to polish and apply a sealant and the advancements in polymer chemistry are supposed to address that which is what companies like Carpro, Ultima, Optimum and Gtechniq do.

Not sure why some answers/suggestions on here have convoluted and complex solutions (like use 3 products instead of one OR do a 8 step routine after each wash for a product which is supposed to simplify life) but in the few days I've been on here, I gotta make that one my pet peeve :-)
 
ArnoldLayne said:
Actually that is not true. The diluted ready to spray Hydro2 says 'you can use it after each wash' meaning it is a much weaker dilution than the 1:3 dilution for the Hydro2 meant for use every 3 months. Also the pricing leads me to believe (in addition to the 'use after each wash' ) that it is a weaker dilution mix than the 1:3 recommended for the regular Hydro2 spray to be used in lieu of a sealant.

And no where else have I seen the 1:4 dilution rate CarPro recommends. If you have a link for it from the manufacturer, care to post it?

Ok on further research from quartz.com for both the products, I found this

For Hydro2 lite
Hydro2 Lite can be used as a quick detailer, or after every time you wash. Fast, easy, economic, and long lasting “self-cleaning” effect.

For Hydro2 Concentrate

Hydro2 can be used on its own as a sealant for all hard vehicle surfaces, or over any CQuartz coating for added protection and gloss.

Sizes: 100mL, 500mL, 1L, 5L

Wipe-Less Silica Spray Sealant
Up to 6+ Months of Protection on All Vehicle Surfaces

The price for the 500 ml Hydro2 is 69.99 (on sale in AG for $10 less). At their recommended dilution, it yields 2L of Hydro2

Where as the price for that pre diluted Hydro2 lite is only $24.99 for 1L. And notice the use for both.

That one in the pre diluted bottle is a much weaker dilution than the 1:3 dilution recommended for use as a sealant would be my logical conclusion based on the above.
Click to expand...
http://www.carpro-us.com/coatings-sealants-spray-wax/carpro-hydro2-concentrate-500ml/

Go under product description then
Look at step 4 under directions
 
GSKR said:
I would buy hydro,my promblem is that I'm mobile and my clients see me working hard on there car waxing it the traditional way.I can't charge someone 100.00 for a quick hydro 2 and be done with it .They will feel cheated,but behind closed doors that will work great.
Click to expand...

Come on. They are paying you for results, not process. If they complain, you can always tell them this is the best sealant on the market and you pay 100$ for a single quart of the stuff.

I ordered some and should receive it shortly. I plan on using it almost exclusively on wheels. For paint and glass I am very happy with Reload so I am not planning to change that.
 
BMW435 said:
CarPro HydrO2 Concentrate 500ml - www.CarPro-US.com

Go under product description then
Look at step 4 under directions
Click to expand...

Their directions are contradictory

Here is the wording a few lines above that step 4

Concentrated Value: For every ounce of HydrO2 you make 4 oz ready to use spray. Dilution of 1 part Hydro to 4 parts water (20% HydrO2 + 80% water)

So if I can make 4 oz of ready to use spray for 1 oz of Hydro2 concentrate, the dilution ratio is 25% Hydro2 Conc. & 75% Water. Looks like someone at Carpro screwed up on Math.

Here is the thread on the Carpro forum clarifying the dilution ratio
Hydro2 dilution ratio

And that Hydro2 life is a watered down version meant to be used as a QD/Drying aid and it does not have the strength of the 1:3 mix

So Carpro has not changed dilution ratio but someone at Carpro got ditzy doing the math (whoever responsible for posting that content)
 
Calendyr said:
Come on. They are paying you for results, not process. If they complain, you can always tell them this is the best sealant on the market and you pay 100$ for a single quart of the stuff.

I ordered some and should receive it shortly. I plan on using it almost exclusively on wheels. For paint and glass I am very happy with Reload so I am not planning to change that.
Click to expand...
Its all about mentality with retail.I have a another business which if they get there hair done for 150.00 and there out the door in 45 minutes they feel they didn't get a good job,when in fact they did.some clients will pay more for the same service but rather sit in the chair for 3 hrs and get a crap job done,but there happy.Ive used hydro 2 plenty of times but deosnt compare to a good wax and elbow grease.I call it the lazy man product.after all it's a carwash sealer,that's been around forever just smell it.
 
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