Glass Cleaning before Aquapel application?

[Kurt_s]

I just ordered the Aquapel kit and probably should clay and perhaps polish the glass before application.

I probably should have ordered the DP glass restorer but didn't. I have clay and a number of polishes and pads (M105, Megs UC, Opt Compound II, Opt Hyper Spray Compound, Opt Hyper Spray polish, Megs SwirlX, WG TSR, WG FG, Opt Finish, various prewax cleaners, etc.).

Any suggestion of polish/pad combo to clean/polish the glass with a DA before applying Aquapel?

Thanks!

 

[tag4car]

Gonna look on your thread here, aquapel didn't see to do much for me

 

[dougaross]

You certainly should clay first. I used Autoglym Glass Polish. I don't know how polishes design for paint act when used on glass. Maybe somebody will chime in. BTW when you apply Aquapel there is barely enough so don't over apply.

 

[DaHen]

BTW when you apply Aquapel there is barely enough so don't over apply.

Thanks for the info.

Was hoping to do two cars when my shipment arrives, darn.

 

[DARK HORSE]

Kurt, I always clay and polish w/ m105 and a cyan HT pad (I'm sure any light cutting pad works fine) before application. Really helps clean up the glass nicely.

 

[Kurt_s]

Kurt, I always clay and polish w/ m105 and a cyan HT pad (I'm sure any light cutting pad works fine) before application. Really helps clean up the glass nicely.

Thanks Tad. I was thinking M105 or UC with an orange pad. I have cyan HT pads coming on Monday and Aquapel arrives on Tuesday. I may just use the orange pad and 105 over the weekend so all is ready for the Aquapel. I hope this stuff is better than RainX.

 

[jlb85]

Kurt, M105/Cyan is fine, but as with any glass polishing, don't expect a dramatic difference if the glass is in bad shape. I say this to stress the fact that you do not want to use much pressure when polishing glass, even with M105, or you could cause swirls and scratches. Keep pressure light and slow movements, and keep the glass somewhat lubricated while polishing (minimize "dry polishing"), and the working area small. A few passes and it is going to be as good as it will ever be.

And yes, Aquapel is legit, and does not compare to Rain-X. You'll love it!


As as general Aquapel advice to all, there is really no need to "clean" the glass with a polish before applying aquapel. Glass Cleaner works fine, but the solvents in the Aquapel applicator will eat through anything on the glass. I have applied Aquapel onto a dirty and damp windshield, used the applicator as a scrubber, and wiped off (was in a pinch towing at night). Worked fine, and lasted a few months as usual.

Cleaning the glass will make application smoother and easier, and polishing will make the glass more clear and removes any water deposits or etching. Which will all make the glass look much better even before the aquapel. With nice, clean glass I have used one applicator for both the windshield and backlight (rear glass) with decent enough coverage on the rear glass to make a nice difference. I was not able to do it, however, on my truck since the windshield is so freaky big.

But the reality is that Aquapel is a temporary coating, just like wax. Even if the conditions are not ideal, any application will be quite effective, and more effective than no application. I'd prefer to get the aquapel on the windshield ASAP rather than wait for an order and a free weekend if I did not have anything to polish with. I would just re-apply whenever (straight on, no real need to strip the previous Aquapel off - again, solvents will eat through anything). So even for people who do not want to have to polish and prep their glass I would strongly recommend an application of Aquapel. It will last plenty long, and work just as good.

We have clients who buy the stuff in bulk and use it for their glass showers, mirrors, and other glass around the house. Its some really good stuff.

 

[Finemess]

I use IG and go over it a couple times then use Aquapel on the wifes ride, works great and lasts a long time.

 

[DARK HORSE]

I use IG and go over it a couple times then use Aquapel on the wifes ride, works great and lasts a long time.

Absolutely loving your signature rops:

 

[Finemess]

Why thank you sir.

 

[oldmodman]

I do a pretty quick three step cleaning process.

First a quick cleaning with Windex and a terry cloth towel.

Second is going over the outside glass with a clay bar.

Third is a really good cleaning inside and out with Stoners Invisible Glass Spray. Wiped off with a lint free microfiber cloth.

Then I apply the Aquapel.

 

[DaHen]

Just gave all the windows a good cleaning with Bon-Ami and then a good claying.
Anticipating the arrival off my shipment tomorrow.

Of course, now its raining. lol

 

[Kurt_s]

I'm buying time before buying a new windshield. 160K miles and plenty of "sand blasting" marks on the glass. I just started a business of lot's of money is disappearing way too fast. Six months and all should be right with the world.

Kurt, M105/Cyan is fine, but as with any glass polishing, don't expect a dramatic difference if the glass is in bad shape. I say this to stress the fact that you do not want to use much pressure when polishing glass, even with M105, or you could cause swirls and scratches. Keep pressure light and slow movements, and keep the glass somewhat lubricated while polishing (minimize "dry polishing"), and the working area small. A few passes and it is going to be as good as it will ever be.

And yes, Aquapel is legit, and does not compare to Rain-X. You'll love it!


As as general Aquapel advice to all, there is really no need to "clean" the glass with a polish before applying aquapel. Glass Cleaner works fine, but the solvents in the Aquapel applicator will eat through anything on the glass. I have applied Aquapel onto a dirty and damp windshield, used the applicator as a scrubber, and wiped off (was in a pinch towing at night). Worked fine, and lasted a few months as usual.

Cleaning the glass will make application smoother and easier, and polishing will make the glass more clear and removes any water deposits or etching. Which will all make the glass look much better even before the aquapel. With nice, clean glass I have used one applicator for both the windshield and backlight (rear glass) with decent enough coverage on the rear glass to make a nice difference. I was not able to do it, however, on my truck since the windshield is so freaky big.

But the reality is that Aquapel is a temporary coating, just like wax. Even if the conditions are not ideal, any application will be quite effective, and more effective than no application. I'd prefer to get the aquapel on the windshield ASAP rather than wait for an order and a free weekend if I did not have anything to polish with. I would just re-apply whenever (straight on, no real need to strip the previous Aquapel off - again, solvents will eat through anything). So even for people who do not want to have to polish and prep their glass I would strongly recommend an application of Aquapel. It will last plenty long, and work just as good.

We have clients who buy the stuff in bulk and use it for their glass showers, mirrors, and other glass around the house. Its some really good stuff.