Rain-X question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,104
Likes: 0
From: Boise Idaho
Rain-X question
Hello all,
I applied Rain-X about a month ago (2 coats) and I will periodically get smudges. After using dawn + Stoner's Invisible Glass (repeatedly), the Rain-X is still on there. Is there a good way to get it off? I don't think I did a good enough job washing the windows thoroughly before applying the rain-X, and wanted to attempt to re-clean them before applying more Rain-X.
I applied Rain-X about a month ago (2 coats) and I will periodically get smudges. After using dawn + Stoner's Invisible Glass (repeatedly), the Rain-X is still on there. Is there a good way to get it off? I don't think I did a good enough job washing the windows thoroughly before applying the rain-X, and wanted to attempt to re-clean them before applying more Rain-X.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 0
From: vancouver bc
I did that to my cobra a few years back, worst thing I could have ever done 
I tried everything to take it off, and it still smudged. Once you apply rainx it's on for a long, long, long time. And you have to keep using the stuff if you want it to work.
Good luck
I tried everything to take it off, and it still smudged. Once you apply rainx it's on for a long, long, long time. And you have to keep using the stuff if you want it to work. Good luck
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 66
From: Hurst, TX USA
Rain-x is one of those products that you have to follow the instructions religiously. I've used it on every car I have owned in the past 6 years (about 12 cars) and love the stuff. But as stated above once on it is hard to get off completely. I'd put another coat on and see if that helps. My technique is: Apply the Rain-X, let it dry completely, then wipe a small area with a damp terry cloth towel followed immediately, while the area is still wet, with a dry terry cloth towel, rubbing until all the cloudiness is gone. You may have to redo the wet/dry routine a day or so later if it has patches of cloudiness. Then you are good for 6 months at least.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
From: Northeast IN
Love RainX, been using it for over 10 years now!
The trick is to apply it, let it dry/haze, and then wipe with damp rag, let dry, and wipe it clear.
If you want to remove it, try a mix of vinegar and alcohol.
The trick is to apply it, let it dry/haze, and then wipe with damp rag, let dry, and wipe it clear.
If you want to remove it, try a mix of vinegar and alcohol.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: Ostrander OH
I think your question is in regards to cleaning your windshield a few days/weeks after the Rain-X has been applied - here's what I've found -
I also use the Stoner Invisible Glass but after cleaning the windshield I will see streaks from the Rain-X - kind of like the windshield cleaner "Re-activates" for lack of a better term - the application process of the Rain-X. Just wait until it dries completely and buff your windshield with a dry lint-free cloth just like you would after applying the Rain-X to begin with. You could spray window cleaner all day and you'll still have smudges (trust me). The key is to clean the windshield, let it dry and buff out the smudges with a clean dry lint-free cloth.
I also use the Stoner Invisible Glass but after cleaning the windshield I will see streaks from the Rain-X - kind of like the windshield cleaner "Re-activates" for lack of a better term - the application process of the Rain-X. Just wait until it dries completely and buff your windshield with a dry lint-free cloth just like you would after applying the Rain-X to begin with. You could spray window cleaner all day and you'll still have smudges (trust me). The key is to clean the windshield, let it dry and buff out the smudges with a clean dry lint-free cloth.
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 12,198
Likes: 15
From: Columbia MD
This explains everything. I just picked up an '00 MY convertible with 4500 miles on it. Everytime I try cleaning the exterior glass with anything (Windex; Stoner's; Sprayway, etc.) other than a damp cloth followed immediately by a dry cloth, it's a streaky smeary mess. 
Never had this before with any off my cars, including the Vettes. There has to be a way to get this stuff off. Any tips appreciated!
Never had this before with any off my cars, including the Vettes. There has to be a way to get this stuff off. Any tips appreciated!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 939
Likes: 38
From: Riva MD
I've never had the problem you describe, even though I've been using RainX for years on all my cars. The only smudging I have seen is when reapplying the RainX, sometimes the dry buffing towel will leave a smudge. The afformentioned damp towel will remove it or it will be gone the first time the windshield gets rained on.
BTW, I reapply about every month; I like it super slippery (and the RainX wipes make it really easy).
BTW, I reapply about every month; I like it super slippery (and the RainX wipes make it really easy).
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,401
Likes: 3
From: Retired but working
Cruise-In VI Veteran
I remove it with one of those kettle steamers. You can watch it puddle under the temperature of the steam then it wipes right up. Also good for removing stubborn hard to get off tinting. Once you get it all off with steam, a gentle wipe with unscented amonia will get rid of all the crude that has etched the glass.