Diluting Products - Why?

**rwright** · 07-20-2010, 05:29 PM

Ok, I have read quite a few threads about people diluting products such as quick detailer's, tire dressings, and the obvious - cleaning products. I can understand diluting cleaners such as APC's and soaps because you may need lighter cleaning ability or stronger cleaning ability. So my question is, why dilute products like quick detailer's? Why dilute tire dressings such as Opti-bond? Is it due to budget constraints? Do you have a problem with application in full strength? Please post your reason and maybe an example if you experienced a problem with a product that required you to cut it down. I think this can be an informative thread or topic for everyone. Discuss.

Richard

**Mindflux** · 07-20-2010, 05:37 PM

Diluting optibond drops the gloss level and the label mentions it (unless I've forgotten) but it's not a requirement.

**Old Tiger** · 07-20-2010, 06:36 PM

I tried OID at the recommended dilution of 3:1 on my dark cars. It streaked! After research I went to 4:1. It works better at 4:1 IMO. Cost is not an issue for me.

**Bullitt AK** · 07-20-2010, 06:41 PM

i have never heard of anyone dilluting products that are not recommended for dillution, unless with concentrated cleaners, de-greasers and soaps

**trhland** · 07-20-2010, 06:53 PM

the only product i dilute is optimum tire dressing when dressing an engine 1 to 1 with water .only because useing it straight didnt work to well . and i heard mixing with water works better and it does.. other then that i use it straight on tires...

oh and its the origanal i use..

**BobbyG** · 07-20-2010, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by trhland

the only product i dilute is optimum tire dressing when dressing an engine 1 to 1 with water .only because useing it straight didnt work to well . and i heard mixing with water works better and it does.. other then that i use it straight on tires...

oh and its the origanal i use..

Interesting Tom, I'll give this a try!

**ScottB** · 07-20-2010, 08:58 PM

I too understand and except that APC's can be diluted for different reasons like carpet versus dash versus wheelwells for instance. I dont however consider and dilute most other products even protectants.

**WRAPT C5Z06** · 07-20-2010, 08:59 PM

I will only dilute if it states it as an option on the directions. I dilute my APC for obvious reasons. When I used opti-bond, I diluted it(1:1) to make it spayable for the wheel wells. I dilute CG Diablo wheel Gel(1:1) because it's way to thick undiluted to spray from a bottle. I don't dilute several other products that aren't recommended to be diluted(DG aquawax, Meguiars Final inspection, etc...)

**rwright** · 07-20-2010, 09:43 PM

At this point the only products that I dilute are APC+ and soap. I suppose I will try Opti-bond at 1:1...

**Hooked Up** · 05-24-2021, 05:51 PM

Hi Richard, I started a post for what products can be diluted from original use to be used for other items. I have been diluting the APC's and found that can remove some of the other items that I was purchasing such as, vinyl, dash, leather, hard plastics and etc. I Found several of the Cleaners that can be diluted and work well. So, now I would like to find other items like Waterless rinses that can be diluted (like Wolfgang Uber Rinseless wash/wax) I'm sure there must be other products that can be diluted to create other products due to not wanting to have so many items on the shelf from a Base product. I don't mind mixing and then purchasing the items in volume. The Wolfgang used as a waterless rinse is very nice as well as a finish detailer. I use it when I go to dry the vehicle and it provides a very quick drying aide as well as a final clean up after wax.