Windshield Detailing (Strip and Seal)

[Ryche]

Hi all,

With Summer coming up on us, and living in the DC area (which means an almost daily chance of storms) - I'm looking into getting my windshield up to par with a decent hydrophobic coating.

I've tried various things (Stoner's Repellent, Poorboy's World Polish/Sealant, PIAA Silicone Wipers), and while all are average, I'm not overly impressed with all.

The first step I'd need to take is to do a good windshield cleaning to make sure all the previous coatings are off. My question on this - would any glass cleaners that come with the kits noted below work, or is there something different I should use to strip coatings off the windshield.

The second step would be the coating itself. In looking through the options, I'm thinking of:
GTech (G4+G5)
Griots Garage Glass Care Kit
Pinnacle Glass Twins Kit

My main question on these - Does anyone have experience with them - and if so, at what speed do you start to see the effect? For example, as I remember with basic RainX, water would start rolling off around 35MPH, but with Stoner's, I've got be at highway speed..

Thanks!

[Deanw15]

Lookin to aquapel. Have it on mine and works really well. I start seein it work around 30mph. At highways speeds in a downpour I have no need for wipers and it last up to six months

[Mantilgh]

I do to have any experience with any of those kits but have been thinking about getting Wolfgang Perfekt Vision Glass Polish and CarPro FlyBy30 Windshield & Glass Coating Kit.

I have heard good things about flyby30. It supposed to be easier to apply than their Forte glass product, and rain is supposed to "fly by 30mph". I wish the sold it without the kit though.

Pinnicale also has this kit.

Pinnacle Crystal Clear Glass Kit

[whavens]

Of the ones that you listed, I have only used the Griot's Garage. It does a pretty good job, and with the polish and pads you should be able to remove any existing sealants. On my car 35 to 40 MPH seems to be about when I noticed the water beginning to shed.

[The Guz]

I've had great success with DP Glass Coating. It is now part of the McKee's 37 line.

McKee's 37 Glass Coating, glass sealant, rain repellent

For prepping the surface these two would be good additions.

Wolfgang Perfekt Vision Glass Polish polishes and restores auto glass windshields and windows.

Although you could probably get away with an IPA wipe and be ok. But this is the recommended product for prepping the surface.

Coating Prep Polish, clear coat polish, best car polish

[PA DETAILER]

I agree with the DP GLASS COAT!! Insane protection.

[Ballistic]

+1 on aquapel, I have all my windows coated with it.

I always Claybar the windows down, then ill polish them with a moderate compound usually with a microfiber pad, Clean (sometimes i use CarPro Eraser) and then coat.

I have wanted to try FlyBy30, just have not gotten around to it.
Also Wolfgang Perfekt Vision looks pretty good, I'm a fan of Wolfgang.

[goldenlight]

I like gtechniq G5 last about 6 months. I recoat the front windshield every time I detail.. I drive about 10 minutes each day at 80mph on the hwy

I would use something like Meguiars Ultimate compound along with a machine to polish out the water spots.

[FishyX]

I just clay, sometimes polish and throw a coat of RainX on about once per month. Cheap and effective. When it comes to blades, Bosch Icons have always worked well for me.

[Ryche]

Thanks for the feedback all! Decided to take the plunge and go with Wolfgang over Pinnacle and Griots.
Aquapel just didn't appeal, and McKee's, while it looks great, isn't currently offering a package that includes the Glass Coating aspect (at least not at a price point below $50)...

I appreciate the input as I'm pretty much a noob... at least when it comes to detailing knowledge...