waxing the glass or not?

[b2089]

Do you wax the glass or not. I use protectant wax usually, no strong detergents or scrubbers needed. Some wax makers say to be carefull to avoid getting wax on the glass, others make no mention of it. Personally I've had great results in the past waxing the windshield at least as often as the car, if not more. It seems to create a mild rain-x effect that helps bird poop spray off and keeps the rain from sticking.

Any thoughts?

[erimar77]

i usually use stoners glass cleaner and some rain-x. i've never tried to wax the windows....

http://bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=5

[03xGAxSE]

ive buffed my window, because the blade came off the shitty wipers i put on there in the snow... i was pissed, it dident take it out but its not as bad as it was....

as far as a hand wax , it shouldent hurt anything although its probably pointless, just keep the glass clean, glass is alot harder than clearcoat, it doesnt need wax...

as far as buffing, use sparingly if you have acid rain/ hard water spots, but be carefull if you cook on it too much tring to get it out you can blur it, NEVER use rubbing compound, it will also blur it

[b2089]

A friend of mine had a 90 something firebird. Years of neglect caused an eched windshield. Strong cleaners would get the dirt out but the etches would catch dirt almost imediatly. Waxing was his only hope. I still don't know exactly how the etching occured. I accused him of using his pressure washer ( a strong one for concrete) on his car, but he denied it.

[03xGAxSE]

just like i say hard water, acid rain or harsh solvents could etch the glass

pressure washers are ok, just remember they can remove paint if your not careful

the one i use at the detail shop has about 2000 PSI, concrete may be a little more, but still...

[tenspeed]

My windshields get etched from the salt and sand spread on the roads all winter.

[matts]

waxing your windshield does make it act like rain-x. i used to do it, but when compared to rain-x.........it's a night and day difference. wax is hard to get streak free and perfect on the windhsield, and even when you do if you use your wipers alot the wax will build up on them. then you've got to replace them more often.

rain-x will make bird poop and bugs easier to get off than just clear glass. not to mention it's easier to get streak free and it wont build up on your wipers. it works alot better than wax too at beading up the water and it flying off.

i usually rain-x all my windows every other time i wash my truck. it helps prevent hard water spots 10 fold, and i keep my wipers in my toolbox 90% of the time. i put them on if it's really raining hard, or im in town driving. other than that the rain-x does just as good as the wipers at keeping the windshield clear

if you want some good looking windows go get some hard water spot remover. it's pretty abrasive, so dont scrub one spot too much, it CAN scratch the window. it's hard to do, but i've seen it done. i always use elbow, but you can use a buffer/polisher on it too. after you get all the hard water spots off clean the windows with something kinda harsh.....like dish detergent. then put some rain-x on them. last time i cleaned windows like this i put rain-x on 3 times. one after the other.

then you've got some crystal clear windows. and when it rains or gets wet, the water will just bead up like it does on your paint.

you can get the hard water spot remover at most glass shops and probably all detail shops. i forget what brand mine is, but it's good stuff.

[Detailed Image]

Good info Matts -

Little update for you guys...

The original maker of rain-x released a new line called Glass Science that we currently carry. He spent 7 years waiting for the rain-x patent to expire and has been improving upon it since. It is now a gel based formula that seems to stop the hazing and streaking rain-x left behind.

The new stuff is called Rain Clear by Glass Science and if you pick it up now it comes with a bottle of Glass Scrub a heavy duty cleaner to use before the Rain Clear to get out the hard water spots, etc.... Both come packaged together for just $5.99.

George

[HighwayProwlerz]

That sounds like some good stuff George. I just recently took a job as a detailer, it's good to get tips like that. I have always waxed my windows on the outside with great results and no problems.