Glass Protectant ?

[cat in the hat]

Some time ago I started noticing these vertical streaks, like narrow zebra stripes, in the windshield when it rained. You can only see it when it is wet. It looks like some kind of oily stuff or streaky wax residue but nothing would take it off - glass cleaner, rubbing alcohol, lighter fluid, nothing. All the windows have it.

It is finally coming off with "Barkeeper's Friend," a cleaning powder like "Bon Ami." I've pretty much decided that it is either some kind of etching IN the glass, or hard water deposits ON the glass. Someone suggested it might be the residue from an old application of Rain-X. Who knows.

The Barkeeper powder and water polishes it off, but it is a PITA. I'd like to put something on there to keep it from happening again after I'm done.

Any suggestions ?

[Marauderjack]

If it is hard water deposits get some CLR and apply with a sponge undiluted then rinse off with your hose.......voila no more spots!!:beer:

[gdmjoe]

cat in the hat ... I'd like to put something on there to keep it from happening again after I'm done. Any suggestions?
Haven't ever had your situation and regarding the possibility of Rain-X residue ... It's not THAT resilent (have used it in the past).

Am currently using Crystal Fusion - repells water better and lasts MUCH longer than Rain-X.
protects against acid rain and mineral buildup.
bugs wipe-off easily.
enables glass to resist chips.

[cat in the hat]

Haven't ever had your situation and regarding the possibility of Rain-X residue ... It's not THAT resilent (have used it in the past).


Am currently using Crystal Fusion -

repells water better and lasts MUCH longer than Rain-X.
protects against acid rain and mineral buildup.
bugs wipe-off easily.
enables glass to resist chips.


That would probably be great, but it is more than I want to get into.
Honestly, I was thinking of just waxing it with a good polymer.

[Bigdogjim]

IF you can still find Glass Wax use to be a hosehold cleaner years and years ago.

[cat in the hat]

IF you can still find Glass Wax use to be a hosehold cleaner years and years ago.

That's exactly what I had in mind, but I haven't seen it in years.
Maybe there's something new like that ?

[WhatsUpDOHC]

http://www.always-free-shipping.com/window-glass-wax.html?gclid=CK2BzZS767YCFUW o4AodKToA4w

[myrodr]

i use the same car wax on the windshield as i do on the paint works well for me

[J-MAN]

Don't forget to clean your wiper blades with alcohol.

[Mr. Man]

I ran a clay bar over the window and was amazed at how much crap came off even after I used glass cleaner.


Going to try some CLR on my bumper to see if it works on the spots. Thanks for that tip.

[cat in the hat]

I ran a clay bar over the window and was amazed at how much crap came off even after I used glass cleaner.

Going to try some CLR on my bumper to see if it works on the spots. Thanks for that tip.

I was thinking about claying the windows after I finish up tomorrow, to make sure all of the "Barkeeper's Friend" stuff is off.

The "Barkeeper's" works unbelieveably well, btw - the glass I've done shines like brand new. I may add it to my spring cleaning regimen.

[Mac-MerC]

Some time ago I started noticing these vertical streaks, like narrow zebra stripes, in the windshield when it rained. You can only see it when it is wet. It looks like some kind of oily stuff or streaky wax residue but nothing would take it off - glass cleaner, rubbing alcohol, lighter fluid, nothing. All the windows have it.

It is finally coming off with "Barkeeper's Friend," a cleaning powder like "Bon Ami." I've pretty much decided that it is either some kind of etching IN the glass, or hard water deposits ON the glass. Someone suggested it might be the residue from an old application of Rain-X. Who knows.

The Barkeeper powder and water polishes it off, but it is a PITA. I'd like to put something on there to keep it from happening again after I'm done.

Any suggestions ?

Yoooooooo I'm glad I'm not the only one suffering from this. I only have one streak tho... It's where the passenger's side wiper stops when its up. Exactly when it rains water will not stay on that spot like its an oil strip or something.
I decided to give up on it... Now I might try to tackle it again.

[napolitano]

Zaino has a product like a glass cleaner that polishes it. Amazing stuff.

[cat in the hat]

Yoooooooo I'm glad I'm not the only one suffering from this. I only have one streak tho... It's where the drivers side wiper stops when its up. Exactly when it rains water will not stay on that spot like its an oil strip or something.
I decided to give up on it... Now I might try to tackle it again.

I got a can of the "Barkeeper's" powder at the supermarket for $2.50 and put some in a bowl. I wet down the windshield, then wet an old terry applicator pad, dipped it into the powder and scrubbed the wet glass with the paste. I did about a foot at a time. When I rinsed it off I could see if it needed more or if I missed any spots. It's a little work, but the streaks were driving me nuts for a long time and now the glass looks brand new.

If it doesn't work on yours, you can scrub your sink with it for a year for $2.50 :)

[Dave2]

When I machine polish my car before a sealant or wax, I always hit the glass to....

Just make sure you tape everything off, rubber trim strips, molding, light assy's and door handles....

Menzerna SIP with an orange pad works very well on windows to remove any grime that may be a noticeable problem.....I'm sure M105 would be good too...

Wipe them down with a MF towel and I seal them with the same sealant I use on the car paint. It works great and the water beads off on the rain without the wipers just like glass wax....