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RainX for the window?

Posted By: rehmbo

RainX for the window? - 03/17/17 06:52 PM

Recently replaced the windows in my main and jib. Curious if anyone has tried using something like RainX to help minimize the hard water spots.

https://www.rainx.com/product/plastic-water-repellent/rain-x-plastic-water-repellent/#.WMwv2hPytjA
Posted By: Damon Linkous

Re: RainX for the window? - 03/17/17 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by rehmbo
Recently replaced the windows in my main and jib. Curious if anyone has tried using something like RainX to help minimize the hard water spots.

https://www.rainx.com/product/plastic-water-repellent/rain-x-plastic-water-repellent/#.WMwv2hPytjA


Didn't know they made a version for plastic, had wondered about using it on sails before.

I've got big windows on my sails but they aren't always that clear, will try it.
Posted By: Mn3Again

Re: RainX for the window? - 03/17/17 09:52 PM

We sail with a guy who has been a wind surfer for-ever. He was just talking about a spray-on product used to clean/clear old and foggy widows. I will ask him this weekend again about it. perhaps it has some UV/hydrophobic properties too?

I typically fall/jump/capsize through my windows before they fog up, and/or they don't last too long here in the fl sun and need tape/replacement (they aren't that expensive to replace)

Posted By: Dave W

Re: RainX for the window? - 03/18/17 11:17 PM

I've used RainX on glass with very good results. I've not used their product for plastic though.

For restoring old sail windows visibility I've used 3M Vinyl Cleaner and Restorer. It did a very god job on the windows in 20 year old windsurfing sails. They didn't look like new but they looked pretty good ... until I fell through them.
Posted By: rehmbo

Re: RainX for the window? - 03/19/17 12:13 AM

I bought and started using a product called Plexus a couple years ago. It seems pretty good http://plexusplasticcleaner.com/about.html, but by the time I got it, my sails were already 5 years old so it was too late to determine effectiveness.

As well, it doesn't have the hydrophobic properties that a product like Rain-X has. Enhancing longevity is one issue, but to me, visibility is probably more important. If there is a reasonable way to enhance visibility, or reducing labor restoring visibility, then it has some real value.

Opinions? Ideas? I have new windows and want to do it right from the start smile
Posted By: waterbug_wpb

Re: RainX for the window? - 03/20/17 02:24 PM

what material is the window itself? I know boat canvas folks who make dodgers may have some suggestions... Yacht owners don't like the little salt stains on their plastic windows!
Posted By: Jake

Re: RainX for the window? - 03/20/17 06:57 PM

mylar on most sails. Windows in canvas applications typically use a softer, more flexible, vinyl material.
Posted By: waterbug_wpb

Re: RainX for the window? - 03/20/17 08:02 PM

don't need no stinkin window. I send the crew to the bow
Posted By: shortbus

Re: RainX for the window? - 03/28/17 03:42 PM

I have used rainx on sail windows for years with no ill effects, water beads off well and has less spots as you mentioned. I haven't tried plexus on sail windows but used it for years on lexan windscreens, motorcycle helmet visors and or goggles while racing to cut down on fogging up and it works wonders. rainx in a spray bottle works well and is cheap, give it a whirl
Posted By: Mn3Again

Re: RainX for the window? - 03/28/17 03:51 PM

Spoke w my friend about this product:
the product was wind surf specific. My friend mentioned that his wind-surfer sail window was much more "rubbery" than his cat sail window. I will guess that it is a vinyl product, not similar to our mylar windows. He didn't know the name of it either


Originally Posted by Mn3Again
We sail with a guy who has been a wind surfer for-ever. He was just talking about a spray-on product used to clean/clear old and foggy widows. I will ask him this weekend again about it. perhaps it has some UV/hydrophobic properties too?

I typically fall/jump/capsize through my windows before they fog up, and/or they don't last too long here in the fl sun and need tape/replacement (they aren't that expensive to replace)

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