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CRL Sparkle and Surface Protector Review

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by Backt, Oct 24, 2015.

  1. Oct 24, 2015 at 6:56 PM
    #1
    Backt

    Backt [OP] Well-Known Member

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    When I bought my 2012 Tacoma in February the windows were slightly stained with water spots. I would actually call them normal but it really annoyed me that I couldn't get them sparkly clean.

    Over the course of 7 months I tried just about every cleaner you could think of and none of them worked unless I was willing to spend 8 hours buffing Windows. The only method I didn't try was steel wool because I feel it will scratch the window and ultimately lead to a window that will become harder to clean as the years go on.

    Just about when I had given up with over the counter products and searching TW I came across a thread where CRL Sparkle, Bio- clean, and Surface Protector were talked about. I went ahead and ordered all 3 products off Amazon http://www.amazon.com/CRL-Sparkle-Cleaner-Stain-Remover/dp/B001G1APNE

    The difference between the Sparkle and Bio-clean is the Bio-Clean has a coarseness to it. It is recommended to be used on textured glass like some shower doors. The Sparkle is smooth and the Surface Protector is just an industrial strength Rain-x.

    Earlier this week I had some free time so I polished and waxed the truck and then tried the new products on the windows. I used a polishing pad to apply the cleaner and the microfibers to buff them out. I applied about a quarter size amount of sparkle to pad along with a couple table spoons of water. Then I just applied moderate pressure and worked the window over and then wiped the cleaner off. I recommend doing this when the temperature is cool or the product dries really fast. It was about 63° and in the shade when I applied it. I only needed to clean each window once except for spots that I missed that were user error and not product related. After all the windows were clean I applied 2 coats of the surface protector to each window as the directions stated to do. The Surface Protector is the rain-x.

    The whole process took me about 40 minutes but that was after polishing and waxing all afternoon. All the water spots are completely removed and I can't even describe how clear the widows are to look out of. It's like looking at a crystal clear T.V. If that makes sense. It rained about enough to get the truck wet this week. As I drove all the water that was on the windshield beaded up and scooted itself off the widow.

    If you have water spots or just want the cleanest glass possible I highly recommend these products over any other product that you can buy. This is the best. I will update the thread as the winter goes on to see how long the surface protector lasts.

    The Sparkle and Surface Protector
    4e72054a8c0f346f0fec3121fbb2229f_17fead8b8496e97a4c0d38d07e6e972d8eb49223.jpg

    Microfiber and Polishing pad
    48c0f997beaa3d2c004f2edaefc985ec_5872265ef060bd681177d7effbafe27e215cdf80.jpg

    Amount of Sparkle I used for drivers side widow
    0783a2804753103816a1cc404c38818d_5603c964c55d43590fdd150bac5a553c9c565cb6.jpg

    Water spots on back door window
    11cfaa6c084f1a2d0f395ed169e42699_8b8db9cd28ea1eb100de0925cc3f250020945721.jpg

    Water spots on side of windshield
    60f429b1cd2cf1a863e39349a91db64b_f6c88a16a68456219a805efeed79217b0b97f478.jpg

    Application of the Sparkle on the windshield
    5e81e563cf6a61d721fbd475969e9b62_63f932042c1acff564473889f23a05f5aefc6c63.jpg

    After the Windows were cleaned that's the reflection not looking out
    a2e1220b414abe78e0e9063363828046_c669b8fa939b5b328b8abf74f075e8cae95c50d9.jpg

    The windshield
    962e3c69e5e95098e4b58d593b351b34_244d6d603570e02a86cefeb5e5b1203d88f83529.jpg

    bc93279fc88a1c53baf05d5ab9194d32_0a412ec3a1d27617f16f13a77cc091b3c073bac7.jpg
     
  2. Oct 24, 2015 at 7:20 PM
    #2
    Poindexter

    Poindexter Well-Known Member

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    Please do update us monthly or so with pics until you have to re-apply. Low and high temps observed between applications?

    I am very happy with my regime for paint but watching for a new glass product.

    I used isopropyl for cleaning and Rain-X for filming on my last new vehicle purchase. My glass was clean as all get out but every time I drove into a dust particle the the surface of the windshield became a little less smooth.
     
  3. Oct 24, 2015 at 7:20 PM
    #3
    Fightnfire

    Fightnfire Recklessly tired

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    Sub, looks promising.
     
  4. Oct 24, 2015 at 7:21 PM
    #4
    Unchained 5150

    Unchained 5150 Rick

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    Sub'd and ordered
     
  5. Oct 25, 2015 at 10:57 AM
    #5
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the write-up!
     
  6. Oct 25, 2015 at 11:04 AM
    #6
    Ugly Betty

    Ugly Betty Well-Known Member

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    I agree! Those are exactly what I use on my glass. Even restored the glass on my 92 toyota pickup
     
  7. Oct 25, 2015 at 11:09 AM
    #7
    opg4

    opg4 2015 TRD Double-Cab Short Bed

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    Very nice!!
     
  8. Nov 18, 2015 at 6:33 AM
    #8
    TheTrooper

    TheTrooper Someone has to be part of the problem

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    I gave these two products a shot based on the OP's review and have been very pleased.

    I was impressed by the cleaner. Really reveals all those imperfections in the windshield. :eek: It cleans way better than windex.

    It's only been 5 days since I cleaned and applied the protector. So I'll be curious to see how long it holds on my truck parked outside. I drove to work this morning in the rain (medium drizzle). I did not use the wipers at all on the highway, just beaded off perfectly. It's been a long time since I've used rainx, but this product is as good if not better.
     
  9. Nov 18, 2015 at 6:34 AM
    #9
    Unchained 5150

    Unchained 5150 Rick

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    Do you do just the outside of the window or inside as well?
     
  10. Nov 18, 2015 at 6:37 AM
    #10
    TheTrooper

    TheTrooper Someone has to be part of the problem

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    I only used the protector on the outside. I did use the cleaner on the inside and outside. I should have mentioned that the cleaning product does create a white fine dust. So I had to wipe of the dashboard after cleaning the instead windshield. Cleaning the inside is a pain.
     
  11. Nov 18, 2015 at 9:22 AM
    #11
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    Works very well, but The white powder made me wonder if this stuff has an abrasive component to it.
     
  12. Nov 19, 2015 at 12:33 AM
    #12
    Backt

    Backt [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The Bio-clean product has a very abrasive component to it. The Sparkle cleaner is a white fluid and the Bio-clean is more of a compound like Comet made into a paste if that makes sense. I ordered the Bio-clean first and called them questioning its abrasiveness. They said "its intended to be used on textured glass like certain shower doors and the sparkle is for non-textured glass".

    I also asked about using the product on the inside glass? They said "do not use on it on tinted windows". Tint is applied on the inside glass FYI.
     
    TheTrooper likes this.
  13. Nov 19, 2015 at 12:54 AM
    #13
    Backt

    Backt [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Review after 1 month of use:

    I live in Oregon the average temp has been about 53° with an average low of 46°. Since 10/19-15 I would estimate it has rained enough to wet the glass throughly 16-22 days with numerous days of soaking rain. I have washed the truck once.

    I will attempt to attach a video from yesterday showing the water beading off the windshield but it is as good as day #1. What really impresses me is how clean the windshield is staying. I always clean the windshield when getting gas but haven't needed to once in the last month. Like most I frequently will use the wipers to clean the glass while driving. Before I would have to hold the spray for 5 seconds now it's 1 pass and its sparkling clean. Dust, dirt, and bugs just don't stick to the windshield anymore. It's amazing. 80% of my driving is also through the coast range where mist of other cars is wet dirt and it really just washes of by itself with any moisture. There are no lines of dirt on the side of the windshield where the wipers stop.





    https://vimeo.com/146217577
     
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  14. Nov 19, 2015 at 9:55 AM
    #14
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    I thought the sparkle was like a "comet-lite". Haven't used the bioclean.
     
  15. Nov 19, 2015 at 10:31 AM
    #15
    Backt

    Backt [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Here's a pic of both the sparkle is definitely in a liquid form compared to the Bio-clean.
    9f14f074530517ff220a5ed4c371306f_61bd6a65c6a8a178bb4118e067e15382a52f3e09.jpg
     
  16. Nov 19, 2015 at 11:23 AM
    #16
    addicus24

    addicus24 Well-Known Member

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    Looks like I'm gonna have to give that a try.
     
  17. Nov 19, 2015 at 11:29 AM
    #17
    bullaculla

    bullaculla IKA fabrications

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  18. Nov 19, 2015 at 11:42 AM
    #18
    TacomaMike37

    TacomaMike37 Well-Known Member

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    I have some old water spots as well on my 2013. Is this the first time you have used the product to combat the water spots since you owned the truck? Wondering how it works on those stubborn years old water spots
     
  19. Nov 19, 2015 at 12:08 PM
    #19
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    The sparkle should work well on old water spots. My bro has a 4Runner 2008. He Bought it used a year ago and it was covered in water spots on the Windows. Sparkle took them all off with minimal effort. Had to go over tough spots a second time but by no means was it difficult. Highly recommended.
     
    TacomaMike37[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Nov 19, 2015 at 12:26 PM
    #20
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    It's a little weird to apply. Kinda like wiping on pepto bismol, except it's white. Just take a damp folded up paper towel, spread sparkle all over the glass (it will probably haze by the time you finish wiping on one window). Then wipe/buff off, just like you were removing wax. Repeat if necessary. That's it. Easy. And satisfying.
     

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