Hydrophobic surfaces-What is it?
Read about it here.
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=186240

Surface rinse before cleaning:
The Tropi-Care TC-3 Polish/Sealant xP protection has been exhibiting hydrophobic action for the last 3 years. When washed by physical contact using a wash mitt, it features a water repellent action on the surface when rinsed as compared to conventional water beading. It's important not to misinterpret this action as a lost or diminished paint protection. When you notice water beads that combine together to form a solid unbroken water sheet without repelling, then your paint protection is gone.







Washing the surface with the "Ulti-Mit" and Tropi-Care Car Wash Concentrate:




Surface rinse after washing
After rinsing off the soap suds, notice how quickly the water repels from the surface. These pictures were taken about 1 minute apart.

Now that the water is moving off the surface, the chances of water spots also decreases. A waffle weave drying towel can now be used to blot up any remaining water on the surface. Some may even make use of an electric blower to blow off remaining water from horizontal surfaces.








Non-hydrophobic surface action:
Notice the abundance of water beading without repelling.



Questions and comments welcome.

 

Im gonna have to pick some of this up for my next wax. Thanks! I always hated beading because while it looks cool i hate when it rains then its all beaded up and then the sun comes out which puts TONS of water spots all over the car.

Edit: Will the polish/sealant act as both a polish and wax or will i need another product? Thanks!

 

I've seen the new Meguiars Ultimate Quik Detailer do the same thing, except it doesn't last that long (Not sure on the time, I use it everytime after I wash)

It's really amazing to watch too. Water just falls off your car :/

 

That looks like a nice product.

 

Mine does. Thanks for the great product Steve. Although I'm going to have to order a new wash mit... I lost mine already.

 

Would you receive similar results in an area with very hard water?

 

I wouldn't expect the hard water to exhibit a different effect on the surface protection unless you were spraying acid rain or such. This particular wash was done using city water source with no water softener treatments or filters. I have not experienced any specific hard water incidents. Just about every vehicle I have done on this location or others in the Dallas area did not pose any stubborn water spotting issues except for 2 details done in January just east of the Dallas area.

 

I think I'll try this. Linked the home page!