Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment

**mannyo** · 13-10-2005, 20:34

Description

The Ombrello Applicator represents the result of several years and many hundreds of thousands of pounds investment in design and manufacturing.
Within the external "winged" applicator casing sits a vacuum-sealed ampoule of Ombrello fluid - an advanced flourinated polymer combination - originally innovated for aerospace application.

The applicator pad is bonded to the casing, making it extremely safe around small children who cannot inadvertently ingest the contents or even access the glass ampoule

The applicator is activated when the wings are pressed together firmly, breaking the ampoule and releasing a measured dose on to the integral pad - which is held against the glass surface at the time of opening.

The applicator is immediately ready for use - requiring only exposure to air to activate Ombrello.
The Ombrello applicator contains sufficient fluid to coat an average windscreen plus front side windows and rear screen.

Used effectively, an entire car can be protected with one applicator, including larger hatchbacks, e.g. Saab 93 - 5Dr, or saloons, e.g. Volvo V70. Very large cars, e.g. Toyota LandCruisers, Range Rovers may require two applicators.

On an untreated windscreen, water sits with a contact angle of around 15 degrees - creating a lens that distorts vision and creates night-time glare that makes driving both fatiguing and potentially dangerous - to the driver and other road users.

On an Ombrello-treated windscreen, water "beads" with a contact angle of up to 115 degrees - making it almost impossible to stay on the screen - even without wipers - at over 35mph.
Above 35mph, the wind speed is sufficient to almost totally clear the screen - without wiper assistance.

Ombrello
115 degrees
lasts for 18-25,000 km (11- 15,000 mls)
Apply once a year

Best Competitor
95 degrees
lasts only 5-800 km (3-500 mls) or less!
Apply monthly, weekly or less!

**mannyo** · 13-10-2005, 20:35

Original Review : TaviaRS

Pros: Does what it says on the packaging
Cons: Bit of a pain to apply

Quite expensive, £18 for one application, but it's supposed to last for 30-40,000 miles.

First step is to clean the windows, and i mean really, really clean them. Like all things, it's the time spent in preparation that counts. Get the base right and the rest just follows. I bought 2 lots, did the wife's car first and worked out how to do it

Once you have a clean screen, the application of the Ombrello is really easy, the applicator makes it hard to screw it up.

The next step is to polish the screen (once its gone hazy). This takles a while to do but it's worth doing it properly.

Does it work? Yes!

When driving slowly (<30mph) the water beads up, accelerate hard to about 35-40 and it all just whooshes off. Along the motorway there is no need for wipers, even when passing HGVs in the wet. Most wierd. Just make sure you don't crash because you are fixating on the little water beads

It can smear, but nowhere near as bad as other additives. Seems to prefer clear water rather than stuff with screenwash in. Makes cleaning the windows dead easy, just wipe them clean with very little effort.

One applicator will do windscreen, rear screen, front side windows and mirrors.

lescargot · 21-10-2006, 22:10

Old thread but brilliant product used it for 18 months and now i think i need to reapply. However where can you get it these days, no website and not replying to emails. Have they gone bust/

bryand · 21-10-2006, 22:38

I got some from Weathertec uk in May this year, but it took about 3 weeks to arrive.

andy2407 · 21-10-2006, 23:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryand

I got some from Weathertec uk in May this year, but it took about 3 weeks to arrive.

Anyone compared this with Rain-X?
I use Rain-X and I am impressed with it, but just wondered if the Ombreelo stuff is better and/or lasts longer?
Rain-X does need re-doing every thousand miles or so for best results.

bryand · 21-10-2006, 23:26

Ombrello lasts a very long time; the only reason I needed to replace my 30,000- mile old Ombrello was because I had the windscreen replaced.
I just wish the UK distributors were a bit more professional.

andyfr · 31-10-2006, 13:26

Does it help keep bugs from sticking in the summer?

devonutopia · 31-10-2006, 14:05

Doesn't help with bugs, but you have to be sure not to use something too aggressive on the screen. Using washing up liquid and water on the screen will be fine, and won't affect the ombrello surface.

I could do with a packet. Anyone want to contact weathertec to arrange a briskoda only discount code to save 20% odd on the normal price?

**TaviaRS** · 31-10-2006, 14:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy2407

Anyone compared this with Rain-X?
I use Rain-X and I am impressed with it, but just wondered if the Ombreelo stuff is better and/or lasts longer?
Rain-X does need re-doing every thousand miles or so for best results.

I need to re-apply the Ombrello stuff about every 35-40,000 miles so, yes, it does last longer tha n Rain-X

The nice people were offering us a discount, IIRC Jason (Devonupsidedownia) had a discount code.

Maybe he could get another

***ncarring*** · 31-10-2006, 14:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaviaRS

Jason (Devonupsidedownia)

devonutopia · 31-10-2006, 14:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaviaRS

IIRC Jason (Devonupsidedownia) had a discount code.

Oooooh, not dealt one of these out for a while.

Ohhhh, that was good! Have another!

I will contact weathertec then - have a feeling a chap called Mark sorted me out last time?

andy2407 · 31-10-2006, 14:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by devonutopia

Oooooh, not dealt one of these out for a while.

Ohhhh, that was good! Have another!

I will contact weathertec then - have a feeling a chap called Mark sorted me out last time?

I would defintely buy some if you can get a code. Just out of interest do they have a web-site? Or other contact details?

Wardy · 31-10-2006, 15:02

Would be interested in this. Did remember seeing it on a website a while ago, but was put off by the price. Will see if I can come with the details later.

Steve

devonutopia · 31-10-2006, 15:04

Well, weathertec (the uk one) appears to have gone.

Website isn't working, so I've approached someone else in the UK who came up when I googled ombrello. Looks to be more than one supplier now based here. Also did a companies house enquiry (not a full one though) for "weathertec uk limited" and there was an odd change of registered address and members in the last week, so not sure what to make of that.

Tinks?

bryand · 31-10-2006, 15:14

Anybody dealt with the German agents?

I would be interested in a couple of ampules - handy Xmas presents for the Man who has Everything (and is allergic to penicillin).

**tfboy** · 31-10-2006, 17:07

I thought I'd phone a chap and see, but Jason beat me to it.

J, Andrew will get back to you after Thursday

andy2407 · 31-10-2006, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by devonutopia

Well, weathertec (the uk one) appears to have gone.

Website isn't working, so I've approached someone else in the UK who came up when I googled ombrello. Looks to be more than one supplier now based here. Also did a companies house enquiry (not a full one though) for "weathertec uk limited" and there was an odd change of registered address and members in the last week, so not sure what to make of that.

Tinks?

Found this site, although the online shop does not let you go to the check-out stage by the look of it (didn't actually try based on what you said!)

About Us - Weathertec Web Site

Weathertec UK Limited,
47 The Vineyard, Richmond,
Surrey, UK, TW10 6AS
Tel: +44 (0) 208 123 1662
Email: info@weathertec.co.uk

andy2407 · 31-10-2006, 18:00

Been doing some more searching, and the same company that make Ombrello (PPG Industries, Ohio, USA) also make a product called Aquapel (info here) - sounds like similar stuff with perhaps just a different brand name.
10 packs of this Aquapel stuff are available from a US seller on Ebay for ax. £32.96 delivered. Can anyone that has used Ombrello say whether this looks like a similar pack size etc?
Any thoughts? Anyone used it? I'm thinking that I could buy 10 and still post them on to other members in the UK for less than a fiver each, compared with an Ombrello price of £19.99 (maybe less with discount).

bryand · 31-10-2006, 22:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy2407

Been doing some more searching, and the same company that make Ombrello (PPG Industries, Ohio, USA) also make a product called Aquapel (info here) - sounds like similar stuff with perhaps just a different brand name.
10 packs of this Aquapel stuff are available from a US seller on Ebay for ax. £32.96 delivered. Can anyone that has used Ombrello say whether this looks like a similar pack size etc?
Any thoughts? Anyone used it? I'm thinking that I could buy 10 and still post them on to other members in the UK for less than a fiver each, compared with an Ombrello price of £19.99 (maybe less with discount).

Yes, it looks exactly the same applicator in the same packaging, with the same video clips as well. Andy, if you're prepared to do the legwork I'll have 3 @ £5+p&p.

Wardy · 31-10-2006, 23:11

I'd be interested, as long as it's the same stuff and hopefully lasts the same amount of time as Ombrello.

I'd take one definitely, probably two. Good find Andy

Cheers,
Steve

***ColinD*** · 01-11-2006, 10:10

Andy,

Let me know if your going to do the ebay path or not.

Otherwise we'll get in touch with weathertech contact as per above.

Soon we'll have the time to implment this sort of thing via the site, which will make it easier for all

andy2407 · 01-11-2006, 10:22

Right - just ordered 12 of them.
Bryand and Wardy - I'll contact you when they arrive and sort things out.
Assuming everything goes OK I'll put the rest in the For Sale section on here.
Cheers,
Andy

Edit - Sorry Col - must have been doing my purchase on Ebay while you were typing your message. Don't mind doing the leg work on this one, but I'll stay in touch and if the stuff is OK maybe the site can buy in bulk from the US, or at least use the US pricing to get a sensible price out of Ombrello / Weathertec in the UK.
Let me know if you want to try some of the Aquapel.

devonutopia · 01-11-2006, 14:20

Ooooh, I'll have two.

Pythix · 01-11-2006, 16:42

I'll have a pair.....please

Tried the CarPlan equivient but It's lasted 5k at most.

I'll have whenever you have it Andy!!!

Ta

13-10-2005, 20:34	#1
mannyo BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Stevenage Herts. Posts: 11,432 Thanks: 56 Thanked 356 Times in 328 Posts	Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment Description The Ombrello Applicator represents the result of several years and many hundreds of thousands of pounds investment in design and manufacturing. Within the external "winged" applicator casing sits a vacuum-sealed ampoule of Ombrello fluid - an advanced flourinated polymer combination - originally innovated for aerospace application. The applicator pad is bonded to the casing, making it extremely safe around small children who cannot inadvertently ingest the contents or even access the glass ampoule The applicator is activated when the wings are pressed together firmly, breaking the ampoule and releasing a measured dose on to the integral pad - which is held against the glass surface at the time of opening. The applicator is immediately ready for use - requiring only exposure to air to activate Ombrello. The Ombrello applicator contains sufficient fluid to coat an average windscreen plus front side windows and rear screen. Used effectively, an entire car can be protected with one applicator, including larger hatchbacks, e.g. Saab 93 - 5Dr, or saloons, e.g. Volvo V70. Very large cars, e.g. Toyota LandCruisers, Range Rovers may require two applicators. On an untreated windscreen, water sits with a contact angle of around 15 degrees - creating a lens that distorts vision and creates night-time glare that makes driving both fatiguing and potentially dangerous - to the driver and other road users. On an Ombrello-treated windscreen, water "beads" with a contact angle of up to 115 degrees - making it almost impossible to stay on the screen - even without wipers - at over 35mph. Above 35mph, the wind speed is sufficient to almost totally clear the screen - without wiper assistance. Ombrello 115 degrees lasts for 18-25,000 km (11- 15,000 mls) Apply once a year Best Competitor 95 degrees lasts only 5-800 km (3-500 mls) or less! Apply monthly, weekly or less!

21-10-2006, 22:10	#3
lescargot Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: London Posts: 43 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment Old thread but brilliant product used it for 18 months and now i think i need to reapply. However where can you get it these days, no website and not replying to emails. Have they gone bust/

21-10-2006, 22:38	#4
bryand Fabian Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 1,769 Thanks: 1 Thanked 21 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment I got some from Weathertec uk in May this year, but it took about 3 weeks to arrive.

21-10-2006, 23:26	#6
bryand Fabian Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 1,769 Thanks: 1 Thanked 21 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment Ombrello lasts a very long time; the only reason I needed to replace my 30,000- mile old Ombrello was because I had the windscreen replaced. I just wish the UK distributors were a bit more professional.

31-10-2006, 13:26	#7
andyfr Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 97 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment Does it help keep bugs from sticking in the summer? __________________ *Andyfr*

13-10-2005, 20:35	#2
mannyo BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Stevenage Herts. Posts: 11,432 Thanks: 56 Thanked 356 Times in 328 Posts	Original Review : TaviaRS Pros: Does what it says on the packaging Cons: Bit of a pain to apply Quite expensive, £18 for one application, but it's supposed to last for 30-40,000 miles. First step is to clean the windows, and i mean really, really clean them. Like all things, it's the time spent in preparation that counts. Get the base right and the rest just follows. I bought 2 lots, did the wife's car first and worked out how to do it Once you have a clean screen, the application of the Ombrello is really easy, the applicator makes it hard to screw it up. The next step is to polish the screen (once its gone hazy). This takles a while to do but it's worth doing it properly. Does it work? Yes! When driving slowly (<30mph) the water beads up, accelerate hard to about 35-40 and it all just whooshes off. Along the motorway there is no need for wipers, even when passing HGVs in the wet. Most wierd. Just make sure you don't crash because you are fixating on the little water beads It can smear, but nowhere near as bad as other additives. Seems to prefer clear water rather than stuff with screenwash in. Makes cleaning the windows dead easy, just wipe them clean with very little effort. One applicator will do windscreen, rear screen, front side windows and mirrors.

31-10-2006, 14:05	#8
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Exeter / Devon Posts: 30,056 Images: 5 Thanks: 76 Thanked 346 Times in 289 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment Doesn't help with bugs, but you have to be sure not to use something too aggressive on the screen. Using washing up liquid and water on the screen will be fine, and won't affect the ombrello surface. I could do with a packet. Anyone want to contact weathertec to arrange a briskoda only discount code to save 20% odd on the normal price? __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. Cheesy bonnet lifter video to "raise me up" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMnGECEi5Oc See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

31-10-2006, 15:02	#13
Wardy 207/340 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Around Manchester & Cheshire Posts: 11,576 Thanks: 455 Thanked 356 Times in 344 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment Would be interested in this. Did remember seeing it on a website a while ago, but was put off by the price. Will see if I can come with the details later. Steve __________________ Wardy's Fabia vRS xenons : sunroof : cruise : OEM+ "Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting." - Steve McQueen "If in doubt, flat out." - Colin McRae

31-10-2006, 15:04	#14
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Exeter / Devon Posts: 30,056 Images: 5 Thanks: 76 Thanked 346 Times in 289 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment Well, weathertec (the uk one) appears to have gone. Website isn't working, so I've approached someone else in the UK who came up when I googled ombrello. Looks to be more than one supplier now based here. Also did a companies house enquiry (not a full one though) for "weathertec uk limited" and there was an odd change of registered address and members in the last week, so not sure what to make of that. Tinks? __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. Cheesy bonnet lifter video to "raise me up" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMnGECEi5Oc See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

31-10-2006, 15:14	#15
bryand Fabian Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 1,769 Thanks: 1 Thanked 21 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment Anybody dealt with the German agents? I would be interested in a couple of ampules - handy Xmas presents for the Man who has Everything (and is allergic to penicillin).

31-10-2006, 17:07	#16
tfboy C+ à Paris! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Tilehurst, Berkshire Posts: 6,315 Thanks: 21 Thanked 72 Times in 63 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment I thought I'd phone a chap and see, but Jason beat me to it. J, Andrew will get back to you after Thursday __________________ Xavier

31-10-2006, 18:00	#18
andy2407 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Upper Ramsbottom Posts: 5,542 Thanks: 59 Thanked 216 Times in 174 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment Been doing some more searching, and the same company that make Ombrello (PPG Industries, Ohio, USA) also make a product called Aquapel (info here) - sounds like similar stuff with perhaps just a different brand name. 10 packs of this Aquapel stuff are available from a US seller on Ebay for ax. £32.96 delivered. Can anyone that has used Ombrello say whether this looks like a similar pack size etc? Any thoughts? Anyone used it? I'm thinking that I could buy 10 and still post them on to other members in the UK for less than a fiver each, compared with an Ombrello price of £19.99 (maybe less with discount). __________________ The future's bright The future's mellow Now with a little zest of Washbrook added Last edited by andy2407; 31-10-2006 at 18:04. Reason: Ebay link added

31-10-2006, 23:11	#20
Wardy 207/340 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Around Manchester & Cheshire Posts: 11,576 Thanks: 455 Thanked 356 Times in 344 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment I'd be interested, as long as it's the same stuff and hopefully lasts the same amount of time as Ombrello. I'd take one definitely, probably two. Good find Andy Cheers, Steve __________________ Wardy's Fabia vRS xenons : sunroof : cruise : OEM+ "Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting." - Steve McQueen "If in doubt, flat out." - Colin McRae

01-11-2006, 10:10	#21
*ColinD* Site owner Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Hill & Mountains of North Wales Posts: 10,276 Images: 3 Thanks: 24 Thanked 164 Times in 77 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment Andy, Let me know if your going to do the ebay path or not. Otherwise we'll get in touch with weathertech contact as per above. Soon we'll have the time to implment this sort of thing via the site, which will make it easier for all __________________ ColinD - 97/100 Limited Edition Octavia vRS < For Sale £3000 www.BRISKODA.net :: Site Owner. E-Mail : webmaster at briskoda dot net Got a comment to make about the site? Please feel free to use the feedback form here, we welcome your views.

01-11-2006, 10:22	#22
andy2407 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Upper Ramsbottom Posts: 5,542 Thanks: 59 Thanked 216 Times in 174 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment Right - just ordered 12 of them. Bryand and Wardy - I'll contact you when they arrive and sort things out. Assuming everything goes OK I'll put the rest in the For Sale section on here. Cheers, Andy Edit - Sorry Col - must have been doing my purchase on Ebay while you were typing your message. Don't mind doing the leg work on this one, but I'll stay in touch and if the stuff is OK maybe the site can buy in bulk from the US, or at least use the US pricing to get a sensible price out of Ombrello / Weathertec in the UK. Let me know if you want to try some of the Aquapel. __________________ The future's bright The future's mellow Now with a little zest of Washbrook added Last edited by andy2407; 01-11-2006 at 10:25.

10-11-2006, 13:01	#25
Wardy 2

01-11-2006, 14:20	#23
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Exeter / Devon Posts: 30,056 Images: 5 Thanks: 76 Thanked 346 Times in 289 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment Ooooh, I'll have two. __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. Cheesy bonnet lifter video to "raise me up" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMnGECEi5Oc See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

01-11-2006, 16:42	#24
Pythix Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Around the South-East..... Posts: 474 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Weathertec Ombrello Hydrophobic glass treatment I'll have a pair.....please Tried the CarPlan equivient but It's lasted 5k at most. I'll have whenever you have it Andy!!! Ta __________________ Back from the dark side. Red Fabia vRS