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Choosing Between Solvent- and Water-based Dressings

Home Knowledge Center Articles

Choosing Between Solvent- and Water-Based Dressings

What’s the difference between a solvent-based and a water-based dressing?

The main difference between solvent- and water-based dressings is the carrier system used to deliver the active ingredient, most often silicone, to the application surface. Solvent-based dressings use a chemical (solvent) to carry the active ingredient, and water-based dressings use water to carry the active ingredients to the application surface. After application, the solvent quickly evaporates, leaving behind a thin film of the active ingredient. After application, the water evaporates at a slower rate than its solvent counterpart.

What are the advantages of a solvent-based dressing vs. a water-based dressing?

Historically, solvent-based dressings have been known to be more durable and create more shine than their water-based counterparts. However, with the advancements in product development, we have seen a shift in recent years indicating high-performance water-based dressings will stand up to their solvent competition. Due to changes in environmental legislature and safety requirements, there are now VOC compliant, silicone-free, and body-shop safe versions of both solvent- and water-based dressings, and each has advantages. Some are listed below:

Why should I use a dressing on rubber, vinyl, plastic, and leather surfaces?

Dressings serve a few purposes in the upkeep of a vehicle. First, dressing helps prevent cracking, hardening, and fading surfaces while leaving behind a rich shine. In the case of tire dressing, they also help protect tires from the environmental contaminants that come up off the road every time the vehicle is driven.

Which dressings are ideal for interior surfaces?

Many of the Malco dressings can be used on interior applications. If you are an enthusiast looking for a good solvent-based VOC compliant dressing, we recommend Blue Blazes® VOC Compliant All-Purpose Premium Dressing. The product offers a pleasant melon scent, produces a durable, high-gloss shine, and is safe for rubber, plastic, vinyl, and leather. If you are looking for a good water-based dressing, we recommend Aqua Bead™ Advanced Silicone Suspension Dressing. This product is a suspended silicone dressing activated by water that deposits the silicone directly on the tire for a high-gloss shine. Since Aqua Bead is dilutable, it offers various gloss levels based on dilution.

If you are a professional detailer, you will want to choose a dressing that works best for your business environment. Our top-selling dressings for interior application in the professional market are:
  • Prizm™ Plus VOC Compliant All-Purpose Solvent-based Dressing
  • Appeal™ Super-Concentrated Water-based Dressing

How often should interiors be dressed?

Vehicle interiors should be dressed according to a regular detailing schedule. When used full strength, Aqua Bead will last approximately four to six months and can be diluted at 1:3 for greater economy and variable gloss levels.

Which dressings are ideal for tires and exterior surfaces?

Just as with interior applications, Malco offers many exterior dressing options. Again, if you are an enthusiast looking for a good solvent-based VOC compliant dressing, Blue Blazes® VOC Compliant All-Purpose Premium Dressing is a good choice. Malco recommends Prizm™ Plus VOC Compliant All-Purpose Dressing if you want the best. Prizm Plus has an innovative solvent delivery system for improved dry time, and its high silicone formula delivers high gloss levels and extended durability. If you are looking for a good water-based dressing, we recommend Aqua Bead Advanced Silicone Suspension Dressing. If you want the best in water-based dressing, try Appeal Super-Concentrated Water-based Dressing. Appeal offers the highest gloss variability ranging from a semi-gloss, satin finish to a high-gloss shine depending on the dilution level.

If you are a professional detailer, you will want to choose a dressing that works best for your business environment. Our top-selling dressings for exterior applications in the professional market are:
  • Prizm™ Plus VOC Compliant All-Purpose Solvent-based Dressing
  • Flash® Cote All-Purpose Solvent-based Dressing
  • Appeal™ Super-Concentrated Water-based Dressing

What is a conditioning spray, and what are its advantages?

A ready-to-use aerosol conditioning spray protects and conditions areas that are hard to reach using traditional dressings. Conditioning sprays help prevent battery terminal corrosion and provide a waterproof barrier on hinges, springs, and casters. Malco’s aerosol conditioning spays include:
  • Perfect 10™
  • Spray Coat
  • Hi-Shine

How can common problems like product sling and product build-up be avoided when applying tire dressing?

The best way to reduce sling and product build-up is to use an applicator to apply dressing instead of spraying it directly on surfaces. Spraying often results in applying too much product, which can cause sling and build-up. Moving a vehicle before the applied dressing is dry can also cause product sling. We recommend applying a thin layer with an applicator and allowing the vehicle to dry at least 5-10 minutes before moving it.

Featured In This Article

APPEAL™ SUPER CONCENTRATED DRESSING

Product #PMG00082
Appeal™ Super-Concentrated Dressing is a water-based dressing, formulated to make tires shine at the gloss level of your choice. Starting at $83.97

AQUA BEAD™ SILICONE SUSPENSION DRESSING

Product #PMG00145
AquaBead™ Advanced Silicone-Suspension Dressing is an innovative, polymer-enhanced, water-based formula that directly deposits silicone onto rubber, plastic, and leather surfaces. Starting at $42.97

PRIZM™ PLUS ALL-PURPOSE DRESSING

Product #PMG00275
Prizm Plus All-Purpose Dressing is a VOC compliant solvent-based dressing that delivers outstanding shine and longevity to all rubber and vinyl surfaces. Starting at $39.97

BLUE BLAZES™ ALL-IN-ONE DRESSING - VOC

Product #PMG00130
Blue Blazes® VOC Compliant All-Purpose Premium Dressing is a solvent-based dressing for rubber, plastic, vinyl, and leather surfaces. Starting at $16.97
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