Acrylic polymers and Silicone Polymers

[Larry A]

What is the difference between acrylic polymers and silicone polymers ? What is the advantages and disadvantages of each?

[joyriide1113]

bump. i would like to know too

[patches]

Originally Posted by Larry A

What is the difference between acrylic polymers and silicone polymers ? What is the advantages and disadvantages of each?

From what i've researched, but not through experience is that:

The advantages of acrylic polymers are that they are more durable, harder,and last longer. where as the silicone polymers are more for shine, and gloss and less durability......

[JeffW]

Bump... any other 2 cents?

Which products that are Acrylic and which are Silicone that you have experience with that might support the "more durable..." vs "more shine..." ?

Thanks!

[!Danny!]

As a general rule, most products will contain both. Silicones and Siloxanes are often used a because they 'fill in' and hide light scratches... some products, especially trade products designed for dealership showroom cars are packed full of them for just this reason. But There are may other reasons for putting them in products. I believe that they are even in polishes and compounds because they act as a lubricant during high speed buffing.

Acrylic polymers are used because they bond together very nicely (much better than natural waxes) and are very strong, although not quite as strong as P.T.F.E. derived products. It's all down to the way the chains of atoms bond together... if anybody here took chemistry, please step in now, because this is where I get of my depth!

[AmirTheOG]

Yeppers....Acrlyic poly is definitly stronger and have some mild(very mild abrasives in it..see wizards or raceglaze sealant) and dry very quickly and are usualy antistactic as goes my exp w/ them not all cases tho...

silicones never really dry, take meguiars mirror glaze polymer sealant professional 20 looks great when used w/ the three step system...but doesnt quite last as long and to get the most out of you need a near perfect finish.....

so as sealants are concerend I use a hightone type after the three step w/ Meguiars and swrill mark remover on a all out job...after cut and buff on hoods or roofs or rear decklids...P&S makes an exellent sealant tho the name escapes me at the moment.....(P.S. three step meguairs, swril mark remover, then hand glaze w/ sealant) and ofcourse thats usually after wash clay and wet sand....word up keep on truckin........OG