brillianize ball polish

brechbt

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I recently picked up a nice used set of Aramith Super Pros--great investment. They needed a little sprucing up, so I did some research here. Of course, Aramith ball polish came up with a number of recommendations, but the product Brillianize came up as well. Brillianize is a general purpose plastic cleaner/polish. It seems particularly popular for polishing aircraft windshields. I'd never heard of it, but after seeing a lot of favorable feedback on other hobbyist forums I decided to try it.

My very unscientific experience with it is very favorable. It is a clear liquid, about the consistency of Windex, with no discernable abrasives. It is sprayed directly on, wiped off, then finished with a dry buffing. I don't have a ball polisher, so I do this by hand--couldn't be simpler. The product doesn't seem to leave any residue, but does noticeably brighten the finish of the balls, and removes chalk marks and impact marks. When I handle a Brillianized ball in one hand, and a non-polished ball in the other, the polished ball feels noticeably smoother, but without leaving any residue on my hand or smudges on the ball. I realize that I'm leaving myself open to all of the testicle-joke-lovers in the crowd--come on, let's hear your best ball-rubbing jibes!

Seriously, though, I recommend this stuff. It won't polish up badly scratched or scuffed balls very much--I tried it on some of my old ones. But for balls that are in good shape, you probably don't want a strong polish anyway. Just thought I'd pass this along for what it's worth. You can find it on eBay--check on-line stores vs. auctions for the best price.
 
Our club uses Brillianize and a micro-fiber cloth for cleaning both pool and billiard balls. The results have always been great. I couldn't see any reason for us to change brands.
 
I also just received a set of used super pros and did a thorough cleaning of them so far (no polish yet)

20 minutes in a 140 degree ultrasonic bath with degreasing 'soap'

Acetone wipe down by hand

d-greeze ES-150D wipe down

Denatured alcohol wipe down

Still getting a bit of cigarette tar off of them (that stuff is tenacious) but I will get them nice and shiny again.

I will look into that Brillianize product... Probably great for plastic headlight covers too...
 
I also use this product and I noticed that the balls play much different then if you had used the Aramith product or the wax cleaners. I am not saying that they play better or worse, just different. There is no break in period like there is with wax type cleaners. The gear effect between the balls is more noticable with Brillianize then with other polishes. I think that is because they are more squeaky clean then slippery clean. I believe that you just have less residue with Brillianize.
 
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I have a brand new set of Super Aramiths, and have found if I simply clean them with a rag after every session then they look great. I might try something to polish them once the newness wears off, but so far they are fine with just a warm, damp rag.
 
You're not a surgeon are you? :wink:

I also just received a set of used super pros and did a thorough cleaning of them so far (no polish yet)

20 minutes in a 140 degree ultrasonic bath with degreasing 'soap'

Acetone wipe down by hand

d-greeze ES-150D wipe down

Denatured alcohol wipe down

Still getting a bit of cigarette tar off of them (that stuff is tenacious) but I will get them nice and shiny again.

I will look into that Brillianize product... Probably great for plastic headlight covers too...
 
I recently picked up a nice used set of Aramith Super Pros--great investment. They needed a little sprucing up, so I did some research here. Of course, Aramith ball polish came up with a number of recommendations, but the product Brillianize came up as well. Brillianize is a general purpose plastic cleaner/polish. It seems particularly popular for polishing aircraft windshields. I'd never heard of it, but after seeing a lot of favorable feedback on other hobbyist forums I decided to try it.

My very unscientific experience with it is very favorable. It is a clear liquid, about the consistency of Windex, with no discernable abrasives. It is sprayed directly on, wiped off, then finished with a dry buffing. I don't have a ball polisher, so I do this by hand--couldn't be simpler. The product doesn't seem to leave any residue, but does noticeably brighten the finish of the balls, and removes chalk marks and impact marks. When I handle a Brillianized ball in one hand, and a non-polished ball in the other, the polished ball feels noticeably smoother, but without leaving any residue on my hand or smudges on the ball. I realize that I'm leaving myself open to all of the testicle-joke-lovers in the crowd--come on, let's hear your best ball-rubbing jibes!

Seriously, though, I recommend this stuff. It won't polish up badly scratched or scuffed balls very much--I tried it on some of my old ones. But for balls that are in good shape, you probably don't want a strong polish anyway. Just thought I'd pass this along for what it's worth. You can find it on eBay--check on-line stores vs. auctions for the best price.


IMO it makes the balls look good but acts like wax. If you like a lot of slide on the CB its great stuff for about an hour.
 
If anyone in the Central Valley Region of California wants to get some, here's some info.
or if out of state, you might want to call them & have the product shipped directly to you.

Matt B.


PRECISION PLASTICS
998 NORTH TEMPERANCE AVENUE
CLOVIS, CA 93611
http://www.precisionplasticsinc.com

Has product in stock.
Carries all sizes - no minimum purchase.
Retail only. Walk-ins & shipping requests welcome.

(559) 323-9595

(559) 323-4374 Fax
 
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Brillianize is decent. I've tried it. I use Mequiars Ultimate Quik Detailer in my Diamond machine. This and the Aramith cleaner are the ones recommended by Diamond for use in their machine.
 
Do you use novus? If so do you use the 1 or 2 on your balls? I have super pros and wanna keep them in good condition.

Be sure to only use Novus 1. The others have abrasives in it which will wear out the set over time. I've used Novus 1 for years and recently have been using Macquire's Ultimate Detail because its easier to buy from the auto store down the road. They are both good.
 
Be sure to only use Novus 1. The others have abrasives in it which will wear out the set over time. I've used Novus 1 for years and recently have been using Macquire's Ultimate Detail because its easier to buy from the auto store down the road. They are both good.

Great thanks for the info
 
Take a look at the description of the Meguiar's product. It's a polymer and it's designed to left on the surface of whatever you've treated. Diamond may have recommended it; but it seems to be pretty clearly outside the rules of the game, which doesn't allow residue on the balls. I be interested to hear their explanation for recommending this.
There have been several threads about ball polishing, one long one within the last few months.
You may want to look back at some of the opinions and information discussed.

"The most advanced high bead and deep gloss spray detailer! Meguiar’s®, the company that brought car enthusiasts the world’s first spray detailer, now introduces a revolutionary mist and wipe product that works like a spray detailer and enhances wax protection. This totally unique formula represents a significant breakthrough in technology that has even our eyes popping! Through the use of new Hydrophobic Polymer Technology™, Meguiar’s has created a spray detailer that actually repels water, withstands multiple car washes, and adds additional protection to your finish. The secret lies in the high level of surface tension created when these revolutionary polymers react. The result is a slicker, darker surface and incredible water beading! You will feel your towel almost float across the surface. The gentle, high lubricity formula is safe on all paint types including the latest clear coats and can be used daily to remove loose contaminants, dust and grime to keep your car looking its absolute best. It’s so easy, you can detail a full size car in less than 10 minutes! - See more at: http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product/meguiars-ultimate-quik-detailer#sthash.gHi3sjDy.dpuf"

After reading this, I believe you'd be hard pressed not to run in another direction for a ball cleaning product.
 
Take a look at the description of the Meguiar's product. It's a polymer and it's designed to left on the surface of whatever you've treated. Diamond may have recommended it; but it seems to be pretty clearly outside the rules of the game, which doesn't allow residue on the balls. I be interested to hear their explanation for recommending this.
There have been several threads about ball polishing, one long one within the last few months.
You may want to look back at some of the opinions and information discussed.

"The most advanced high bead and deep gloss spray detailer! Meguiar’s®, the company that brought car enthusiasts the world’s first spray detailer, now introduces a revolutionary mist and wipe product that works like a spray detailer and enhances wax protection. This totally unique formula represents a significant breakthrough in technology that has even our eyes popping! Through the use of new Hydrophobic Polymer Technology™, Meguiar’s has created a spray detailer that actually repels water, withstands multiple car washes, and adds additional protection to your finish. The secret lies in the high level of surface tension created when these revolutionary polymers react. The result is a slicker, darker surface and incredible water beading! You will feel your towel almost float across the surface. The gentle, high lubricity formula is safe on all paint types including the latest clear coats and can be used daily to remove loose contaminants, dust and grime to keep your car looking its absolute best. It’s so easy, you can detail a full size car in less than 10 minutes! - See more at: http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product/meguiars-ultimate-quik-detailer#sthash.gHi3sjDy.dpuf"

After reading this, I believe you'd be hard pressed not to run in another direction for a ball cleaning product.

I think there is a big difference in the amount of residue, if any, left on the balls after going through a Diamond machine versus what remains on a car when you spray and wipe the entire vehicle in 10 minutes. When the balls go through my machine they are spinning pretty quickly and constantly being wiped against carpet material for about 10 minutes, Between the constant hi-speed wiping and the centrifugal force I doubt there is much left on the balls. :wink:

Anyway, this is the quote from the Diamond site:

Limited 1 year warranty
Replacement carpet kits available to purchase
Carpet is secured with Velcro for easy replacement
Balls will not fly out
Plug it in, set the timer and walk away
Extremely quiet operation
Recommended cleaning kits
Aramith Ball Cleaner and
Meguiars Ultimate Quick Detailer
Simple. Reliable. It works
 
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My opinion is that there is a discernible amount of the polymer left after your routine.

If you have a few minutes and are curious... I'd suggest a blind test.
Clean the balls as you usually do.
Then clean one ball with isopropyl alcohol.
Take that ball and one from the ball cleaner.
See if you feel a difference between the two.


The assumption here is that the alcohol removes any residue on the ball and is neutral and leaves nothing behind.
 
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