Login // SHOP
Search
Close this search box.

The Story of Armor All Professional: From Invention to Global Dominance

You know it when you see it: the distinctive, showroom shine on a car’s paint or wheels. The sort of shine you want your car to have, and you want your carwash to deliver – every time. The world-renowned car care brand Armor All® was a break-through innovation from the very start, but it’s come a long way since then.

From a single-product company to a global provider of premium products, Armor All continues to be the gold standard for automotive surface protection and shine. With a commanding 90% market recognition, it’s not just another brand; it’s a transformative force in auto care, reshaping how consumers view and select carwash services.

But how well do you know this iconic brand and its place in the carwash industry? As a carwash owner, it’s worth it for you to know why you should choose Armor All Professional® branded carwash chemicals, distributed exclusively by NCS.

The History of Armor All Professional

The brand we know today as Armor All Professional® officially launched in 1972, but its roots stretch back another decade. The brand’s story begins with polymer chemist Joe Palcher. While experimenting with polymers in his lab, Palcher created a polish that effectively shields rubber, plastic and vinyl from UV radiation.

Not knowing he’d invented a formula that would birth a prominent auto care brand, Palcher shelved the formula for the next four years. Then his friend, a local auto enthusiast, discovered the formula has some magic to it. Excited by its potential, he convinced Palcher to share it with the world. The two launched the product in 1966 under the name Tri-Don (No-Dirt spelled backward), targeting a niche market of car collectors.

Innovation Meets Enterpreneurship

So, how did Tri-Don become Armor All Professional? This is where Alan Rypinski, a car enthusiast with an eye for opportunity, enters the picture.

In the late 1960s, Rypinski was seeking products to restore his vintage Jaguar when he stumbled upon Tri-Don at the Briggs-Cunningham Automotive Museum. Impressed by its effectiveness and mistakenly believing it was widely available, he immediately decided it would be his go-to auto polish. However, he soon discovered it was only available at the museum.

Driven by a desire to share this effective product with other car lovers and his entrepreneurial spirit, Rypinski secured world marketing rights from Palcher for $5,000 in 1972. He patented the rights, re-bottled it and rebranded it with his wife’s help to “Armor All,” meaning “protect everything.” It was and still is the perfect name.

Rypinski then put his marketing prowess to work, and in just a year, Armor All sales hit $200,000. By the late 1970s, Armor All protectant was well-known and dominated the U.S. auto market, generating millions in sales.

In 1979, Rypinski sold his ownership rights to McKesson Corporation, marking the brand’s journey to international prominence. Under McKesson’s tenure, Armor All Professional purchased Borden Inc., an established auto care company, to expand its offerings.

The brand has changed hands several times since then, with each new owner adding to its legacy and innovation. Today, Armor All Professional is owned by Energizer Holdings and distributed to the commercial car wash market exclusively by NCS.

A Legacy of Innovation in Car Wash Chemistry

The Armor All Professional presence in the auto aftermarket space has been game-changing. The brand has consistently rolled out car wash chemical products that set the industry bar and shape consumer expectations. 

In 1982, Armor All Professional launched the Armor All Heavy Duty Car Wash. It was the first Armor All product specifically formulated for car wash use. This pioneering product provided an alternative to household-based detergents that car owners previously relied on. It also paved the way for a new generation of car-specific wash formulations.

In 1992, Armor All revolutionized tire care by introducing Armor All Tire Foam Protectant. Formulated with powerful foaming action surfactants, this product breaks down and carries away road grime and dirt. It eliminates laborious scrubbing, rinsing, and wiping, saving time and resources. It also imparts that characteristic shine you can easily spot on rubber tires.

In 2000, Armor All Professional developed biodegradable, plant-based wipes, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

 In 2007, the brand released Ultra Shine Wash and Wax, an advanced car wash that contained a proprietary carnauba wax blend which provides the ultimate shine, protection and sudsing in one product. This carwashing star was a precursor to today’s Armor All Professional Extreme Shine Wax with Carnauba, which is one of America’s favorite car wash protectants.

If you’re curious, you can check out the complete history of Armor All auto care products and their impact on the vehicle care space.

Ceramic Seal Technology

In 2020, Armor All Professional ceramic seal technology was introduced. Utilizing silicon dioxide, the ceramic seal forms a strong chemical bond with a vehicle’s paint surface, creating a highly durable and hydrophobic layer that protects against UV rays and contaminants. It results in an incredible shine and reduces the frequency of reapplication, allowing car wash facilities to offer clients maximum value.

Because these materials tend to be hardier than simple waxes or polymers, ceramic paint coatings have a reputation for providing much greater protection for cars. They are a premium product, a top-package add-on, but they are provide superior protection. Ceramic coatings are among the best protective coatings for new cars because they minimize ongoing damage and maintain the “new car” shine that so many owners crave.

Armor All Professional ceramic Seal protects against environmental assaults like UV rays, bird droppings and tree sap, surpassing traditional waxes in durability and shine. It offers superior paint adhesion and gloss while its water-repellent properties eliminate the need for conventional drying agents. The product also supports carwash water reclaim systems, ensuring both efficiency and superior vehicle care.

The Armor All Professional® brand’s use of biodegradable raw materials and recyclable packaging cements its legacy as a leader in eco-conscious car care and inspires industry-wide social responsibility. Three core pillars define Armor All Professional’s legacy: 

  • Consistent innovation
  • Enduring impact 
  • Unwavering commitment to sustainability 

Market Leadership

The Armor All Professional® reputation for innovation, quality, and effectiveness has earned it significant market recognition and consumer preference. 

Research shows it’s the #1 recognized brand in the auto appearance market. It boasts 90% customer awareness and 85.8% positive perception. This positive perception is evidenced by the fact that 46% of consumers are willing to go an extra two miles just to find car washes that use Armor All Professional products. 

Armor All Professional brand recognition positively influences consumer behavior, driving more revenue for wash facilities. 44% of customers will upgrade their wash packages when they find a conveyor car wash facility that uses Armor All and related brands. This translates to an average ticket increase of $1.08 per wash.

Armor All Professional Carwash Chemistry: Distributed Exclusively by NCS

Armor All Professional has been redefining auto care since its inception. Its commitment to continuous innovation and sustainability is evident product after product. NCS is proud to be the exclusive supplier of the brand’s industry-leading solutions for car wash facilities. Contact NCS today to unlock the potential of Armor All Professional products for your business.

Read More

Share this

VIP Golf Experience

*This is a suggested schedule, but we’re happy to accommodate your travel plans—just note that all experiences must take place on the 25th.

8:00 am

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Your dedicated driver arrives at Resorts World in a luxury vehicle.

8:45 am

Arrival at the Golf Course

  • Arrive at an exclusive, world-class golf course where a personal caddy greets you with your custom-fitted golf gear and itinerary for the day.

9:00 am

Warm-Up & Practice

  • Spend time at the driving range or practice greens to loosen up, with your caddy offering assistance as needed.

10:00 - 1:00 pm

18-Hole Golf Experience

  • Tee off on a pristine course.
  • Enjoy a beverage cart service offering refreshing drinks, cocktails, and snacks throughout your round.

1:30 pm

VIP Lunch at the Clubhouse

  • Relish a gourmet lunch at the clubhouse restaurant, featuring chef-crafted dishes and premium beverages.
  • Savor panoramic views of the course while dining in style.

3:00 pm

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Your driver meets you at the clubhouse to escort you back to your Resorts World in comfort.

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Cocktails & Conversations

  • Join us at Resorts World for the ultimate Restore Experience

VIP Adrenaline Mountain Experience

*This is a suggested schedule, but we’re happy to accommodate your travel plans—just note that all experiences must take place on the 25th.

8:30 am

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Your personal driver arrives at Resorts World in a luxury SUV to head to Adrenaline Mountain

9:30 am

Arrival at Adrenaline Mountain

  • Be greeted by the friendly staff and receive a VIP welcome.
  • Enjoy a brief orientation and overview of the day’s activities tailored to your preferences

10:00 - 12:30 pm

Choose from an array of thrilling adventures:

  • Shooting Experiences: Fire an array of firearms, from fully automatic machine guns to vintage models.
  • Off-Roading: Conquer rugged terrain in ATVs, UTVs, or even a monster truck.
  • Heavy Equipment Playground: Crush cars or operate heavy machinery like bulldozers.
  • Archery or Axe Throwing: Test your aim and skill in these classic outdoor challenges.

1:00 pm

Gourmet Lunch in the Desert

  • Indulge in a catered meal set up in a private, shaded area, complete with refreshing beverages and a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape.

2:30 pm

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Your driver meets you at Adrenaline Mountain to transport you back to your hotel in ultimate comfort.

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Cocktails & Conversations

  • Join us at Resorts World for the ultimate Restore Experience

VIP Spa Experience

*This is a suggested schedule, but we’re happy to accommodate your travel plans—just note that all experiences must take place on the 25th.

9:00 am

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Your luxury vehicle will arrive at your hotel to transport you to the elegant Fontainebleau Spa in Las Vegas. Relax and enjoy the ride in style and comfort.

9:30 am

Arrival at the Fontainebleau Spa

  • Receive a warm welcome and a personal consultation to customize your wellness and relaxation experience.

10:00 - 1:00 pm

Exotic Car Racing Experience

  • Immerse yourself in ultimate relaxation with a selection of premium treatments:
    • Signature Massage: A therapeutic massage tailored to your needs.
    • Rejuvenating Facial: A luxurious treatment to revitalize your skin.
    • Body Treatments: Pamper yourself with a body wrap, scrub, or detoxifying therapy.
  • Enjoy access to the serene spa amenities, including whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation lounges.

1:30 pm

Lunch at the Fontainebleau

  • Savor a delectable meal at one of the spa’s exclusive dining spots. Choose from a menu of fresh, gourmet dishes paired with refreshing beverages or cocktails.

3:00 pm

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Your driver arrives to escort you back to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and peaceful end to your rejuvenating day.

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Cocktails & Conversations

  • Join us at Resorts World for the ultimate Restore Experience

VIP Exotic Car Racing

*This is a suggested schedule, but we’re happy to accommodate your travel plans—just note that all experiences must take place on the 25th.

9:00 am

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Begin your day in style as your luxury chauffeur arrives at your hotel to transport you to Exotics Racing.

9:15 am

Arrival at Exotics Racing Las Vegas

  • Enjoy a brief orientation with your professional racing instructor, including safety tips and insights about the supercars available for your experience.

9:45 am - 1:00 pm

Exotic Car Racing Experience

  • Choose from an incredible fleet of high-performance supercars, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, and more.
  • Start with a discovery lap in a Porsche Cayenne to familiarize yourself with the track.
  • Hit the racetrack for the ultimate driving experience, feeling the adrenaline as you unleash the power of these incredible machines with the guidance of an expert instructor.
  • Relive the excitement with professional photos and videos capturing your experience. Receive a certificate to commemorate your achievements on the track.

1:30 pm

Gourmet Lunch

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch arranged by Exotics Racing. Savor a menu of fresh, chef-prepared dishes and refreshing beverages as you unwind from the morning’s excitement.

3:00 pm

Return to Your Hotel

  • Your private driver arrives to take you back to your accommodations, ensuring a smooth, comfortable, and relaxing ride.

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Cocktails & Conversations

  • Join us at Resorts World for the ultimate Restore Experience