The surface beneath a protective coating is also a contributing factor to the quality of the protective coating. This is particularly critical when installing car glass coating, because automobiles can accumulate airborne dirt, road grime, water spots, oil residue and other contamination over time. Just wiping the windshield or windows may not be enough to get rid of all the residue that has built up on the surface. Therefore, the proper cleaning and preparation can be an important role in achieving a smooth and consistent coating application.
Removing Surface Contaminants
Car glass is always facing the road environment. The windshield and other windows can accumulate dust, dirt, insect, mineral deposits and water over time. Some contaminants may not be obvious but can have an impact on the surface.
Before applying a coating, these contaminants need to be removed as thoroughly as possible. A clean surface will provide a better coating contact with the glass rather than having it overtop of dirt or residue.
Solutions to Water Spots and Mineral Deposits
Another common problem that is faced with automotive glass is water spots. When water containing minerals dries on the surface, it can leave deposits that become increasingly difficult to remove with regular glass cleaning.
These deposits may show up after coating, if left untreated before coating, they can cause application irregularity. Depending on the condition of the glass, further cleaning/gassing may be necessary to obtain a surface clean enough for coating.
Cleaning up Oils and Residue
Oily/greasy residue on the surface of glass can also occur as a result of road conditions, cleaning products and other factors. The residues can be hard to find, as the glass can look clean on the first glance.
A good preparation process will be designed to eliminate such contaminate prior to the application of the coating. This will ensure that the glass surface is clear of substances that may affect the application.
Why Preparation Affects the Final Finish
Car Glass Coating is engineered to be a protective coating on the glass. The surface should be adequately prepared for this layer to perform in a consistent manner.
If the contaminants are left behind, it may not be uniformly applied to the entire surface area. This may lead to lack of uniformity in the coverage or appearance of the product. With proper preparation, the installer has a better chance of discovering any troubles that might be present in the glass before installing it.
Cleaning Is Different From Quick Wiping
The difference between regular glass cleaning and preparing for coating is important. Removal of loose dust and fingerprints can be done with a quick wipe, however this may not be enough for bonded contaminants, mineral deposits and/or old product residue.
There may be several stages in the process of professional preparation, depending on the condition of the glass in the vehicle. The goal is to provide the coating process with a clean and appropriate surface.
Consider the Condition of the Glass
Cleaning also provides an opportunity to inspect the glass itself. Any scratches, persistent deposits, chips or other blemishes must be determined prior to any coating. Physical damage cannot be corrected by a coating.
This is why it’s crucial to start assessing the surface first when preparing. The glass can be treated, if needed, prior to the coating.
Conclusion
Consistent car glass coating application is part of the important steps that need to be taken to achieve the application. Dust, road dirt, mineral deposits, grease film and other dirt will be removed so that the coating surface is cleaner. It also may help enhance the final application appearance, and recognize current glass problems early.
However, when thinking about a glass coating on your vehicle, the coating product is not the only thing you should think of. Equal attention should be given to the quality of the surface preparation and application. A well cleaned and prepared glass surface is better prepared for the protective coat as it helps with the intended performance.