The Technology of Surface Repair using Superabrasives

The dictionary defines technology as the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area.  That practical application first requires an understanding of the characteristics of the superabrasive particle used.  It also demands an understanding of the characteristics of the surface you are working on.  Not to be left out is an understanding of the properties of the medium that carries the particle.  As well as the material of the pad/interface that works the surface with the superabrasive particles.  So you see, scratch and stain removal is not as simple as most people or manufacturers of stain removal systems/products make it out to be.  It is rather unfortunate that these manufacturers have not taken more time to research the practical application of this knowledge.

As I  discussed in "The Particle Zoo" there are a great number of different particles with a wide array of different properties. But I said nothing about the actual surface that we as Glass Restoration experts are working on.  Neither did I say anything about the carrier for the particle.  Which is just as important or at times even more important than the particle itself.  For example does it really matter which liquid suspension is used for loose particles?  Or what about the physical properties of the resin that holds the particle to the polishing film?  What of the lubricant used for the glass surface?  What of the properties of the pad material used to form the working interface for the compound?  There is so much to consider.

Both scratch and stain removal involves removal of glass. Simply put!  It cannot be done otherwise. If the scratches or stain is light than it is rather easy to remove them using an optical cerium oxide.  Although as I have explained here there is still a technology involved in doing this correctly.  It is also quite easy to damage the glass surface when removing light scratches and stains.  Now if the scratches are deep, or the stain is rather difficult, more glass will need to be removed.  Then the glass will first have to go through a one or two step grinding process.  After this it will have to go through a third step where it will need to be polished to near perfection. The best system will do it quick, not create problems along the way, and finish with the highest quality surface.  If you can stand back twenty feet and see absolutely no abrasion haze or waviness in the direct sun, then you have a perfect repair.  Very bright LED lighting is another powerful test method.

I have recently met people who have developed systems to restore glass surfaces which are better than many commercial products out there.  The technology used is in fact what I call counter-intuitive.  Which quite plainly demonstrates that there is still much more to learn.   This is the focus and gist of my consulting.

Please take a look at my Wobble Wheel video.  This is the first step in stain removal done at a slow pace with a cerium based slow release pad.  This is for a one step only polishing method. If the stains do not come out with this technique then it will be necessary to go to a grinding process.  Much more of the glass surface will need to be removed, and then brought back to optical specs.

Written by Henry Grover Jr.
henrygroverjr@gmail.com

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