Aquapel;....A Glass Sealant

As I have said before, all glass sealants are definitely NOT created equal.  Some are more resistant to UVC, some will resist scratches, some will last much longer than others, some will resist the high pH of curing concrete, some will stand up to hard water drops so you can just wipe off hard water spots with a dry towel.  So what of Aquapel?  Well as some of you might know this product was developed for auto glass.  As many of the different sealants were.  Lets take a close look at this product.

In the photo above you can see the applicator that contains a long glass tube which is air tight and holds the liquid chemical.  When the two plastic wings are squeezed together the glass tube is broken letting the liquid sealant leak through the felt bottom.  The felt is not very easy to see in this photo.  The product is applied to the glass as shown by wiping it on.  I suggest first cleaning the glass really well with some 0000 steel wool or even a cerium oxide or optical silica compound such as my SKRUB.  You will know that the glass is really clean if pure water sheets over every square inch.  Make sure the glass is totally clean then apply the Aquapel.  Once applied buff it in with a dry paper towel.  Then apply a second coat.  You can scrub with soapy water and squeegee dry as a last clean if you want like you would with Rain X, but you really don't have to.  You will find that Aquapel does not leave a filmy residue like Rain X does.  It kind of pings clear.  Sorry that's the best way I can explain it.  You will have to do it to know what I am talking about.  My guess is that the chemistry is indeed quite different.  This would explain the ping effect and the greater longevity.  Yes Aquapel definitely lasts much longer than Rain X, is more resistant to abrasion, and definitely stands up to the harsh UVC of the sun much better than Rain X.  I have found it on EBay for around two bux per applicator if bought in bulk.  https://www.ebay.com/i/351809325432?chn=ps&dispItem=1  A single applicator will cover about 25 square feet.  I can usually get a full windshield and two side windows done with one applicator.  Now for the initial effect there is no difference between Aquapel and Rain X.  But as the weeks and months wear on you will definitely notice the difference.

The sealants out there are based on siloxanes, silanes, organics, teflon, functionalized  nanoparticles, even diamond like coatings.  They can be purely topical coatings that just set on top.  Or they can react directly with certain molecular groups on the glass.  This type of product will last a much longer time.  Check out this site for information on the chemistry.  http://hydrophobicsam.blogspot.com/2012/03/ 

Written by Henry Grover Jr.

henrygroverjr@gmail.com

Member of the IWCA Glass Committee

To receive these posts directly in your inbox just type your address in the box at the top right, "Follow by Email".