CAR WINDSCREEN SEALANTS: THE GELSON DECONTAMINATION PROCESS

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CAR WINDSCREEN SEALANTS: THE GELSON DECONTAMINATION PROCESS

Replacing a windscreen is a task that requires precision, expertise and adherence to clearly defined procedures. The quality of the automotive glass sealant is certainly a key factor, but it is not enough on its own: the correct preparation of the surfaces prior to bonding also plays a crucial role. Dust, grease, sweat, adhesive residues, contamination resulting from storage or transport, and other impurities may be present on the surface of the windscreen without being immediately visible. This is why Gelson has developed a new process for decontaminating and bonding car windscreens, introducing a specific step using the new Wiping Sponge. The aim is simple: to prepare the surface correctly before applying the adhesion promoter and sealant, by incorporating decontamination into a structured and comprehensive process.

Why is it important to decontaminate car windows?

When replacing a windscreen, the surface to be bonded must be properly prepared. Simply cleaning it may not be enough to remove all contaminants. The new Gelson Wiping Sponge has been designed specifically for this purpose: it is a single-use accessory made from open-cell expanded melamine resin, designed for preparing surfaces prior to bonding car windscreens. Its targeted abrasive action removes contaminants that could compromise the adhesive’s bond, including:

traces of grease and sweat;
residues from packaging adhesives;
soot accumulated during storage and transport;
traces of silicone released during production;
any adhesive residues left on the windscreen by the manufacturer’s labels.

Decontamination therefore becomes a preventative step, designed to reduce the presence of impurities on the surfaces to be bonded before proceeding with the bonding process.

Decontamination is not simply a matter of cleaning

It is important to distinguish between the concepts of cleaning and decontamination.

In the Gelson process, the glass is first cleaned with Vitrogel to remove dust and residues and to check that the windscreen is in good condition. Next, the Wiping Sponge is applied to the area to be bonded.

This is precisely the key aspect of the new process: the sponge’s action allows for a more thorough removal of contaminants that may remain on the surface even after normal cleaning.

The result is a more thorough preparation of the substrate prior to the subsequent stages of applying the adhesion promoter and sealant.

How does the decontamination process work?

The new Gelson cycle forms part of a comprehensive process that begins with the preparation of the vehicle and continues through to the application of the sealant and the refitting of the windscreen. After removing the old windscreen, cleaning the bodywork and trimming the old adhesive, the new windscreen is prepared. The glass is first cleaned with Vitrogel and a Hitex 4000 cloth, checking its condition and ensuring there are no residues.

At this point, the new decontamination stage comes into play:

apply a small amount of Vitrogel to the perimeter to be bonded;
rub the surface vigorously with the Wiping Sponge;
dry with a clean Hitex 4000 cloth, using unidirectional movements to remove impurities;
discard the sponge used, as it is a single-use product.

The surface is now ready for the subsequent stages of the process: application of the adhesion promoter specified for the sealant being used, extrusion of the adhesive and fitting of the new windscreen, always in accordance with the relevant Technical Data Sheets.

The Gelson range of sealants: the solution for professionals

The Gelson line of automotive glass sealants is therefore part of a wider system, in which each stage contributes to the correct execution of the job. The Gelson approach is not limited to supplying a single adhesive, but aims to provide professionals with a system of products and procedures to guide them through the various stages of windscreen replacement. It is this systematic approach that makes the process more comprehensive and enables the professional to work with greater control over the various variables involved in the bonding process.

Discover the Gelson process for decontaminating and bonding car windows

Proper surface preparation is an integral part of the bonding process. Discover the complete Gelson process and the range of products designed for professional car windscreen replacement. For information on car windscreen sealants, available part numbers and the adhesion promoters to use, please contact your authorised Gelson retailer.