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Polymer Sealants
The molecular structure of all polymers are
based on a chain of carbon atoms, chemically it is a molecule formed by the
chemical union of five or more identical combining units called monomers. A
non-organic based wax formulated from polymers used to seal paint with a thin
hard barrier. They are very durable and provide a very bright, silvery shine.
This type of product does provide durability but lacks the properties of a
Carnauba wax lacking both color and depth, and because of a polymer's inherent
Covalent (molecular) structure it cannot mimic the properties of a Carnauba wax.
Polymers used in sealants require a paint surface form a molecular bond to; they
don't do well when asked to bond to metal to provide protection. A clear coat
(paint) has porosity, so they bond very well and provide the intended
protection. Since clear coat paint has porosity, a durable bond is formed and
provides the intended protection.
The presence of oil or water may inhibit the cross-linking process of a
polymer or linking together of the chains (monomers or building blocks) to form
a ‘structure’ by acting as a barrier and will compromise its strength,
durability, drying time, and bonding. Be sure that the surface of the vehicle
can be left undisturbed and free from rain and water (condensation, dew, etc))
until the polymer has cross-linked (12-24 hours) or the surface protection may
be compromised.
To provide a ‘clean’ oil-free paint surface to enable proper cross-linking we
use a polish that does not leave behind oils, or use an Isopropyl alcohol /
distilled water ‘wipe-down’ or a chemical type paint cleaner.
Try to avoid rain, even morning dew with any
curing sealant layers for at least 12-24 hours (product dependent). So, when you
spray water on to a curing sealant, you are compromising its durability.
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