FGIA Conference Addresses the Importance of Surface Preparation in Sealant Longevity
During the 2024 Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Annual Conference, Technical Training Specialist Aaron Blom presented a session called “The Importance of Surface Preparation in Long-Term Performance of Coatings and Sealants.” In the start of what he said he hoped might become a series, Blom covered the benefits of surface preparation, steps to properly prepare, common problems that can arise when preparation is not conducted, and how properly preparing a surface may skip one important step.
Blom began by acknowledging that the current guidance for surface preparation can vary between suppliers, and he hoped to see it become more consistent in the future. Pre-treatments are used in finishing, sealant, or adhesives use and in the construction of IG units, he explained. But it is critical that glazing surfaces be free of moisture, dirt, grease, oil, and other contaminating materials. “Cleaning the glass is one form of prep but is it going far enough in the pre-treatment process?” asked Blom.